SINTO Information Partnership - Recently Updated Pages

Google Wave

CallieO — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:47:22 CST

I have set up this page for librarians and information managers who would like to receive a Google Wave invitation.

If you would like an invitation please put your contact details on this page. To do that you will have to register as a user which will then give you editing rights for this Wiki site. Please put your details in chronological order.

Librarians who have invites will be invited to check this page and send out invites. Invitees should then delete themselves from the list so they don't get multiple invitations.

You do not have to be a member of SINTO to use this service but an acknowledgement would be nice.

Hi there. If anyone has any invites left my email is gibbinskaren@gmail.com. Many thanks All Karen Gibbins Principal Librarian, Information and Learning Swansea Libraries Civic Centre Swansea SA1 3SN 01792 636329 - Invite sent

Avril Rolph, a.v.rolph@swansea.ac.uk - thanks! Invite sent

I'd like an invite please - sallystarkey@googlemail.com. Thanks. Invite sent

I would like an invite, too, please. - c.n.harston@gmail.com. Thank you. Invite sent

Invite please willgnew@gmail.com. Thanks Invite sent

I'd like an invite please.
7and7is@gmail.com Invite sent

Remember to visit the Librarians wave

https://wave.google.com/wave/?pli=1#restored:wave:googlewave.com!w%252Bh3Tm9k-aB

SINTO Members' Forum

Sintocarl — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:38:48 CST

The SINTO Members' Forum exits to represent the views and interests of different stakeholders and groups within SINTO.

There will be a special meeting of the SINTO Members' Forum and the SINTO Training Group on Friday 18th December 2009 at 2.30 (refreshments from 2pm) in Owen Building 922, Level 9, Sheffield Hallam University. (See below for directions).
The aim of this meeting is to review where SINTO is going and give guidance to the SINTO director on the future of SINTO. An important part of this review is to consider the SINTO programme of training events. This joint meeting will consider the report I produced on CPD and workforce development for the LIS sector in Yorkshire (attached below). I will be looking for guidance from the meeting on the following issues:

Is SINTO meeting the needs of SINTO members for CPD/workforce development?
Is the pricing of SINTO events sustainable in a period of budget cuts?
How can SINTO members support the provision of local LIS training?
Are there alternative ways of delivering CPD/workforce development?

I also want to look at the more general issue of the role of SINTO as a partnership of library and information services.

Is SINTO meeting the needs of its members in terms of strategic planning and co-operative working?
Can the SINTO on-line community of practice be developed further?
Do we need to re-launch SINTO by restating the goals and purpose of SINTO and seeking a fresh commitment from members to the principal of co-operative working?

This meeting is open to representatives of all SINTO member organisations. Observers from potential members are also welcome.

This page can be used to discuss the issues prior to the meeting. It will be of value to anyone who cannot attend in person and to attendees who want to float ideas in advance. To do this you can either contribute to the Thread below or register with the site and edit this page directly.

Directions. Use the main entrance to Sheffield Hallam University. Walk through the lobby to the lifts and take a lift to level 9. Follow the signs to 922. http://www.shu.ac.uk/visit/city.html

SINTO Seminars & events

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:46:09 CDT

SINTO organises a wide range of CPD and training events. Full details of events can be found on the SINTO website. On these pages you can read reviews of recent events and add your comments about the course itself or the issues raised by the course.

Information about events can also be found on the SINTO Blog and Twitter @Sintocarl

SYALL

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:43:07 CDT

South Yorkshire Access to Libraries for Learning.
SYALL is an agreement between public and academic libraries to allow members of the public to use libraries in the region for study or reference. It is part of the national Inspire scheme. The SYALL Libraryfinder web site can be found here.

The agreement is managed by the SYALL Management Group. The last Management Group meeting was not well attended. However we are keen to maintain this group in order to keep the operation of the SYALL scheme under review and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of libraries and users. To this end we are asking all SYALL members to do the following.

Review your representation on the SYALL Group and try to ensure that you are represented at group meetings.
Use this SYALL website to keep in touch and contribute your views. Face-to-face meetings will be kept to a minimum.
Fill in the SYALL feedback survey so that we can review the operation of the agreement.

Training Group

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:41:50 CDT

This Group has overall responsibility for all SINTO training and Continuing Professional Development activities. Its aim is to coordinate and promote existing activities and to identify and provide for unmet needs. It acts as a networking group for staff who are involved with training and CPD activities within their library.
If you are not on the Training Group but are interested please contact the SINTO office on 0114 225 5739.

Carl described the new SINTO wiki and Blog and how they might be used. He received some positive feedback on these. If you want to comment on any of these issues or you would like to raise something new or pass on some information please use the Add a comment button below.

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Social Inclusion Group

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:40:04 CDT

This Group was formed in 2002 for people interested in the topic of 'Social Inclusion' - this term is used to cover any factor that affects equality of access to services. These might be class, cultural, physical, social or sensory barriers. This group meets at regular intervals to network and share information about good practice on social inclusion. Organising training for social inclusion is an important role. This group is relevant to both public and academic libraries (while recognising that their agendas sometimes differ). Any SINTO member organisation can send a representative to meetings of this group. If you would like to be involved please send details of a contact name (or names) to the SINTO office.

Other Relevant Pages on this Wiki:

Abolition of Slave Trade.
Social Inclusion Information - general info, followed by these sub pages:

Comments & discussion on the Group's name

These are comments that came in when the Group considered a name change in the Autumn of 2007. As no consensus emerged, it was decided to keep the Group's original name for the time being.

John Vincent, The Network (05/10/07):
I'm not objecting to the change of title at all (it's up to the main members of the Group to decide what they call it), but I would challenge the assertion that "social inclusion" is being less used!
In terms of Government policy, there's still an emphasis on tackling social exclusion (which is the term I've always preferred), within a framework that includes community engagement and community cohesion. I guess the over-riding strategy would be social justice.
My suggestion would be that to call the Group the "Inclusion Group" is neither here-nor-there! Why not either stay with Social Inclusion, or move away entirely to, for example, the Social Justice Group, or something with "Community" in its title?
Just some thoughts!!
Briony Birdi, University of Sheffield Dept of Information Studies (05/10/07):
I agree with John's comments, and while I would not strongly object to a change, I feel that the term 'Social Inclusion' has a more obvious focus than the more general concept 'Inclusion'. It's still highly relevant and widely understood, in my view. Would also be happy to consider other suggested terms.
Bernard Furnival, Sheffield Hallam University (08/10/07)
Has anyone suggested renaming the group the community engagement group on grounds that this agenda covers all communities - not just geographical ones but also communities of interest?
Sue Cook, Sheffield Libraries (09/10/07)
I agree with Briony, Inclusion is too loose a term to describe the work of the group, a bit meaningless. It's not my experience 'social inclusion' is going out of use
Extract from minutes of 27th September 2007 relating to this debate: 07.20 Matters arising:
07.15 Information Round Up, Sheffield Libraries: The issue of 'social inclusion' and also the role of libraries and librarians within Public Authority structures continue to be subjects of debate and change: At both Wakefield and Doncaster, 'Access' is the more usual terminology, with 'access' being part of front-line staff roles. These front-line staff are managed by Customer Services managers, not professional librarians, thus it can be difficult to implement social inclusion initiatives, events and awareness training within the library service without going through an alternative chain of management. At Lincolnshire, the Multicultural Development Service is now the Access Team working under 'Community Engagement' in the Directorate of Culture, Education and Communities. The Access Team will be working alongside Libraries amongst other services in the Directorate. These changes will come into place on 1st October, and it is hoped this will be a good framework for increasing inclusion within the whole Directorate. [NB This outline of Lincolnshire's new structure is not exact and was amended in the next minutes - but you get the gist. Gilly]

School Libraries

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:38:56 CDT

This page has been set up for school librarians in South Yorkshire and the surrounding area. The idea is to set up an on-line community where you can network with colleagues. This page is for you to use. You can post information, questions and comments or just talk about yourself and what you are doing.
I hope you find it useful.

You might also find useful information on the Social Inclusion Information Pages of this Wiki. The following pages would have relevant information:

Asylum Seekers & Refugees - there is a section on 'Children'
Families
Looked After Children
Reading Difficulties - there are sections on 'Literacy', 'Young People & Teenagers' and 'Men & Boys'
The main Social Inclusion Information page has a full list of the other topics covered

About SINTO
SINTO is a long established partnership of library and information services in South Yorkshire and the surrounding area. We exist to help library and information services improve services to their users through co-operation, partnership and staff development. Our main roles are

Staff development and training. We run a number of events.
Networking. We bring people together either face-to-face or on-line
Information and advice. The SINTO office can help you.

For more information go to our main web site. Membership All school librarians in Yorkshire & Humberside are invited to use this web site. If you would like to know more about the benefits of SINTO membership contact c.j.clayton@shu.ac.uk
Two articles about the use of Wikipedia as a source of information can be found on the SINTO web site under Professional Issues

School Library Blogs
This is a stub article. Readers are invited to register with the web site and edit this article.
There are a number of examples of school library related blogs:

Helen Hinks writes a blog for pupils at Rawmarsh Community School Library, Rotherham http://rcslibrarian.wordpress.com. Postings are linked to specific projects that the students are working on and give hints and tips on how to find information.
Pembroke School Library has a blog http://www.pembroke.school-library.co.uk/blog/psl-blog.html which carries news of library events and a web site with entries for different subjects.
Anne Johnston's Library Blog is described as a librarian's perspective on Dunbar Grammar School life. It is a personal blog with reflections on life in general as well as library related issues. http://edubuzz.org/blogs/libraryblog
If you want an international perspective try School Librarian in Action from a Filipino school librarian http://lovealibrarian.blogspot.com/
The School Libraries Association runs a blog at http://www.sla.org.uk/blog/slablog.html
Sintoblog carries news about events from SINTO and discussion of professional issues. http://sintoblog.blogspot.com/

Business Information Group

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:36:24 CDT

This Group is a forum for libraries and information services in the South Yorkshire and surrounding area that provide a business information service to the local business community. Its members include the public library business information services in South and West Yorkshire, the two University libraries, and several commercial libraries. Its role is to enable networking and the exchange of information, consider strategic issues and promote continuing professional development. All SINTO member libraries are invited to send a representative.

