On 27th November, Refugee Action-Colchester organized a Women’s Health Day in partnership with Community 360 and Beacon House, to raise awareness of cervical cancer and how to access screenings. There was also a focus on the barriers our clients face in accessing screenings, such as language and translation needs. It was also an opportunity for […]
Category Archives: In the Community
The recently arrived asylum seekers staying at a Colchester hotel have survived war, conflict, loss of family, place and status. Dangerous and difficult journeys compound the experience. Then, once here, the way they are treated while awaiting their asylum claim decision can bring additional trauma and frustration. First in initial accommodation – where you eat […]
As usual, a lot has been happening thanks to the involvement of enthusiastic and committed volunteers. And we are currently in the process of guiding a large cohort of new volunteers through our induction procedure. We are on the verge of holding our 4th Information morning to give a very general picture of RA-C and […]
The number of asylum seekers in Colchester has risen dramatically since housing providers started taking over cheap HMO property, some of which had previously been used as student accommodation. There are now 20 such houses in Colchester. Two house families, one a single vulnerable woman, and the rest between 3 and 6 residents each. There […]
We have all watched the terrible events unfold in Afghanistan over the last few weeks and witnessed untold suffering of people in the country. Some of our clients here in Colchester, have family back in Afghanistan and what is happening in their country has obviously brought deep fear and anxiety to them. We set up […]
Mohammad has been a RA-C client since late April, when he was moved from London to Colchester. He is from Iran and is seeking asylum. He has become very involved in his community here and volunteers three times a week at his local church. From time to time he also attends RA-C’s gardening and table […]
Last week the police brought Taha (not his real name) came in to see us. He has been homeless on our streets for years and had no shoes and had little English; his feet were blistered, bleeding and swollen. The Rough Sleeper Outreach team had sensibly suggested we get involved. This is because Taha has […]
Jonathan Seath, former Principal of Colchester English Study Centre provides some tips. Sometimes we have requests from clients to help improve their English. Clearly a good use of English is important for being able to become a full member of the community, communicating with local services, finding employment and of course keeping up with your […]
This is a call to all mums to come with their children to join Refugee Action -Colchester celebrating Women’s Health Day.There will be drinks and food and the chance to talk to like-minded women. An important appointment Join us on Saturday 3rd July from 12am to 3pm at the Youth Enquiry Service venue, 9 Trinity […]
I had met Liz Curry (our volunteer coordinator) sometime ago; we were both trying to improve our Spanish at weekly classes. I was interested in what Liz told me about the work Refugee Action – Colchester was doing locally, but it wasn’t until last summer that I felt motivated enough to follow it up. There […]