Workshop
Getting involved in supporting asylum seekers where you live.
WORKING WITH REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Introduction
This is an activity to help you reflect on the needs of refugees and asylum seekers. You can do the activity in a small group of 3-5 people or in a larger group. The aims of the activity are:
To understand the needs of asylum seekers and refugees;
To think about ways in which you can engage with asylum seekers and refugees.
Activity equipment
Three case studies, photocopied for each group
Pens
Large sheets of paper
Activity plan
1)
Introduction (5 minutes)
Ask people what knowledge/experience they have of asylum seekers/refugees?
2) Buzz groups (15 minutes)
Organise everyone into groups of 3-5.
Read out a case study of an asylum seeker or refugee to each group. Ask them to draw the person on a big sheet of paper. Then ask them to identify and note:
- Needs the person will have in relation to their health, self identity and self esteem, and practical needs.
- Ways in which the church, or they as individuals, could tackle some of those needs, including resources they might need.
- Issues or challenges they might encounter.
- Resources they have themselves, or within their communities.
Encourage the group to think of a whole variety of needs, from emotional ones such as friendship, to practical ones like food and clothing. Ask people to consider small ways in which they can fulfil these needs, such as giving someone a lift to the supermarket, to big ways such as setting up ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes.
3) Feedback (15 minutes)
Talk about the needs you identified. Discuss:
Which need(s) appear to be the most pressing?
In what ways do people feel they would like to get involved with asylum seekers and refugees?
What kind of research and/or training would you need to do before you got involved?
Which other organisations or individuals might you work with?
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