Libraries vs Recession

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:26:52 CDT

Libraries vs Recession - How libraries can help communities during the economic downturn, was held on Thursday 15th October 2009. Recessions result in an increase in public library use as people turn to free and low cost services. However, libraries can also be an important community resource to help people and businesses cope with the effects of the recession.
This page provides information about the seminar and can be used by librarians who want to network on this subject. Use the Threads box below to post a comment.

The list of attendees and speakers is attached below.

The Powerpoint presentation by Christine Rooney-Browne is available at http://www.slideshare.net/libraryofdigress/sinto-lecture-09-libraries-recession

Financial Services Authority websites mentioned by Robert Matthews.
Main website www.fsa.gov.uk
Also www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
For those working with young people www.ypam.org
And for young people www.whataboutmoney.info
Range of publications can be ordered or downloaded at http://www.fsa.gov.uk/financial_capability/resources/

Notes from the workshop "What libraries are doing now" led by Tim Davies are attached below

Website for Business Link Yorkshire is www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk
Lynn Harrison can be contacted on l.harrison@businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk

JobCentre Plus contacts
Barnsley: Local Partnership Manager: Simon Freeston 07920 784133 Drug Co-ordinator: Suzanne Wells 07917 243049
Doncaster: Local Partnership Manager: Sue Davies 07775 028237 Drug Co-ordinator: Linda Foster 07876 447863
Rotherham: Local Partnership Manager: Jill Marsden 07778 305636 Drug Co-ordinator: Linda Foster 07876 447863
Sheffield: Local Partnership Manager: Shamsa Latif 07976 017872 Drug Co-ordinator: Gordon Connell 07920 287558
Care Partnership Manager for South Yorkshire: Ann Sumner 07779 356622

Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:57:20 CDT

Dr Camila Alire, President of the American Library Association, gave a talk to SINTO on the 13th October during her recent visit to Europe. The theme of her talk was Leadership and Emotional Intelligence. Camila began by quoting President JF Kennedy: "Change is the law of life" and explained that her presentation would be in the context of Transformational Leadership - a leadership style that creates valuable and positive change in the followers. Camila pointed out that "change happens". Both the USA and the UK are facing an economic downturn. Budget cuts will inevitably have an effect on people and services and leaders have to be able to manage this process. The concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) was developed in the mid 1990's with the publication of Daniel Goleman's book Emotional intelligence (1995). When Camila read this she recognised that the book reflected her own style of leadership. EI suggests that leaders can deal with emotions; both understanding and managing your own emotions and being mindful of other people's emotions. Camila illustrated this with an example from her own career. She was appointed as Library Dean in a US university. A few days later community was hit by severe flooding and library was under water for several days. The library staff, who had built up the collection over many years, were badly affected and they looked to her for a lead. Camila recognised that she had not only to sort out the practical issues of a flooded library but also to recognise and manage the emotional response of her staff. Every morning on her drive to work she had to deal with her own emotions and then provide a positive role model for her staff. The essence of EI is to recognise emotions in others and to have the ability to use emotions effectively in reasoning and problem solving. The following traits of EI can be recognised: · Knowing when to show or suppress emotion as appropriate · Knowing how to read emotions · Knowing when to deal with emotions · Taking time to deal with issues An EI leader will show the following abilities: · Ability to perceive emotions in facial expressions and in music & art · Ability to understand & reason about emotions · Ability to manage emotions At a practical level this meant that in a meeting where change was being proposed the leader should position him or herself so that they can observe everyone around the table and asses their moods. Feedback should be invited but staff expressing negative emotions should be followed up after the meeting as they may not respond in public. Camila emphasised that individual staff members can develop and use EI with their co-workers and clients. EI staff should be able to deal with their own emotions and help their colleagues cope in periods of change. Camila ended with another case study where she was recruited by a university to transform a library service perceived as not customer orientated. She developed a plan for major change in close consultation with library staff at all levels. Despite this she experienced extreme hostility from one individual aimed at herself. Her response was to be cognizant of this emotion but not to regard it as a personal affront and not to react in a vindictive way. Eventually the member of staff came to recognise that the changes had been necessary. Camila made reference to a recent book Resonant Leadership: Renewing Yourself and Connecting with Others Through Mindfulness, Hope, and Compassion by Richard E. Boyatzis and Annie McKee which develops this approach further. She finished with a quote from Winston Churchill: "Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe." Carl Clayton Director SINTO

Social Computing Two

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:43:51 CDT

Tagging, Social Bookmarking and Social Networks

This course was held on the 6th November 2007 and led by Stephanie Taylor.

Social Computing (or Web 2.0) refers to interactive web services such as wikis and blogs. These were covered by Stephanie in her earlier Social Computing events. Social Computing Two looked at other aspects of this subject:

Tagging - the ability of users to add keywords to shared on-line resources.
Social Bookmarking - a way for Internet users to store, organize, share and search bookmarks of web pages.
Social Networks - Building on-line social networks for communities of people. Examples include MySpace and Facebook.

Stephanie introduced the small but keen audience to social networks, social bookmarking and tagging. She presented examples of these and explored how they could be used by libraries and librarians. There was plenty of opportunity to explore these applications at first hand. Staephanie also set four case studies as exercises. These looked at supporting a public library book group, supporting a group of psychiatric nurses, supporting a library enquiry desk and some problems that might arise from use of social computing.

This page can be used by anyone interested in web 2.0/Library 2.0 as a forum for the exchange of ideas and information.

References

FreePint article "Your Online Identity: Key to Marketing and Being Found" By John McBurnie John McBurnie explains how libraries and information professionals can build a unique online identity by deploying the social networking tools that are transforming the way we communicate and interact.

Another interesting reference is What is del.icio.us? What is social bookmarking? on the Artsy Reference Librarian blog.

The search engine website Pandia reviews the Top Ten web tools and Phil Bradley reviews this list and gives his own comments.

Web 2.0 / Social computing

Sintocarl — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:36:48 CDT

This course has been run twice in 2007 and again in 2009 by Stephanie Taylor of Critical Eye Communications. It looked at Wikis, Blogs and RSS feeds. It began with an overview of social computing and the concept of Web 2.0 It defined Blogs and Wikis giving definitions of both and looked at how they are being used in the LIS sector. Stephanie then demonstrated how to set up a Blog and a Wiki using free web applications. The course concluded with a look at using social computing for professional current awareness and communicating with users.

SINTO invites all the delegates, and anyone else who is interested in the subject, to make use of the SINTO wiki http://sinto.wetpaint.com/, the Sintoblog and the Sintocarl account on Twitter. You can use these to explore how Wikis and Blogs work and to post information about the use of Web 2.0 tools in librarianship. If you are running your own Wiki or Blog that you would like people to know about, please provide details.

Everyone is invited to add further information by editing this entry or by clicking Add a Comment below. You can add a comment to any page of the wiki and it will appear at the bottom of the page. You can also reply to an existing comment and develop a thread or conversation on any topic. Comments and replies can be made by anyone and will be anonymous unless you put your details at the end. Or you can register with the site which means you can if you want change the pages or add new pages. For example, there is a page about library blogs that you can add to.

Older People

srd75 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:39:01 CDT

This is new page covering issues for older people

New Stuff

"Games are drawing attention in libraries as successful outreach tools for tweens, teens and seniors...." Read more: http://librarygamer.wordpress.com/2008/08/08/why-games-belong-in-libraries/ (Library Gamer blog 8th August 2008)
Margaret Sloan writes an article in Update Magazine reporting on ‘Expanding Library Services for Older People’ based on experiences in Canada and Netherlands. The article includes seven points for developing a strategy for older people. (UM 7 [5] May 2008 pp31-33)
The Queens Library Foundation raises funds for Queens Library in New York, in order to provide exceptional and innovative programmes and services to enrich the lives of the people of Queens. Click link above to watch the DVD, Enriching Lives: Four Stories : http://www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_nm=enrich (10mins) to see how Queens Library impacts positively on the lives of four residents (Enmi: New American succeeds; Sydelle: Senior enjoys life; Kessler: Teen builds a future; Diane: Adult literacy brings new opportunities). (WTYL 05/05/08)
Community Care "Expert Guides" are very useful intros to key topics: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/List.aspx?NavigationID=153&SlotPageID=32. Subjects covered include: elderly people (LACJ 10/04/08)
A DVD is being launched which aims to encourage more elderly people to use support services so they can continue living in their homes. Sheffield Council hopes it will lead to increased use of day care and home care. The DVD will be available to borrow from libraries, doctors' surgeries and community centres, and there will also be a poster campaign: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/DVD-support-for-old-folk.3669924.jp
A reading group for retired people is being launched in Sheffield. The new project is being organised by members of the University of the Third Age, and will be held at Parson Cross Library, starting on Wednesday January 23, from 11am until 12.30pm. For information about the group, call Mary Simpson of U3A on (0114) 245 2568. ( http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Group-for-book-lovers.3648413.jp The Star online 08/01/07)
Their Past Your Future 2 http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets//T/TPYF2_yr_1_projects_12500.pdf The successful bids have just been announced. (WTYL 17/10/07). Projects that will be funded in the SINTO region include (& include older people): Yorkshire Waterways Museum (Based in Goole, veterans, community groups and schools will work together to develop an exhibition around the social and economic impact of WWII on the local area and its people); Cannon Hall Museum (veterans and young people will work together to produce an e-learning package looking at personal experiences of conflict and the legacies of these for succeeding generations); Leeds Libraries (the Relay project involving community groups, including refugee groups, sharing perspectives on conflict through creative writing and technology); Wakefield Cultural Services and Libraries (work with young people to create a databank of war stories to increase understanding of 'commemoration, remembrance, and citizenship'); North Yorkshire County Record Office (prisoners in Northallerton to work with archives to create learning journeys).
This article in the Times talks about patients increasing use of discussion forums to access support, as well as information, regarding various health conditions: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article2894007.ece There is advice on how to get the best out of these forums as well as links to several examples including Saga's ones for older people: saga.co.uk/sagazone (various, including 'Carers' and 'Health' as well as lots of hobbies and interests)
Older Sheffield Website - Age Concern have launched a new website: www.oldersheffield.org.uk to help middle-aged and elderly people access over 900 services across Sheffield (courses, leisure, social and support groups etc.) (The Sheffield Weekly Gazette Thursday Nov 15th 2007)
WiseOwls Employment Agency Limited promote and campaign for Equality and Diversity, helping older workers (45 – 65+) into employment, and helping employers with employment issues, business support and capacity building. Contact WiseOwls Employment Agency Limited, (HQ) Room 7, First Floor, St Margaret House, 15 Ford Road, London E2 9PJ Tel: (020) 8983 9716, Fax: (020) 8983 5713 Email: admin@wiseowls.co.uk Web: www.wiseowls.co.uk (from Mary Harrington, Doncaster Libraries)

