"Make it fair, Make it legal" is the key message spread at the Migrants Access to Housing Conference on 20th June 2017
This first time event saw many housing associations come together to learn about what we as housing providers can do to support our migrant residents.
Those at the event were fortunate to hear from some experts in housing and migrant support charities, including:
Terrie Alafat – Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing
David Orr – Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation
Barbara Roche – Former Home Office immigration minister, former chair, Metropolitan Housing Trust
Sally Daghlian – Chief Executive Praxis Community Projects
Dr Nigel de Noronha – University of Warwick
Sue Lukes – housing and migration specialist, Director of Migration Work
The event was the perfect place for housing professionals to understand the legal challenges many migrants face, to hear the facts about migrants living in the UK and to see how they can support migrants in every day work.
Selected Housing Associations signed a Pledge to Migrant People, this pledge shows a commitment to:
- Provide a safe a welcoming environment to migrants seeking someone they can trust.
- Train our staff and board members so that they are able to be informed advocates for vulnerable migrants.
- Engage with our staff, communities and partners to increase understanding of the issues facing migrants and to break down prejudice.
So far this pledge has been signed by 29 Housing Associations representing 88,000 homes in the UK.
Do you want to find out more about what Arhag is doing for Migrants and Refugees? Do you want to take the pledge to Migrant People? Get in touch with Arhag on 0207 424 7370 or contact@arhag.co.uk.