October 2011

BBC Lifeline Appeal on behalf of EMBRACE

The BBC Lifeline Appeal for Autumn 2011 included a request for support for the EMBRACE Emergency Fund. In the short programme Gerry Anderson reflected on his experience of being a migrant and introduced people who have migrated to N Ireland in recent years. For some, language learning and delays in processing paperwork are challenges in settling. A small number of others face larger issues including poverty and homelessness. We are challenged to respond in appropriate welcome and
encouraged to support the EMBRACE Emergency Fund which responds to migrant destitution. View the appeal online here.

May 2011
Seeds of Hope: EMBRACE Spring Meeting and AGM
The EMBRACE Spring Meeting and AGM was held on Tuesday, May 10th in Edgehill Theological College, Belfast. A report on the evening will be carried in the summer edition of the EMBRACE news sheet. Our thanks to all who came along and to our speakers, Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal (pictured, left) and Helen Young.

April 2011
Morning of reflection
On 4th April the EMBRACE Committee, staff and volunteers spent a morning in reflection at Drumalis Retreat Centre in Larne. Sr Anna Hainey facilitated reflection based on the feeding of the five thousand (Matt 14). A time of quiet contemplation guided by Bible readings, poetry and artwork, led to sharing of responses and fellowship as the group shared a meal together.
God is the giver and at the same time the Gift. He is the multiplier. He is himself the Bread of Life. He is food for the journey. (Extract from the reflection)

February 2011
EMBRACE workshops for churches are held in Newry
On Saturday, 12th March EMBRACE held a set of workshops for churches seeking to engage with migrant people, at Bagenal’s Castle, Newry. Topics explored included how to develop existing church activities to be more inclusive of newcomers, how to run English language classes, and Friendship Clubs and Drop-In centres as means of building relationships.  The workshops also provided guidance and contacts for dealing with complex issues such as immigration status and benefits. You can read more about the workshops here.
Our thanks to Newry and Mourne District Council and the Newry District Inter-Church Forum for their assistance in facilitating the event.

January 2011
Generous response to Emergency Fund Appeal
The very cold weather in December had led to increased requests for funding for means of providing an alternative to sleeping rough for destitute migrant people. Short-term hostel accommodation and transport to family and friends who could provide a place to stay were funded through the Emergency Fund. This increase in demand meant that funds were running low but an appeal for support was responded to with great generosity and speed. This allowed us to continue to provide this vital support. Our sincere thanks to all who contributed.

EMBRACE would like to thank all who have made donations to the Emergency Fund following the racist attacks on Roma people in S Belfast in June 2009.

In the past this fund has been used to support a variety of needs where there was no recourse to public funds. These have included providing short-term hostel accommodation and flights home for destitute migrant workers, and food and accommodation for people seeking asylum. In every case there was no recourse to public funds and support was given through partner organisations.

During the crisis in June the Emergency Fund served as a channel of support for the Roma people. Much of the finance required to provide shelter and fund the return of those Roma who chose to go back to Romania, was given through the local Housing Executive, however further much needed support came from churches, church groups and individuals. We are grateful to all who have made it possible for us to help by donating to the Emergency Fund. The Fund continues to support Roma people where there is need and no other means of funding. At present we are assisting school pupils with provision of bus passes and uniforms.

If you would like to help, please download, complete and return the donation form here [PDF].

Jan 2008
EMBRACE ‘Who’s who? Who’s here?’ leaflet available.
EMBRACE have prepared a leaflet entitled ‘Who’s who? Who’s here?’ which gives summary information relating to commonly asked questions concerning people seeking asylum, refugees, migrants and migrant workers who come to N Ireland. For more information or to obtain free copies, please contact our office.

May 2008
EMBRACE AGM
Deirdre Coghlan provided the keynote address, ‘Life in the Shadows: An Exploration of Irregular Migration in Ireland’ in which she helped explain the different situations which lead to people having irregular immigration status including examples from her research in Dublin. David Craig of Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church in Belfast shared the experience of the congregation as they built relationships with two African families and supported them when their applications for asylum failed.

Committee elections
At the AGM the following were re-elected to the committee: Scott Boldt (Chairperson), Paddy Donnelly, Lynda Gould, Tim Foley, Richard Kerr (Treasurer), Margaret McNulty, Paul Turley, Brighde Vallely and Denise Wright (Secretary/Vice-Chairperson). In addition Perry Gildea and Maura McCallion were newly elected onto the committee.

Sept 2008
Thank you to St Clement’s
As the St Clement’s Retreat Centre in Belfast closes, EMBRACE pays tribute to the the role of the Redemptorists there, under the leadership of Michael Kelleher, for their support for EMBRACE from its inception and their interest and participation in welcoming migrant people. In addition EMBRACE has enjoyed the service of Paul Turley on the committee, valuing his friendship and spiritual insights.

Dec 2008
EMBRACE helps facilitate the annual NICRAS Christmas Party
On the evening of Wednesday 17th December the NICRAS Christmas party for people seeking asylum and refugees was held at City Church Belfast. The evening included children’s entertainment, food and music.EMBRACE greatly appreciates the assistance given by Committee, members, friends, the catering team and party planner, Selwan.