TEST language

srd75 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 06:20:06 CDT

English As a Second Language (ESOL)

Giving a first class service to users with English as second language, Mon 10th March 2008, Slough Library http://www.cilip.org.uk/specialinterestgroups/bysubject/branchmobile/events Course organised by CILIP’s Branch and Mobile Libraries Group for frontline library staff and their managers. It will include the viewpoints of some ESOL customers, help and advice from library service senior staff and a chance to meet the Managing Director of Bright Books, a specialist supplier followed by a forum and workshop format to exchange good practice. Full programme details and how to book at weblink above. (WTYL 28/01/08)

Scottish public library language survey. In collaboration with SLIC (the Scottish Library & Information Council), Scottish public library services are carrying out a consultation on the needs of library users whose first language is not English. The survey (which closes on 28 January) is available at: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB227ABN4H5KG. (WTYL 21/01/08 & SLIC website, http://www.slainte.org.uk/slic/publibs/publibsindex.htm )

“The government is to target free English language classes on immigrants to England who have long-term needs. The tuition will be free for those on benefits, and aimed at long-standing residents whose English is still poor – rather than those who may not stay." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7170125.stm (WTYL 14/01/08)

Focusing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on community cohesion http://www.dius.gov.uk/publications/esol_consultation.pdf DIUS (the Dept for Innovation, Universities & Skills), are consulting on the proposition that “To foster community cohesion a new partnership approach to planning is necessary which targets English language provision at local need. We need a ‘whole community approach’ in which ESOL needs are considered as part of wider local planning arrangements such as Local Area Agreements and City Strategies.” A leaflet outlining the proposals (and with the questions to answer) is available at the above web-link. To respond, use the DIUS website: http://www.esolconsultation.org.uk/. Also see: See response from the Refugee Council: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/press/2008/January/20080107_a and: http://education.guardian.co.uk/tefl/story/0,,2235400,00.html (WTYL 14/01/08)

In October, DIUS launched a suite of new ESOL qualifications to support people at work whose first language isn’t English, and their employers. There is a leaflet describing the new qualifications at: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus/bank/3687_ESOL_leaflet_A4_AW.pdf (WTYL 14/01/08)

Refugees’ experiences of integration: policy related findings on employment, ESOL and vocational training http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/E635A530-65DC-40C4-9594-CD7117E3A421/0/Integration_employment.pdf New report from the Refugee Council and the University of Birmingham which “presents findings concerning employment, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and vocational training from a two-year qualitative study of Refugees’ Experiences of Integration, carried out in partnership by the Refugee Council and the University of Birmingham.” (WTYL 09/12/07 & Refugee Council newsletter, 3 December 2007)

Provision of ESOL in Scotland http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/202792/0054073.pdfThe Scottish Government has just published research which looks at the impact of EU enlargement and the introduction of the UK Citizenship Test on provision of ESOL in Scotland. The key findings are at the above web-link; the full report is at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/202773/0054072.pdf. (WTYL 26/11/07)
Gatehouse Books http://www.gatehousebooks.co.uk/ Publishes adult beginner reader books and resources for use in Adult Literacy and ESOL. Their growing portfolio not only includes books but also audio-cassettes, interactive CD-ROMs and educational resources suitable for adult and post-14 basic skills learners. (WTYL 29/10/07)
Intute (formerly RDN) Virtual Training Suite launches free Internet tutorial for Learners of English as a Second Language (ESOL). Access the tutorial from: http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/fe/tutorial/esol/ The Virtual Training Suite is part of Intute (http://www.intute.ac.uk/), an online catalogue of Internet resources for teachers, researchers and students designed to guide them to the best of the Web for their subject area. For further information about the VTS or Intute please contact: Virtual Training Suite: Emma Place (0117) 928 7183, Intute: Mark Williams (020) 7848 2501
Teaching basic literacy to ESOL learners: a teacher’s guide
Covers every aspect of literacy in ESOL, including reading, writing, materials, and assessment. Flyer with order info at: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/lluplus/docs/a_teachers_guide_flyer.pdf. [WTYL 11/06/07]
Launch Of Final Report From The Committee Of Inquiry Into ESOL: Tuesday 3 October 2006, Abbey Community Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU: Conference Fee: £85 per person which includes a free copy of the Report (priced at £24.95). If you would like to reserve a place on Conference Ref C13-75 on-line and view the programme for the day, visit the NIACE website: http://www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/esol.htm Inquiries to: Gurjit Kaur on Tel: (0116) 2042833 mailto:gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk (WTYL 29/08/06)
Produced by the Basic Skills Agency, Citizenskills is a multimedia resource for developing English language in the context of citizenship. Comprising a CD-ROM with information, a glossary, interactive and print-based materials, teacher guidance, suggestions for additional activities and a scene-builder tool for constructing dialogues, it will be relevant to ESOL teachers working with asylum seekers, refugees and other recent arrivals to the UK. [WTYL 04/06/07]
Sheffield College's Skills for Business programme based at Hillsborough College includes ESOL for Professionals: (0114) 260 2600 or 07795 128104 or skillsforbusiness@sheffcol.acuk

Language

srd75 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:36:55 CDT

This page looks at both INFORMATION RESOURCES & BOOKS in foreign langauges, TRANSLATION, teaching ENGLISH (ESOL), COMPUTER SOFTWARE, PLAIN ENGLISH and PICTURE RESOURCES

Main Related Pages on this Wiki:

NB To see the guide to the abbreviations used to indicate original sources see the Social Inclusion Information main page

