"With the grant we were able to work more strategically and secure our future." Rita Chadha, RAMFEL's Director
Deeper and stronger support for asylum seeker and refugee community organisations in east London
19/08/2008
The Refugee and Migrant Forum of East London (RAMFEL) was revitalised by a Capacitybuilders’ Improving Reach grant of £71,000 which they received in December 2006.
RAMFEL's remit
RAMFEL is based in east London, an area which is home to the largest concentration of refugees and asylum seekers in Europe.
The organisation is a frontline provider of legal advice, information and representation for individual asylum seekers, migrants and refugees; and also provides support to frontline community groups.
Impact in the community
These community groups provide social opportunities, emergency relief and English language tuition to asylum seekers, migrants and refugees.
Usually they are run by volunteers, often people who have been asylum seekers themselves, and are reliant on ad hoc donations.
Striking a balance
RAMFEL had struggled to strike a balance between its two roles and meet both the urgent and pressing needs of individuals as well as the developmental needs of small community organisations.
Historically, it had been the community organisations that lost out.
Sustainability and a sense of security
This changed when the Capacitybuilders’ grant enabled RAMFEL to move from a situation of uncertainty about their own survival to a position of strength and sustainability from which they are able to give more in depth support to community organisations.
Strategic workplans
“With the grant we were able to work more strategically and secure our future.
Confidence is key
Knowing that Capacitybuilders had confidence in us was a tremendous boost and enabled us to leverage additional funding” says Rita Chadha, RAMFEL’s Director.
Example of support
An example of a typical small community organisation that RAMFEL supports is Refugee Health Action which runs regular Friday evening drop-ins for refugees and migrants.
Around 60 people usually turn up forming a multicultural group from a wide range of countries including Afghanistan, Congo, Bosnia, Gambia, Kosovo, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe.
The reality of the situation
Peter, an organiser of the drop-in meetings, describes many of Refugee Health Action’s service users.
“Asylum seekers, migrants and refugees are often destitute, have health problems and are experiencing isolation.
At the drop-in sessions they enjoy a good meal, a chance to chat and make new friends and get access to advice and emergency food parcels if needed.”
Bridging the gap and lending support
When Refugee Health Action hit a funding crisis, RAMFEL stepped in to bridge the gap, take them through the charity registration process and help them work more strategically to secure a sustainable solution for the future.
Direct impact of support
“We would have closed without RAMFEL. Several other organisations have – one today in fact, leaving 50 clients without a place for a meal and a wash”, explains Peter.
Benjamin, an asylum seeker, attends the drop in sessions and is grateful for the support he received from Refugee Health Action when he reached a very low point, unable to work or qualify for benefits because of his uncertain immigration status.
“Things got so bad. I was homeless and sleeping in the Church Hall. They helped me. Now I have somewhere to stay and get food and cash to help with travel” says Benjamin.
