EMBRACE is an inter-church organisation, which began as a support group for refugees and people seeking asylum , but we now see our main role as one of encouraging church communities to make this a more welcoming place for all people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
It began informally in 2001 as individuals from different denominations became increasingly concerned about the difficulties facing refugees and people seeking asylum in this country. They wanted to do more than talk and were committed to finding a way of responding in a Gospel manner to the new strangers in our midst. Continue reading ‘History’
EMBRACE is a group of Christians who have come together to promote a positive response to minority ethnic people in Northern Ireland. We seek to equip the church to fulfil its call to welcome the stranger, by providing information, training, resource materials and channels for practical help.
EMBRACE seeks to:
- Reflect gospel values of compassion, hospitality and justice
- Raise awareness and provide information, resources and training
- Respond to those in need by acting as a channel for voluntary assistance
- Support people by human rights and welfare advocacy
- Network with relevant agencies and groups
- Make informed responses on issues of public policy
EMBRACE works in partnership with Edgehill Theological College Reconciliation and Integration Partnership Project. This project is funded in part by the European Regional Development Fund under the Peace III Programme.
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Edgehill Reconciliation Programme Special EU Programmes
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25: 35-36
EMBRACE facilitates others in responding to people who have practical needs. The group does not help people directly but networks with other specialist groups such as the Simon Community, Homeplus, the Welcome Organisation, the Belfast-based Refugee Action Group (RAG) and the Northern Ireland Community of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (NICRAS).
We believe that prayer has a positive impact on the lives of others and opens our hearts and minds to the needs of people around us. To help guide our prayers EMBRACE prepares a monthly prayer sheet, themed on different aspects of migration and welcome. If you would like to join the prayer group and receive the prayer sheet by email each month or would like to know more about the prayer group, please contact Jenna at jenna@embraceni.org.
Prayer sheets can be accessed here:
January 2012 Prayer Letter
For monthly prayer letters prior to 2012 please click on the link below
Continue reading ‘EMBRACE Prayer Group’
Migrant destitution
Migrant workers who lose their jobs, or whose contracts have ended, may end up on the streets, as most have no immediate right to full welfare benefits, may have been living in accommodation tied to their job, and have probably underestimated the local cost of living. With no means of support they can quickly become destitute.
See also BBC news item from Dec 2008 here
A practical response
In 2006, EMBRACE working alongside several Belfast churches and community organisations who work with homeless people, set up the On the Street project. This initiative raises awareness of migrant destitution and offers a positive response through the donation and distribution of clothing, bedding, toiletries and foodstuffs to those on the street and in hostels, both local and migrant people.
Homelessness charities have observed that with early support it is relatively easy to get destitute foreign nationals back into jobs before they slip into a cycle of severe social problems. So, in some cases money has provided a couple of nights in a hostel to make it easier for people to get back into work quickly.
Get involved
If you or your church would like to collect and donate goods to this project please contact us for more information including the latest list of items required.
Information Sheets
Summary Sheets providing information on migrant destitution and the On the Street project are available to view and download below, There is also a collection poster for churches and groups involved in the project.
on the street flier INFORMATION 2011
on the streets flier HOW YOU CAN HELP 2011
on the street flier COLLECTION 2011