New Stuff

Multiverse website has a new look: http://www.multiverse.ac.uk/ This website for teacher educators and student teachers addressing the educational achievement of pupils from diverse backgrounds, supported by the Training and Development Agency for Schools, includes information about refugees and asylum seekers. The home page indicates that, “during the next few weeks, you will see the site develop as we update and expand available resources.” (WTYL 24/11/08)
The webjunction site (US) has lots of resources on reaching those whose first language is not English. The principles are applicable in the UK and resources include good practice, guidelines and checklists for practitioners available to download, such as this chapter from the Staying Connected Toolkit (not a newly published resource, but still useful). Staying Connected Toolkit. Chapter 11: Reach non-traditional library users http://www.webjunction.org/155/resources/wjarticles. (WTYL 17/11/08)
A right to a voice: Survival English for Asylum Seekers – launch of NIACE Campaign, Weds 10 December 2008, London, 9.45am – 3.15pm Attendance free. This conference aims to: To raise awareness of the needs of asylum seekers; To engage with the voluntary sector, refugee community organisations and faith community organisations; To plan action to set up survival English groups. See: http://www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/Conferences.htm (WTYL 17/11/08)
A good read for North Yorkshire’s migrant workers - In September, as part of the National Year of Reading, North Yorkshire celebrated cultural, personal and local identity promoting the collections they are developing to support an increasingly multi-cultural population. This year has seen the launch of a book collection in Polish which has been set up to meet growing demand from Polish families who make up the largest number of migrant workers coming to North Yorkshire. More information at: http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8157. Press coverage includes: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews/Libraries-looking-to-cater-for.4467860.jp and http://www.nidderdaleherald.co.uk/ripon-news/Libraries-aim-to-make-migrants.4482791.jp (WTYL 27/10/08)
Migrant communities information page http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ACCI/web/site/Libraries/NS/lib_migrant.asp Aberdeen Library and Information Service example of web-based information about migrant communities information point and services offered, with links to leaflets in Polish and Russian. (WTYL 27/10/08) Projects in Wales with economic migrants. Library project case study - The Welsh Local Government Association website features a case study of PAWB library project. PAWB means “everyone” in Welsh and also translates as public access without barriers, which is the aim of the library project developed by Rhondda Cynon Taff library service. A multi-lingual library website has been designed to help those less confident in English to find information about a variety of services in the area. Case study at: http://www.wlga.gov.uk/english/equalities-social-justice/case-study-example-pawb-library-project-rhondda-cynon-taf-library-service/ Multilingual website at http://library.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/pawb/ (WTYL 27/1/08)
Learning English: volunteers matter - This guide, published by NIACE, explores how volunteers can help English language learners gain the basic language skills they need to settle and integrate in the UK, and to progress to further learning and or employment.. The guide is in five parts and covers policy background, volunteer roles in helping adults learn English, guidance on recruitment, training and support of volunteers, information poster and cards for volunteers, managers and strategic partners and list of resources and useful contacts. More information and guide available to download from: http://www.niace.org.uk/projects/volunteersmatter/Default.htm. (WTYL 20/10/08)
Developing reading skills through home languages - New resource published by the Redbridge Ethnic Minority Advisory Team. It was developed to help schools engage ethnic minority parents who cannot read English, or are not familiar with how reading is taught in school, to support their children with reading at home. The document outlines issues with EAL pupils and their reading skills, the benefits of reading in the home language, and illustrates case studies from schools that implemented the project and evidences their subsequent findings. Cost is £50.00 (including p&p). The resource comprises one spiral-bound document and two accompanying CDs. Further information from Susan Bagel, tel: 020 8553 4511. (WTYL 13/10/08 and refed, http://www.refugeeeducation.co.uk/mailing.htm)
Giving a first class service to users with English as Second Language, 13th Nov 2008, McDonald Road Library, Edinburgh. Repeat of the popular course organised by the CILIP Branch & Mobiles Group. This course gives the viewpoint of some ESOL customers followed by help and advice from two leading authorities. There is a chance to meet a specialist in supplying foreign books and then a forum and workshop to exchange good practice. Further info from Ian Stringer, ian_bmlg@hotmail.com. (WTYL 13/10/08)
"A DAY celebrating all things Spanish is being held in Sheffield to launch a new city language centre. Spanish taster sessions for five to 11-year-olds will be on offer at the event from 1-4pm on Sunday October 19 at St Timothy's Church Hall, Slinn Street, Crookes. There will also be Spanish music, puppet-making, storytelling, games, delicious tapas and non-alcoholic sangria on offer. The new centre will be run by Jo Howard and native Spaniard Eva Oliver as part of La Jolie Ronde Languages for Children group." (The Star 7th October: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/El-of-day-for-the.4562542.jp )
ESOL in the post-compulsory learning and skills sector: an evaluation: coverage of this report from Ofsted, says that "The quality of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) training is getting better, but a lot more needs to be done to ensure standards are lifted beyond ‘satisfactory’ levels." See: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/News/Press-and-media/2008/October/Breaking-through-the-language-barrier for the press release, and links to the report. (WTYL 06/10/08)
Language learning website: http://www.ielanguages.com/ "This website is for anyone looking for free language resources in many of the Indo-European languages. Currently, there are 15 language tutorials available - three of which are not Indo-European languages*" Languages include: French/ French Slang/ Italian/ Spanish/ Portuguese/ German/ Dutch/ Swedish/ Norwegian/ Icelandic/ Faroese/ Russian/ Ukranian/ Croatian/ Finnish*/ Turkish*/ Indonesian*. (Librarians Internet Index weekly blog 25th Sept 2008: http://lii.org/)
BAMER outreach project: resources. This HR Advice and Support Project, funded by the Big Lottery, supports London's Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) Voluntary and Community Organisations. It promotes good practice, builds capacity and provides practical information in English and community languages. This includes a new essential employment menu – a guide to key human resources issues such as recruitment, disciplinary and grievance and dismissal (available in English, Somali and French) and an employment guide for supplementary schools. See: http://www.lvsc.org.uk/templates/information.asp?nodeid=97392&i1pnid=90016&i2pnid=90165 for more about BAMER and access to these resources. (WTYL 29/09/08 and Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum newsletter 20)
Multilingualism: an asset for Europe and a shared commitment http://ec.europa.eu/education/languages/news/news2853_en.htm In its new Communication, entitled Multilingualism: an asset for Europe and a shared commitment, the Commission gives an overview of what needs to be done to turn linguistic diversity into an asset for solidarity and prosperity. Languages help citizens to enter into dialogue with people from different cultural backgrounds and to realise their potential by making the most of opportunities for mobility and business openings. In its Communication, the Commission invites EU Member States and the other EU Institutions to join efforts to encourage and assist citizens in acquiring language skills and removing communication barriers. It proposes an approach which advocates including multilingualism across a whole series of EU policy areas. The policy document proposes a series of concrete actions related to these questions and foresees a review of the progress made in 2012. (WTYL 29/09/08)
“Refugees left lost in translation” http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1065767_refugees_left_lost_in_translation_ “Botched translations are confusing refugee families trying to use public services, a linguist claims …” (WTYL 15/09/08)
Multikulti: Habitual Residence test and Right to Reside http://www.multikulti.org.uk/habitual-residence-test-and-right-to-reside/ Multikulti have updated their information in the following languages: English, Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovenian, Slovak. (WTYL 15/09/08)
MyLanguage translation access website. http://www.mylanguage.gov.au/ My Language is a partnership between State Libraries around Australia and provides access to search engines, web directories and news in over sixty languages. There are other useful resources on the site – for example, guidance on internet basics in 16 different languages. See this page: http://www.mylanguage.gov.au/cgi-bin/training/index.cgi?id=5&sect_id=18&lvl2=1 For information on using the MyLanguage portal, with FAQs and How To guides to navigate issues with fonts, browsers and configuration in different languages see: http://www.mylanguage.gov.au/cgi-bin/support/index.cgi (WTYL 01/09/08 and Bill Bolloten, refugee education consultant)

Information Resources in Foreign Languages

Refugee Council Multilingual Advice Leaflets http://languages.refugeecouncil.org.uk/ There are two new free leaflets in multiple languages available to download from the Refugee Council multilingual website: Schools for children - information factsheet for refugee parents; Sexual health - information factsheet (WTYL 28/07/08)
EISODOS (Greek for entrance, gateway, access), is an online information resource aimed at those working in an advisory capacity with EU migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. EISODOS provides advisers with profiles of countries from which migrants have arrives, as well as general rules and regulations applicable to all migrants. There is specific information regarding living, working and studying in the UK. The latter is available in 23 languages and can be printed out for individual clients. (from and enquiry to WTYL 28/07/08)
Freepint have a discussion at the Freepint Bar on greetings in different languages: http://web.freepint.com/forum/bar/read.php?i=303576 (Freepint Newsletter No. 254 4th June 2008)
Ku Soo Dhawoow Maktabadaada – Welcome to Your Library! On the Lewiston, Maine, Public Library website, there is this short video in the Somali language with English subtitles, which provides information for the Somali community on how to use the library: http://lplonline.org/?page_id=494&preview=true (WTYL 26/05/08)
Asian language resources, includes general resources, lessons, pronunciation guides, online dictionaries, related software and fonts in over 25 Asian languages from Bengali to Vietnamese. This American website is part of a much wider range of resources available through the Asia Society: http://www.asiasociety.org/ (see top of Asia Society home page for box with “our sites” for options, including AskAsia, an educational resource site). http://www.asiasource.org/reference/language.cfm (WTYL 28/04/08)
On Feb 20th Phil Bradley's Weblog looked at the increasing use of Polish websites in this country and listed some useful resources. He suggests looking at an article by Hitwise: http://weblogs.hitwise.com/robin-goad/2008/02/uk_polish_internet_usage_on_th.html and has his own list of 39 Polish search engines: http://www.philb.com/cse/poland.htm On 18th Feb, he also gives a list of Kosovo search engines: http://www.philb.com/cse/kosova.htm , and Serbian search engines: http://www.philb.com/cse/serbia.htm (Phil Bradley's Weblog: http://philbradley.typepad.com/phil_bradleys_weblog/2008/02/uk-polish-inter.html and http://philbradley.typepad.com/phil_bradleys_weblog/2008/02/kosova-independ.html )
The UN General Assembly has declared 2008 The National Year of Languages. UNESCO is the lead agency for this and has a page on their website with a toolkit and list of projects: http://portal.unesco.org/culture/admin/ev.php?URL_ID=35344&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201 (Librarian's Internet Index 28.02.08)
Welcome poster and other useful resources (eg dual language books in audio version). Following the enquiry on the WTYL E-Digest 21 January about “welcome” signs in different languages, the intercultural resources page of the excellent website produced by Portsmouth EMAS (Ethnic Minority Achievement Service). resource has been added to the WTYL website. It is It includes a welcome poster, a list of the word for welcome in 325 languages and a “make it yourself” poster opportunity, suitable for Key Stages 1 and 2 in school and other materials which may well be of use in a library setting. This website has other material which may well be useful in a library setting: http://www.blss.portsmouth.sch.uk/resources/interc.shtml and http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/informationResources.asp?cat_id=21 (WTYL 04/02/08)
The link to this video was circulated by Peter Dorfman, Provincial Coordinator, Settlement Workers in Schools - SWIS to the WTYL jiscmail list: http://www.settlement.org/edguide/videos/your_library.asp (It is intended for newcomers to Canada – province of Ontario.) Subsequently many members of the jiscmail list have been corresponding to suggest that an umbrella organisation such as CILIP or LLDA could produce a similar product for British libraries to link to (see the WTYL link under Background Reading on the Asylum Seekers & Refugees page to join this jiscmail list) (WTYL 16/01/08)
Meriam Webster [US] have produced a Visual Dictionary Online with 'definitions of "more 20,000 terms ... [and] more than 6,000 stunning illustrations of a wide variety of objects from all aspects of life." Also includes audio clips of pronunciations. Searchable, or browsable by topics: astronomy, earth, plants, animals, humans, food, housing, clothing, arts and architecture, communications, transportation and machinery, energy, science, society, and sports and games. From Merriam-Webster. Note: may not work properly in all browsers.' http://visual.merriam-webster.com/ (Librarians Internet Index 20/12/07: http://lii.org/ [American])
Multilingual information leaflet http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/practice/multilingual/advisers/support/section4.htm Refugee Council multilingual information leaflet, 'Are you destitute and at the end of the asylum process?', has been updated to reflect changes in legislation and procedures. It can be downloaded in 19 languages. (WTYL 19/11/07 and Refugee Council e-newsletter 5 Nov 07)
Linda Collins, Multicultural Services Librarian, Portsmouth Central Library asked if anyone had produced library instructions, especially for joining the library, in Slovak through WTYL on 16/11/07. The following responses came in:
- Devon has done so: http://www.devon.gov.uk/lib04-introduction-slovak.pdf And see the full list of available languages is here: http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/culturetourism/libraries/languages.htm (Colin Bray, Adult Lending Services Manager, Devon Library Services)
- LibrariesWest have literature translated into 30 languages. Email Gilly to see the attachment showing the Slovak version (Tabitha Witherick, Senior Information Librarian, Leisure and Libraries, Development and Environment, North Somerset Council)
- Wolverhampton has but not in Slovak. Examples in other languages can be viewed at: http://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/leisure_culture/libraries/membership (Kal Dale, Ethnic Services Manager, Wolverhampton Libraries & Information Services)
- Rhondda Cynon Taff have joining instructions in 16 languages http://library.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/pawb/ Edwina Smart (WTYL 16/11/07)

