Vulnerable People and Social Inclusion GCC Briefing 10 th September 2015

Provide of legal advice on immigration (limited immigration advice on bail and Leave to Remain as a result of domestic violence (ONLY ) Asylum Welfare Benefits Housing Family Law Provide representation at Court hearings  Between , brought in £1,457, for local clients – benefits that people were legally entitled to but for whom there had been barriers.  In same period – helped 2288 clients with 2294 cases. and helped people from 142 different nationalities in Gloucester 8 paid staff, some of whom are part time and up to 10 volunteers

Provision of Services Cont:  Provide level 1 advice and asylum work  A homeless family would cost £40k to rehouse – saving to Council by getting possession action and correct benefits resolved. Work with the Law Centre – good relationship – on housing and benefits

Working with about 2000 individuals per/annum Currently largely coming from Syria, Eretria, Afghanistan, Sudan and China  17 volunteers + 7 trustees; 7 staff, of whom 3 are full time. Also hosting the Hate crime worker on behalf of the PCC  Work with women with severe multiple disadvantage and complex needs such as: Substance misuse Mental ill health Financial needs Domestic violence Chronic poverty Risk of homelessness  Getting 5 new referrals a week.  Have 2 key workers, who carry a caseload of 30. Complex issues such as suicide risk, self harm, children. This is a trauma informed service

How can the Voluntary Sector Help the council? :  A service map associated with common issues would be helpful for everyone to have  The voluntary sector must act as a business in terms of strong governance, business planning and budgeting – it should be respected as professional and competent but also with appreciation that VCS organisations also have to work to strict reporting and budgeting time frames or will close.  Therefore relationship with the Councils – especially where funding support is involved – must recognise these timeframes and act promptly with admin, grant processing and clear monitoring.

How could the City Council help?  In-kind support for financial leverage from grant funders  Letters of support from the Council  Having well informed Councillors would be really helpful re key vulnerability issues.  Council’s City Plan needs to highlight some of the key vulnerability issues – organisations can then evidence to potential funders how their work addresses recognised local problems

Concerns: Legal Aid no longer covers any immigration work, social exclusion issue, this is new.  Another big issue = In order for someone to secure residency status, they must pass exams and demonstrate their competency in English – this requires completion of a certificated ESOL course. The course has been provided by Gloucester College but from September, this ESOL course will have to be paid for by the learner, at a cost of £750. There are various adult education and community ESOL type courses but not certificated

Finally If you are socially excluded, you are likely to be financially excluded