In 2002, Refugee Action York (RAY) set up the charity to challenge myths and misconceptions about refugees and asylum seekers. They want everyone to know the important role they play in our society. Their vision is that all refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants should be welcomed into our local communities, feel safe, and have the power to build a new life.
In response to enquiries from a number of people regarding the present circumstances surrounding the asylum hotel’s residents inability to remain in York, RAY explains a little about the process:
The York asylum hotel has always been intended as temporary accommodation, and residents will be dispersed to asylum houses as and when they become available. These will usually, but not always, be in locations across the North East and Yorkshire & Humberside region.
Allocation of accommodation is carried out by the Home Office and/or Mears (the Home Office’s housing contractor) and is on a no choice basis (ie residents could be sent to any house that becomes available in the region that is suitable to accommodate the size and make up of their family).
Currently there is no dispersal asylum accommodation in York, and therefore all residents of the York hotel should expect to be relocated to another town or city when they leave the hotel.
When Refugee Action York knows that a family has been moved to dispersal accommodation, they try to link them up with organisations in their new location that will be able to help and support them going forward.
When talking to refugees or those seeking asylum, we want to prevent the conversation from leading to a triggering moment. Refugee Action York has offered some helpful points:
- Please do not ask people about their journey to the UK (or the reason for that journey) or other personal subjects. While they might respond to your question, this could be out of politeness rather than because they want to share this information, and research has shown that asylum seekers could become traumatised/be re-traumatised if they are constantly being asked to talk about these topics. Also, many people want to come along to faith or community groups and do something ‘normal’ and shared with their host community, rather than be identified as different because of their asylum status.
- Should someone choose to tell you their story and you find that it becomes difficult for you to hear, please do not be afraid to ask them not to tell you anything else and to suggest they speak to one of us at RAY (and we can refer them for professional support if they need it).
Contact Refugee Action York
Email: meg@refugeeactionyork.com
Phone: 07510 544692