For children and teachers, Language Takes You Further is a Europe in the UK publication with examples of 25 European Languages: http://www.europe.org.uk/languages/ Also European Day of Languages [26th September] is an annual event run at all 30 Europe Direct Centres in the UK. Find your nearest Europe Direct Centre at http://www.europe.org.uk/infolinks/-/ctid/8/ (Freepint Issue 239 11th Oct 2007 www.freepint.com/issues/111007.htm ) [However, the Yorks & Humbs Europe Direct Centre in Leeds isn't on the list, so go to: europedirect@leeds.gov.uk; http://www.leeds.gov.uk/europedirect - Gilly]
Posters of Poems in praise of diversity - now free to Public Libraries. http://www.hyphen-21.org/publicsite/ Originally designed for doctors' waiting rooms, packs of A4 bi-lingual poster poems now available free of charge (but need to pay cost of postage) to schools and public libraries. [Email Gilly to receive PDFs of a) flyer (for schools, but equally relevant to public libraries) b) a two-year old newsletter article which explains what the collection is all about c) a list of the poems and languages available d) an example of one of the poems]. If you would like a single pack of 45 bilingual poems, please send a self-addressed A4 jiffy bag stamped to the value of £2.75 to: Rogan Wolf, Hyphen-21, Bishop Creighton House, 378 Lillie Road, Fulham, London SW6 7PHLithuanian is the 20th language now officially represented in Cardiff’s main library, thanks to a gift from the Lithuanian Ambassador: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200wales/
tm_method=full&objectid=19821668&siteid=50082-name_page.html (WTYL 15/10/07)
Free multi-lingual resources from the Refugee Communities History Project The Refugee Communities History Project has produced free learning resources based on interviews with refugees that have made the UK their home since the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. These free multi-lingual resources give young people the chance to learn about refugees experiences by listening to them tell their stories in their own words. They are suitable for ESOL classes and key stage 2, 3 and 4. For copies or further information please email refugeestories@evelynoldfield.co.uk or visit http://www.refugeestories.org/ (WTYL 17/09/07)
Talk To Your Baby has produced a series of quick tips for parents and practitioners to help children develop good talking and listening skills. Each sheet is available in thirteen languages. Copies can be downloaded from the above weblink and photocopied free of charge. http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/talktoyourbaby/quicktips.html?dm_i=142153346 [WTYL 06/08/07]
Connecting Communities. Recipes From Around The World West London Refugee Women's Forum has produced a very attractive, full colour multilingual recipe book. The book features 29 recipes in English with parallel text in mother tongue languages including Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Burmese, Chinese, Congolese, Farsi, Gujurati, Irish, Japanese, Norwegian, Romanian, Serbian, Slovakian, Spanish, Tamil, Thai, Tigrinya, Turkish, Twi. The book includes photographs of people, recipes, craftwork and cloth. The project, which aims to foster good relations between different communities and promote intercultural awareness and understanding, has been funded by the Community Development Foundation, Connecting Communities programme. Single copies are available free of charge to libraries, schools and community groups. To request a copy please email your contact details and the name of the organisation you are requesting a copy for to wlrefugeewomen@yahoo.co.uk. Free copies will be posted out whilst stocks last. Anyone wishing to acquire a copy for personal use, or from an overseas address, or multiple copies please contact Zibiah at the e-mail address above or phone +44 20 8970 2145 / (020) 8970 2145[WTYL 06/08/07]
IKWRO http://www.ikwro.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=4&Itemid=26 The Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation provides advice, support, advocacy and referral in Arabic, Kurdish and Farsi to help women, girls and men living in Britain. You may have seen recent positive press coverage in relation to their campaign to stop ‘honour killings’ [WTYL 10/09/07]
Ask the library: Information about the multilingual reference service in Sweden http://www.eref.se/se-admin/vrl_entry.asp?virtual_desk_id=48 Ask any reference question you like, and librarians from different libraries in Sweden will send you an answer by e-mail as soon as possible. The service is free. You do not have to be based in Sweden to use this service and it is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Polish, Finnish, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Russian, French, German, Persian and Arabic. The service is provided in co-operation with the Goethe Institute and the Cervantes Institute in Stockholm, the Finnish Ask the Library service and the Zentral und Landes Bibliothek in Berlin. WTYLJ 28/08/07 & Leena Mansson) Also see: http://www.fragabiblioteket.se/ (WTYLJ 03/09/07)
The Refugee Council have a multilingual website with help and advice: http://languages.refugeecouncil.org.uk/ (WTYLJ 03/09/07)
Dual language books in Slovak: Contact Matica Slovenska: http://www.matica.sk/ (Matica Slovenska is the Slovak cultural capital, in Martin, Slovakia). You may ask questions in English. or start off with: "Prosim, doufam ze muzete nam pomoc. Hledame detski dvou-jazyky knihy pro deti" [Czech but the Slovaks should understand it!] Then in English: We are looking for children's dual language books (Slovak English). (WTYL 21st Sept 06)
In most Central European countries you will find most American programmes/channels' versions dubbed in their own languages. Most popular one, Cartoon Network as below for Hungary, Poland and Romania. Not dubbed in any Eastern European countries, thus no website yet unfortunately. http://www.cartoonnetwork.hu/ (Hungarian) http://www.cartoonnetwork.pl/ Polish) http://www.cartoonnetwork.ro/ (Romanian) (WTYL 22nd Sept 06
Website in Hungarian with an extensive range of interactive games for all ages. http://www.freegames.hu (WTYL 22nd Sept 06)
Interactive websites etc. Try: Mamalisa online. international children's verse, games. (WTYL 21st Sept 06)

Books in Foreign Languages

Foreign language books now available at Coleg Powys A collection of around 98 foreign language books are now available from Coleg Powys Learning Resource Services. The collection includes books in Polish, Russian, Bengali, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Turkish, Czech, and Kurdish Kirmanji. Coleg Powys is part of Cadwyn y Canolbarth, a cooperative arrangement between different kinds of libraries in mid-Wales. Further information at: http://www.canolbarth.org.uk/lyc.php?page=news_item&item=1209080033. (WTYL 21/07/08)

OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) has launched a new Polish language book selection service in association with foreign-language bookseller Grant & Cutler, offering UK libraries quarterly booklists of fiction and non-fiction Polish language titles along with MARC records for uploading to library catalogues. See http://www.oclc.org/uk/en/polishlist/default.htm for details. (WTYL 16/06/08 & Library & Information Gazette, 2-15 May 08, p3)

The charity Bootrust have set up a new website focussed on translated fiction: www.translatedfiction.org.uk (UM 7 [6] June 2008 p8) Floricanto Press “publisher of books and digital products for the Hispanic markets in the United States and abroad, including popular reading and children’s materials, reference materials (dictionaries and thesauri), academic (history, psychology, and social sciences), educational, professional, literary, ESL, in English, English-Spanish bilingual, and Spanish.” See: http://www.floricantopress.com/ (WTYL 02/06/08)

The poetry project, Poems for … which produces packs of A4 bi-lingual poster poems (available free of charge – you just need to pay cost of postage – to schools and public libraries) has just launched its website: http://www.poemsfor.org/publicsite/ (WTYL 12/05/08)

Talking books in languages other than English In response to a WTYL enquiry of 17 March 2008, Kal Dale (Wolverhampton Libraries) has sent the following contacts for Indic languages: Sonex, 381 Whitton Ave East, Greenford, Middx. UB6 0JU Tel: 020 8422 5172 Email: sonex@talk21.com ; Tiger Books, 18 Thirlmere Ave, Perivale, Middx. UB6 8EF Tel: 020 8998 6896 Email: sksharma@aol.com. (WTYL 21/04/08)

Dual language books for adults In response to a WTYL enquiry, Graham Pollard (Tower Hamlets Idea Stores) sent the following reply from his contacts, Mrs R Mahbub from Ruposhi Bangla bookshop (http://www.ruposhibangla.co.uk/): DUAL-TEXT (Bengali & English in the same volume and next to each other): 1. Selected poems of Kazi Nazrul Islam, £4.00 2. Selected songs beyond melody by R. Tagore, £5.00 (English translation by Syed Mujibul Huq), 3. River Titas in images and words by O. Mamoon £25.00, 4. Secret kitchen of Tommy Miah, £24.00 ( with photographs), 5. Driving theory test for car drivers valid from Sept. 2007, £23.00, 6. Life in the United Kingdom - a citizenship study manual, £18.00, 7. Life in the UK citizenship test guide £13.99, 8. Rapidex English speaking course, £8.00; First half of the volume in Bengali and the other half in English: 1. Healthcare for Bangladeshis abroad, £7.00, 2. Geetanjali, £5.50; English & Bengali in two separate volumes: The white envelope/ The belated spring (WTYL 14/04/08)

Cumbria County Council's Library Service is set to receive dozens of children's Polish language books from the Zielona Gora public library in western Poland. In return, it will despatch 100 books to Poland to help children who are learning English as a second language. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/7240011.stm (WTYL 10/03/08)
English PEN have a section on their website devoted to Writers In Translation: http://www.englishpen.org/writersintranslation/

Using and researching dual language books for children
http://www.uel.ac.uk/education/research/duallanguagebooks/index.htm
The School of Education at the University of East London has a useful section on its website on the above topic (see weblink above). Includes link to Multilingual resources and also to relevant references and websites. http://www.uel.ac.uk/education/research/duallanguagebooks/publishers.htm also includes links to sites for stories from different cultures in a range of languages or in dual-text and multi-lingual activities and games. (WTYL 19/11/07)

Library books for migrant workers: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/6927765.stm
A national collection of library books in minority languages is to be set up in Scotland. It aims to improve services for migrant workers from places such as Eastern Europe and the far east. [WTYL 20/08/07 and Fiona O'Brien]

BookTrade Ltd www.booktradeltd.com Supplier of books, CDs etc from Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and also the Former Yugoslav Republic. [WTYL 04/06/07]

Norfolk-based Portuguese newspaper: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/cambridge/2006/11/355876.html (WTYL 5th Dec 2006)

World Language Books - WTYL list Members get a discount of 5% if they spend up to £250 and 10% if over that amount: all you have to do is register with them and they will send you a discount code included in your registration email. See: www.worldlanguagebooks.com (WTYL 14th Dec 2006)

Translation

One of 'My Favourite Tipples' by Tom Szczepanik in Freepint 255 is Google Translate ( http://www.google.com/translate_t ), "which recently added 10 new languages: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Finnish, Hindi, Norwegian, Polish (at last!), Romanian and Swedish. You can mouse over text to view original language". (Freepint Issue 255)

