Campaigning and Advocacy Day Password: welcometounionst #EndDestitution Campaigning and Advocacy Day Wifi: UnionStGuest Password: welcometounionst

Agenda 11:00- Refreshments and introductions 11:30- Discussion about what people want to see NACCOM doing on campaigning and advocacy. 11:50- Introduction to existing advocacy goals 12:00 - Exploring evidence around Section 4 delays (identified in last year's advocacy strategy consultation as a key issue amongst members). 12:30 - Exploring evidence around refugee homelessness. 1:00 - Lunch 1.30- Discussion of 2019 campaign plans to #EndDestitution 3:30- Close

NACCOM UK-wide network of (to date) 55 Full Members and 28 Associate Members. Full Members accommodate people who have been refused asylum, refugees and migrants with no recourse to public funds. NACCOM works with Members to support pathways out of destitution by: BUILDING CAPACITY ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE

What should we campaign about? How should we go about this? Strategic Goal Tackle the root causes of destitution through policy, lobbying and awareness raising What should we campaign about? How should we go about this?

Advocacy Plans The key aims of our advocacy work were identified in July 2017 as two-fold: Firstly (within the current system) reduce risks of destitution Secondly (within a wider policy reform) call for an end to destitution Towards these aims, three priority areas were identified: Refugee move on (recognised as short-term goal i.e. achievable in next 3 yrs) Delays with decision making (also recognised as achievable in next 3 yrs) Introducing a system that provides support for those who need it (recognised as a longer-term goal as relates to wider policy reform and ending of the hostile environment). ‘Right to work’ was also identified by some groups as a priority, this has now been taken up as a campaign by the Lift the Ban coalition which NACCOM is part of.

SECTION 4 DELAYS What we know about the issue from members who completed the survey: 32 members told us that 172 people had moved on to Section 4 support in 2017-18 27 members told us that ~160 people experienced delays with moving on to Section 4 support. Further research has indicated that few members are doing S4 applications directly- most are referring on to partner agencies.

SECTION 4 DELAYS What can be done to evidence issue and call for change? Two groups- Allies and targets Evidence Gathering

REFUGEE HOMELESSNESS What we know about the issue from members who completed the survey: 1,097 refugees were accommodated in the twelve month period. Of these, 37% (401) were known to be newly recognised refugees not yet in receipt of benefits/employment when they applied for accommodation. 918 people with refugee status registered with services for the first time in the year, and of those who recorded this information, 81% said this figure was either the same or higher than last year.

REFUGEE HOMELESSNESS What can be done to evidence issue and call for change? Two groups- Allies and targets Evidence Gathering

Next steps and opportunities #EndDestitution Next steps and opportunities