1. European Integration Fund ( EIF) VISION Project Ipswich

2. Aims
The aim of the project is to put into action the EU Framework of Common Basic Principles for integration by promoting community cohesion and integration in Ipswich and Suffolk.
PRIORITY 1: Implementation of actions designed to put the 'Common Basic Principles for immigrant integration policy in the European Union' into practice
Actions under this priority should primarily be targeted at newly-arrived third-country nationals and may include programmes and activities designed to introduce newly-arrived third-country nationals to the host society and to help them acquire basic knowledge of host society's language, history, institutions, socio-economic features, cultural life and fundamental norms and values.
PRIORITY 2: Development of indicators and evaluation methodologies to assess progress, adjust policies and measures and to facilitate co-ordination of comparative learning
One of the main success factors for integration is constant measuring and monitoring of policies and activities so that they produce the intended results. Development of clearly-defined objectives and assessment instruments is encouraged at all levels of integration governance, i.e. national, regional, local and European. They are also important for the development of common models and standards at EU level.
PRIORITY 3: Policy capacity building, co-ordination and intercultural competence building in the Member States across the different levels and departments of government
Essential for the design and implementation of comprehensive integration policies, based on the Common Basic Principles and an inclusive approach.
PRIORITY 4: Exchange of experience, good practice and information on integration
between the Member States

3. European Integration Fund
The first tranche of funding came in 2007
Third Country Nationals ( Non EU Nationals)
New arrivals ( The person should have not been in the country for more than 5 years initially. This year the term has changed to 10 years)
Visa leading to settlement in the UK
Solidarity funds Refugee funds ERF and European funds and newly introduced EIF
Visa – like Spouse visa, tier 1 general visa, tier 2 visa their spouses.
Refugees re not included as they are catered for by Refugee funds

4. Background
Potential isolation of newly-arrived third country nationals; barriers to accessing services
No Recourse to Public Funds
Specific needs of new arrivals not being met
No interaction with the local community

5. Language Culture Religion Self Confidence Inhibitions Awareness
Barriers
Language
Culture
Religion
Self Confidence
Inhibitions
Awareness

6. Language & IT courses that up-skill and improve employability
Objectives
Language & IT courses that up-skill and improve employability
Introductory programmes that promote mutual understanding and integration
Employment awareness programme
Exchange of good practice, experience and information

7. CSV Media Clubhouse Ipswich
EIF Projects
ICON Project to Completed
ACTION Project to Currently running
VISION Project to ( launched in Sept 2011)

8. Courses provided Accredited ESOL training ESOL & Citizenship Course
IT & Media Training Courses
CV Writing Skills & Interview Techniques
Mentoring Training

9. Services provided Information Advice & Guidance Sessions
NARIC sessions
One Stop Shop
Life in The UK Exam support workshops

10. Events & other activities for Integration
Taste of Life Annual Event
Chat ‘n’ Chill Group
Cultural, Historical & Political Visits
Awareness about Goods & Services
Volunteering Opportunities

11. Projects Statistics 700+ people benefiting from the projects
High level of community and public interest about the projects
High level of interest for One stop shop
150+ beneficiaries into volunteering
60+ beneficiaries into employment
Results update October 2011

12. Contact VISION Project
CSV Media Clubhouse
120 Princes Street
Ipswich IP1 1RS
Tel