Southend Library Service’s Polish translation service/ Nasze Essex (Our Essex) - Starting from Friday 6th June, Southend Central Library will begin holding a weekly Polish Translation Service each Friday in the Ground Floor Meetings Room (10.00am-2.00pm). In addition, Southend Libraries will also start to receive free copies of a new bi-monthly Polish magazine called Nasze Essex (Our Essex) [See: http://www.nasze-essex.co.uk/ but NB it's still being developed]. It has a wide range of listings and dual language articles, including information on services such as recycling, police, sport etc. (WTYL 09/06/08)

Kwintessential http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/ This company provides intercultural training and translation services. Its website includes a wealth of other resources such as country profiles, intercultural and cross cultural games and quizzes and an intercultural communication forum covering topics from cultural diversity to building a multilingual website. (WTYL 31/03/08)

Exiled Writers Ink Mentoring and Translation Scheme is being launched in “The Night of Exiled Writers”, Tues 29 April, 6.00-9.30pm, Amnesty International Action Centre UK, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA. The scheme will aim to give a high profile to translators who enable the work of exiled writers to become accessible: http://www.exiledwriters.co.uk/ (WTYL 31/03/08)

http://babelfish.altavista.com/ Free translation of text or website to and from a multitude of languages. (In My Favourite Tipple by Gia Marie Gorbold, Free Pint No 248 13th March 2008)

The WordReference Dictionaries are free online translation dictionaries. WordReference also runs language forums where, if you have a question about language usage, you can first search thousands of previous questions. The website also features a number of tools that allow people easier access to the dictionaries. These include the WordReference Toolbar for Internet Explorer, as well as plug-ins and modules for Firefox and Google (In My Favourite Tipple by Sarah Waddington, Free Pint No 249 26th March 2008)

Guidance for Local Authorities on Translation of Publications http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/580274 The Communities and Local Government Department has published new guidance on translation for local councils in England. (WTYL 17/12/07)

The newsletter, FreePint, 238, 27 September 2007 has a brief listing of translation websites and tools. http://www.freepint.com/issues/270907.htm?PHPSESSID=ed8a1cdd4b6dee93d905d9523770038e#favourites (WTYL 01/10/07

Language Identification Cards can be obtained from the National Interpreting Service: 020 7655 4655, enquiries@nisuk.co.uk or www.nisuk.co.uk

Language Direct 90 Matlock Road, Londond E10 6DJ offer interpretting, translation and transcription services to local authorities, government depts, and other public service organisations: 020 8539 5142, languagedirect@btinternet.com

English As a Second Language (ESOL)

World Library and Information Congress: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council "Libraries without borders: Navigating towards global understanding" http://www.ifla.org:80/IV/ifla74/Programme2008.htm 10-14 Aug, Quebec. There will be sessions on literacy & ESOL (WTYL 28/07/08)

Community Cohesion and Migration http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmcomloc/369/369i.pdf The House of CommonsCommunities & Local Government Committee has just published the 10th report of the Session 2007/8. The report looks at the effects of migration on cohesion; pressures on local services; responding to migration locally (eg local leadership and integration) and nationally (eg number of bodies involved, need for the Government to improve its provision); Government funding; and concludes with some 32 recommendations. Although referring to the Government, the following is also of particular importance to us: “We have identified four areas where improvements are needed: the co-ordination of policy across departments; the spread of best practice; the provision of English language tuition; and policy on the integration of short-term economic migrants.” (Also of interest is that one of the meetings with stakeholders, in Barking & Dagenham, included the Head of Community Services, Libraries and Heritage). (WTYL 21/07/08)

Learning English – Volunteers Matter This guide, produced by NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) is for organisations who work with volunteers to help English language learners, and for organisations wishing to extend their work in this area. It was commissioned by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). NIACE worked with key third sector organisations earlier in 2008 to look at how volunteers can help English language learners gain the basic language skills they need to settle and integrate in the UK, and to progress to further learning and or employment. You can download the guide (which is in five parts) from: http://www.niace.org.uk/projects/volunteersmatter/Default.htm . (WTYL 29/06/08)

Update on ESOL consultation This is a very brief update statement from John Denham MP (the website also has links to consultation material): http://www.dius.gov.uk/press/ESOL.html (WTYL 23/06/08)

Skilled To Go developed by the Office of Fair Trading and LLU+ at London South Bank University, is a toolkit for tutors working in further education (Access 2 and 3/ Intermediate 1 and 2/ Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2, and includes suggestions for use with ESOL/ language learners). It aims to help develop transferable consumer skills, knowledge and confidence, using everyday consumer situations, such as choosing a mobile phone, as contexts for learning numeracy and literacy. For more information with link to launch events for teachers around the country, see: http://www.oft.gov.uk/oft_at_work/partnership_working/consumer-alliance/resources/toolkitfront/ (WTYL 23/06/08)

Refugee Council response to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) consultation: Focusing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on Community Cohesion http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/23675CD1-2113-4767-86BF-1FD8E9D3BCFC/0/Response_Department_Innovation_ESOL.pdf DIUS’ consultation Focusing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on Community Cohesion outlines proposals for national priority groups to guide ESOL delivery at a local level. The Refugee Council’s response (published April 08) provides recommendations for better supporting ESOL learning and provision. While welcoming aspects of the consultation, the response includes a number of concerns around how ESOL is linked to community cohesion, those groups currently excluded from mainstream provision and the need to strengthen funded ESOL delivery through the voluntary and community sector. (WTYL 14/04/08)

Serving non-English speakers in US public libraries: 2007 analysis of library demographics, services and programs http://www.ala.org/ala/olos/nonenglishspeakers/ Major study just published by the American Library Association to coincide with the Public Library Association conference in Minneapolis. It provides new information about library services and programmes developed for non-English speakers, including effectiveness of services, barriers to library use, most frequently used services and most successful library programs by language served. The Office for Literacy and Outreach Services and Public Programs Office will use the study data to develop advocacy and training tools for librarians. (WTYL 31/03/08)

Refugees’ experiences of integration: policy related findings on employment, ESOL and vocational training http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/E635A530-65DC-40C4-9594-CD7117E3A421/0/Integration_employment.pdf New report from the Refugee Council and the University of Birmingham which “presents findings concerning employment, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and vocational training from a two-year qualitative study of Refugees’ Experiences of Integration, carried out in partnership by the Refugee Council and the University of Birmingham.” (WTYL 09/12/07 & Refugee Council newsletter, 3 December 2007)

Provision of ESOL in Scotland http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/202792/0054073.pdfThe Scottish Government has just published research which looks at the impact of EU enlargement and the introduction of the UK Citizenship Test on provision of ESOL in Scotland. The key findings are at the above web-link; the full report is at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/202773/0054072.pdf. (WTYL 26/11/07)
Gatehouse Books http://www.gatehousebooks.co.uk/ Publishes adult beginner reader books and resources for use in Adult Literacy and ESOL. Their growing portfolio not only includes books but also audio-cassettes, interactive CD-ROMs and educational resources suitable for adult and post-14 basic skills learners. (WTYL 29/10/07)
Intute (formerly RDN) Virtual Training Suite launches free Internet tutorial for Learners of English as a Second Language (ESOL). Access the tutorial from: http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/fe/tutorial/esol/ The Virtual Training Suite is part of Intute (http://www.intute.ac.uk/), an online catalogue of Internet resources for teachers, researchers and students designed to guide them to the best of the Web for their subject area. For further information about the VTS or Intute please contact: Virtual Training Suite: Emma Place 0117 928 7183, Intute: Mark Williams (020) 7848 2501
Teaching basic literacy to ESOL learners: a teacher’s guide
Covers every aspect of literacy in ESOL, including reading, writing, materials, and assessment. Flyer with order info at: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/lluplus/docs/a_teachers_guide_flyer.pdf. [WTYL 11/06/07]
Launch Of Final Report From The Committee Of Inquiry Into ESOL: Tuesday 3 October 2006, Abbey Community Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BU: Conference Fee: £85 per person which includes a free copy of the Report (priced at £24.95). If you would like to reserve a place on Conference Ref C13-75 on-line and view the programme for the day, visit the NIACE website: http://www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/esol.htm Inquiries to: Gurjit Kaur on Tel: 0116 204 2833 mailto:gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk (WTYL 29/08/06)
Produced by the Basic Skills Agency, Citizenskills is a multimedia resource for developing English language in the context of citizenship. Comprising a CD-ROM with information, a glossary, interactive and print-based materials, teacher guidance, suggestions for additional activities and a scene-builder tool for constructing dialogues, it will be relevant to ESOL teachers working with asylum seekers, refugees and other recent arrivals to the UK. [WTYL 04/06/07]
Sheffield College's Skills for Business programme based at Hillsborough College includes ESOL for Professionals: 0114 260 2600 or 07795 128104 or skillsforbusiness@sheffcol.acuk

Computer Software

The WTYL he Digest for 14/01/08 asked if anyone had used TalkingPEN ™ http://www.talkingpen.co.uk/ yet. Louise Chadwick (National Development Manager Inclusion & Family Learning, Booktrust) has emailed to say that there is web-based information about a new Sure Start Resources Ltd product, “Sing, Sign & Rhyme”: http://www.surestartresources.co.uk/pages/news.html , developed in conjunction with the Lancashire Early Years team, in which children can activate songs using a TalkingPen (carefully disguised as a robust large chubby crayon!). (WTYL 05/05/08)
Two further responses to WTYL enquiry about word processing software: Peter Dorfman says: "Microsoft Word is the most adaptable software for multilingual use. With some South Asian languages you have to be careful to choose fonts that can be embedded." and Elaine Bradshaw says: "For those of us with no money! There is a website called www.gate2home.com which offers virtual keyboards in lots of languages. They allow people to search Google and Wikipedia or send emails in their own language script. For some languages, you can also cut and paste text to use it as a basic word processor." (WTYL 25/03/08)
In response to an enquiry in WTYL digest of 18th Feb asking about word processing software in different languages, Zahir Ahmed (Multicultural Advisor, Leeds Library Service) replied: "We in Leeds use a software called (Global Writer - unitype) at some of our branches. It allows the user to type in over 100 languages through a keyboard that appears on the screen. We purchased the software from a company in Yorkshire called Lingua ( www.lingua-uk.com ). It may cost a few hundred pounds depending on how many licenses you apply for or purchase. There maybe other products around also therefore it would be better to research all before purchasing." (WTYL 17/03/08)

Plain English & Picture Resources

IDeA have updated their very useful guidance on using Plain English: http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8021380 (WTYL 09/06/08)
This is a new category and there are picture resources included in sections above - I'll relocate them down here in due course - Gilly
Maternity access and advocacy pack The Reaching Out Project, Medact, aims to improve access to maternity services for highly marginalised Black and minority ethnic women, including refugees, asylum seekers, women with little or no English and women with insecure immigration status. It has now released the Maternity Access and Advocacy Pack. The Pack is a picture-based resource which aims to improve access to maternity services. It is designed for use by community organisations, rather than on an individual basis and is intended to reach pregnant women and influential individuals within communities. Boxes of 40 are available on request to organisations that can distribute to relevant community organisations in their area. More information see: http://www.medact.org/reaching_out_maap.php or contact maap@medact.org or 020 7324 4737. (WTYL 26/05/08 and Women’s Asylum News, produced by Asylum Aid)

Asylum Seekers & Refugees

srd75 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:29:01 CDT

This page contains information on BOOKS, WEBSITES, WOMEN, CHILDREN, OLDER PEOPLE, TRAINING, FUNDING, CITIZENSHIP tests, TERRORISM BILL, and BACKGROUND Reading

Main Related Pages on this Wiki:

NB To see the guide to the abbreviations used to indicate original sources see the Social Inclusion Information main page

New Stuff

Resource file for supporting asylum seeker and refugee learners http://www.gtce.org.uk/shared/contentlibs/85419/137277/199948/asr_resources.pdf The General Teaching Council for England has just published an updated version of its comprehensive resource file. It includes information about and links to resources on: useful websites; key publications, research and reports; resources for teaching and learning; Teachers’ TV programmes. (WTYL 24/11/08 and refed. http://www.refugeeeducation.co.uk/mailing.htm)
The European Council on Refugees and Exiles has launched a new website: http://www.ecre.org/ (WTYL 24/11/08)
Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Migration Partnership http://www.refugeeaccess.info/default.asp?step=4&pid=514 A new Yorkshire & Humber Regional Migration Partnership website will be launched to replace the Refugee Access website and will hopefully be online by the end of 2008. It will be advertised nearer the time. To keep up-to-date on what's happening with this, and receive links to new content on Refugee Access and the site, you can subscribe a website e-bulletin: email refugee.access@leeds.gov.uk. (WTYL 17/11/08)
Refugees 101 - Webjunction (in the United States) offer a variety of free webinars to enable library staff to learn from leaders and fellow practitioners. On 23 October 2008, Valerie Wonder, Immigrant & Refugee Programs Manager at Seattle Public Library (WA) and Homa Naficy, Manager of Multicultural Education and Outreach Services at Hartford Public Library (CT), presented a webinar providing an overview of refugee resettlement in the United States, including information on recent refugee populations, highlighting some successful approaches to serving refugees in public libraries. Slides and audio now available from webjunction site: http://www.webjunction.org/immigrants-and-world-languages/articles/content/21101551 The webjunction site also has lots of resources on reaching those whose first language is not English. The principles are applicable in the UK and resources include good practice, guidelines and checklists for practitioners available to download, such as this chapter from the Staying Connected Toolkit (not a newly published resource, but still useful). Staying Connected Toolkit. Chapter 11: Reach non-traditional library users http://www.webjunction.org/155/resources/wjarticles. (WTYL 17/11/08)
A right to a voice: Survival English for Asylum Seekers – launch of NIACE Campaign, Weds 10 December 2008, London, 9.45am – 3.15pm Attendance free. This conference aims to: To raise awareness of the needs of asylum seekers; To engage with the voluntary sector, refugee community organisations and faith community organisations; To plan action to set up survival English groups. See: http://www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/Conferences.htm (WTYL 17/11/08)
“Information services for migrants and refugees” - The presentations from the ILIG half-day seminar on 14 Oct by Helen Carpenter, Diana Edmonds and Amanuel Gebrekidan are now available to download from: http://www.cilip.org.uk:80/specialinterestgroups/bysubject/international/activities/training/pastseminars.htm (WTYL 10/11/08)
Inclusive Secondary Schools project – Regional Workshops 2008, 19 Nov Sheffield; 26 Nov London; 28 Nov Birmingham; 2 Dec Peterborough - The Refugee Council is organising a series of regional workshops to bring education practitioners together with Refugee Community Organisations (RCOs) and other community organisations in order to encourage joint working. The events will discuss the findings of the research and partnership working phases of the project and introduce the inclusive education resource pack: Hand in Hand: a resource pack to help meet the needs of refugees and asylum seekers in secondary school. This resource pack has been produced by the Refugee Council as part of the Inclusive Secondary Schools Project. The aim of the project was to pilot partnership working in four regions across England between secondary schools and refugee community organisations (RCOs) to provide inclusive secondary education to refugees and asylum seekers, and increase the role of their parents and carers in their education. This event will teach both schools and RCOs how to use this resource pack, how to form effective partnerships, and how to increase participation among refugee parents and carers in school activities. More information and downloadable booking form at: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/eventsandtraining/inclusiveschools.htm. (WTYL 10/11/08)
List of funding sources: http://www.partnershipdevelopmentproject.org.uk/html/funding_.html The Partnership Development Project is a project managed by MENTER, the regional network of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) organisations and communities for the East of England. Its main aim is to assist with the integration of asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers in the East of England and to improve local community cohesion through partnerships working. Their website includes information which may be useful outside the region as well, for example list of some of the key funders supporting work around asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers and signposting towards key funding websites. (WTYL 03/11/08)
Migration matters: planning for population change - This Local Government Association conference took place in January 2008, considering future trends and impacts of international migration and population movement within the UK. A write-up of all the presentations and slides are available to download from: http://www.lgar.local.gov.uk/lgv/core/page.do?pageId=55301. (WTYL 03/11/08) National Migration Conference (16th Oct 2008) - The IDeA has just published a range of documents related to this Conference which took place on 16 October. These include: Agenda and speakers’ presentations; Main findings of the IDeA Migration programme; Key messages from the Conference; Some 22 case studies. See: http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8920192 (WTYL 03/11/08)
Fortress Britain: is immigration working?, 1 December, Urban Café, Dance City, Newcastle - Professor Andrew Geddes from Sheffield University will argue that immigration frenzies in the media and politics are largely missing the point. He will explore what he believes are more relevant questions on how to effectively manage migration, past, present and future. For more information see: http://www.ippr.org/ipprnorth/events/?id=3221 or email north@ippr.org (WTYL 03/11/08)
Promoting integration of vulnerable migrant groups, 24 Nov 2008, ippr, London - This is the third in a seminar series supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and draws on the findings of the JRF’s Immigration and Inclusion Programme. It will focus on irregular migrants, transient labour migrants and asylum-seekers and refugees. Participants will receive copies of new ippr research on the integration of Bangladeshi, Iranian, Nigerian and Somali migrants. The seminar aims to: translate recent research on immigrant integration and social inclusion into policy recommendations; consider the impact of policy interventions targeted at irregular migrants, transient labour migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees; share work and to consolidate networks between researchers and policymakers; disseminate best practice in migrant integration and social cohesion. More information and details of speakers at: http://www.ippr.org/events/?id=3264. For further information or to confirm attendance please contact Holly Andrew, Migration and Equalities Team, ippr (020) 7470 6170 or h.andrew@ippr.org (WTYL 03/11/08)
Asylum seeker and refugee seminars (http://www.irr.org.uk/pdf/CWDC_leaflet.pdf)Tue 4 November, Coventry; Thu 27 November Sheffield; Tue 2 Dec, Southampton. The Children’s Workforce Development Council, working with Northumbria University and the National Foundation for Educational Research, have set up a series of seminars to understand the skills and knowledge of people working with refugee and asylum seeker families. The long term aim is to provide training for individuals or groups to fill skills or knowledge gaps in relation to work in this area. Anyone working in local authorities or voluntary organisations with this audience is invited to attend to share understanding and good practice. Booking form: http://www.irr.org.uk/pdf/CWDC_form.doc (WTYL 03/11/08)
Charter of rights of women seeking asylum http://www.asylumaid.org.uk/pages/charter_of_rights_of_women_seeking_asylum.html The Charter is a framework of principles aimed at persuading the UK Border Agency to take both a strategic approach to the needs of women seeking asylum and to put in place the operational procedures and safeguards that will remove the discriminatory barriers they face. See weblink to view Charter, list of organisations that have endorsed it, link to Woman’s house programme with more information about the Charter and what to do if your organisation would like to endorse this work. (WTYL 27/10/08)
Migrant communities information page http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ACCI/web/site/Libraries/NS/lib_migrant.asp Aberdeen Library and Information Service example of web-based information about migrant communities information point and services offered, with links to leaflets in Polish and Russian. (WTYL 27/10/08)
Projects in Wales with economic migrants. Library project case study - The Welsh Local Government Association website features a case study of PAWB library project. PAWB means “everyone” in Welsh and also translates as public access without barriers, which is the aim of the library project developed by Rhondda Cynon Taff library service. A multi-lingual library website has been designed to help those less confident in English to find information about a variety of services in the area. Case study at: http://www.wlga.gov.uk/english/equalities-social-justice/case-study-example-pawb-library-project-rhondda-cynon-taf-library-service/ Multilingual website at http://library.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/pawb/ (WTYL 27/1/08)
The Migration Excellence Programme http://www.communities.gov.uk/speeches/corporate/migrationexcellenceprogramme Text of a speech by Sadiq Khan MP, which emphasises the importance of migration to the UK, and outlines current Government-led initiatives. The Migration Excellence Programme is funded by DCLG and led by IDeA to provide “tailored support to councils and partnerships across the country, using expert peers and other resources” – see: http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8552368 (WTYL 20/10/08)
Home To Home: animation films by Canterbury’s young asylum seekers - The young people took part in a two week film making project funded by Media Box at Canterbury Christ Church University in conjunction with Kent Refugee Action Network. More information at: http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/news/newsRelease.asp?newsPk=1213. To view each film see youtube links below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTVsOLXwiBw (Kamran’s Story. Synopsis: The story of a young Afghan’s life in Afghanistan and his journey to the UK); http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yJZYEvvqNU (Coming to England. Synopsis: Young asylum seekers tell their stories around a camp fire in the jungle in Calais about their time in France); http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X-WxtHBvoU (Our Country. Synopsis: A look at life in Iran and the United Kingdom through the eyes of a young Iranian); http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNyvz9rLaKM (Small Rabbits. Synopsis: An allegory of three rabbits who escape danger in their homeland, mirroring events in the young film-makers lives). (WTYL 20/10/08 and refed, http://www.refugeeeducation.co.uk/mailing.htm)
Refugee Integration and Employment Service (RIES) - The UK Border Agency awarded contracts for the Refugee Integration and Employment Service over the summer. The service, available to anyone over the age of 18 who has been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, became operational from 1 October 2008. The following weblink above provides explanation of RIES and list of the successful bidders across England, Wales, Scotland and N Ireland: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/workingwithus/workingwithasylum/integration/ries/ Several areas are served by the British Refugee Council. The new service will receive referrals only from UKBA, directly from the asylum seeker’s case owner. The RIES support involves three elements: an advice service for 6 months (on benefits, housing, family reunion, etc.); an employment service for up to 12 months; a refugee mentoring service which can be accessed at any point in the first 12 months, and which lasts for up to 6 months. For more information on RIES delivered by the British Refugee Council, please contact Petronella Perret, Head of Operations petronella.perret@refugeecouncil.org.uk (WTYL 20/10/08 and LORECA e-newsletter www.loreca.org.uk)
Glasgow Girls campaign group feature in educational resource on refugee children http://www.sharedfutures.org.uk/ and http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/search/display.var.2451620.0.glasgow_girl_says_its_so_good_to_be_staying.php The Shared Futures resource, combining a DVD and educational pack, aims to help teachers learn good practice when welcoming refugee children to their community. Issues such as learning English as a second language, racist bullying, parental involvement and making friends are covered. The DVD features the Glasgow Girls group, which was set up by teenagers to campaign for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees after one of their fellow pupils, Agnesa Murselaj, was taken to a detention centre along with her family. Agnesa and her family have now received permanent leave to remain. (WTYL 13/10/08)
Refugee Week conference, Fri 21 Nov 2008, 10am-4.30pm, London - Free one-day event for anyone involved with Refugee Week. Aims are to celebrate achievements, learn from others in a supportive setting about models of good practice, input further into the overall evaluation of Refugee Week, discuss with the central Refugee Week team issues of concern and future support needs, make specific recommendations with regards to Refugee Week 2009 and for everyone to enjoy themselves. More info at: http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/Events/conference-2008/ (WTYL 13/10/08)
'New Londoners' is a collaboration between two charities, featuring photos taken by 15 young asylum seekers who were mentored by professional photographers. For PM on Radio 4, reporter Andrew Bomford met three of the asylum seekers - Chalak and Hassan from Iraq, and Loria from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Andrew Bomford's report will be broadcast on PM on Radio 4 between 1700 and 1800 BST on Monday 20 October. Slideshow and links to more info: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/7679807.stm (WTYL 20/10/08)
Refugee Education: If you're based in South Yorkshire and you believe difference should be celebrated then read on...reACT is a community group set up by refugees and asylum seekers. We are starting a new participatory arts project for people of ALL ethnic backgrounds, aimed at exploring cultural identity, intercultural communication and understanding, and promoting integration. You don't have to have any previous experience in acting to be involved and you can get involved in any way you like. Workshops start this Friday 10th Sept in central Sheffield. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact shuna@squarecirclearts.co.uk (refed@yahoogroups.com 08/10/08)
Refugee Week launches a new ‘Refugees in Literature’ online archive http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/InfoCentre/refugees-in/ The Refugees in Literature section is an extensive archive of literature by refugee and non-refugee authors who have explored the themes relating to exile and refugees. The section lets you search for books by title or author and includes a synopses of each title as well as information about the author.Every month the Refugee Week UK team highlights one title from the archive. In October this is The Ministry of Pain by Dubravka Ugresic. The Literature archive is one part of the new ‘Refugees in Film, Literature and Music” section which is a comprehensive collection of refugee’s contributions to the arts. You can find the 'Refugees in …' section, along with a range of other information and educational materials, on the Refugee Week websites Info Centre! (WTYL 06/10/08 and Refugee Week UK Team)
ENAR Shadow Reports http://www.enar-eu.org/Page_Generale.asp?DocID=15294&la=1&langue=EN ENAR (the European Network Against Racism) produce “Shadow Reports” – “they are not a scientific study of the state of racism or discriminatory practices in EU Member States, but a compilation of information and data collected by its member organisations, a vast network of NGOs working on anti-racism, the protection of human rights and the provision of legal and other support to those facing discrimination, unequal treatment and marginalisation in the European Union.” ENAR have recently published their 2007 report on the UK (see: http://cms.horus.be/files/99935/MediaArchive/pdf/The%20situation%20of%20Roma%20in%20Europe%202007.pdf) (WTYL 06/10/08 and Runnymede’s October update, http://www.runnymedetrust.org/)
The charity Shelter has published a guide for asylum seekers and refugees on access to accommodation and housing support. It can be ordered from the Shelter website: http://england.shelter.org.uk/shop/publications/adviser_tools/housing_guides/asylum_seekers_and_refugees (WTYL 06/10/08 and Refugee Council news review)
RCO News and RCO Women’s News are newsletters for refugee community groups, produced by the Refugee Council. They are issued bi-monthly. RCO News has information on current opportunities, training, events and funding for refugee community groups as well as information on legislation and issues affecting London-based groups. RCO Women's News has similar categories of information but is specifically concerned with information pertaining to refugee women and asylum seekers. You can download current and previous issues from: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk:81/howwehelp/support/development/newsletters.htm. (WTYL 06/10/08)
Sheffield Libraries have now made an online 'Life in the UK' citizenship course available to library users through library webpages accessed via Sheffield City Council PCs. This includes practice tests, course material, a glossary of terms and useful contacts. The contact is dan.marshall@sheffield.gov.uk (Community Development Librarian)
Employment issues for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK http://www.icar.org.uk/employment_briefing ICAR has written a briefing paper on this topic. It provides an evidence-based introduction, focussing on law and policy, the asylum process and employment, refugees in the labour market, and barriers to employment. It accompanies the more detailed Navigation Guide on the same subject. (WTYL 22/09/08)
Refugee Awareness Project website – infovault resources. The Refugee Awareness Project (RAP) has produced a website with a useful infovault section. This makes available to all the activities used by RAP in workshops, information sheets on key issues, and other resources for doing refugee awareness, including first-hand accounts from real people Refugee Action has worked with, and facts and figures. Some resources are already online and others will go up over the next month or so. Start with weblink for infovault: http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/RAP/infovault.aspx and explore the rest of the site. (WTYL 22/09/08)
Gay Britain website launched, aimed at migrant gay men http://www.gaybritain.chapsonline.org.uk/index.htm The site includes leaflets to download in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Polish. It also includes information such as guidelines for organisations working with migrants and an audit tool for professionals who work with migrants to help reduce their vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. CHAPS is a partnership of community-based organisations, co-ordinated by Terrence Higgins Trust, carrying out HIV health promotion with gay men in England and Wales. (WTYL 22/09/08 and Refugee Council news review)
New housing rights website for migrants: http://www.housing-rights.info/ A website with advice and guidance for frontline housing advisers or new migrants on housing rights has been launched by the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust. (WTYL 22/09/08 and Refugee Council news review)
We Share the Same Sky Following a successful application to Arts Council England, Banner Theatre company is beginning work on this new production, featuring the stories of migrant workers from Poland, refugees from Afghanistan and visitors from Venezuela and looking at the connections between globalization and migration in the twenty-first century and how the world of work is changing as the economies of individual nations become part of a global economy driven by the agendas of global companies. Additional funding means the company is working with campaign groups and others in Sheffield exploring the journey and story of an asylum seeker from Afghanistan, complemented with work in the Handsworth district of Birmingham where the company will be working with indigenous black and Asian communities and with Polish migrant workers. See http://www.bannertheatre.co.uk/future_plans.htm for more information. (WTYL 15/09/08)
Kingsley’s Crossing http://www.mediastorm.org/0010.htm Film by Olivier Jobard, telling the story of one man’s journey from Africa to Europe … useful as an awareness-raising resource. (WTYL 15/09/08 and refed e-list. For details see: http://www.refugeeeducation.co.uk/mailing.htm)
Random Acts http://www.asylumaid.org.uk/pages/random_acts.html Random Acts, the play about a woman seeking asylum, by Debra Singer, co-ordinator of Refugee Women’s Resource Project, is now available to view online (18 mins) and as a DVD. Link above also includes interview with Debra and factsheet about issues facing women asylum seekers in the UK. The play is performed by Actors for Human Rights, iceandfire theatre’s national outreach network. More information: http://www.iceandfire.co.uk/afhr/ (WTYL 15/09/08)
National Year of Reading – Ideas to Inspire packs http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/vitallink/readingforpleasureideas.html#ideas The Vital Link libraries and adult literacy programme, together with the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), have created a series of ideas packs for practitioners working with adults in a range of different settings. Each contains a list of top ten ideas, case studies and a section on useful resources. The ideas packs include themes that may be useful for those working with refugees and asylum seekers or with migrants, eg ESOL learners, New readers. (WTYL 15/09/08)
Support website for Portuguese workers in the UK http://www.trabalharnoreinounido.org/ A web site specifically for the large number of Portuguese workers in the UK has been launched by the TUC. With input from Citizens Advice, it explains the rights that workers can expect at work and also contains information about social issues such as housing and health. (WTYL 15/09/08)
Multikulti: Habitual Residence test and Right to Reside http://www.multikulti.org.uk/habitual-residence-test-and-right-to-reside/ Multikulti have updated their information in the following languages: English, Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovenian, Slovak. (WTYL 15/09/08)
International migrants in rural areas: communities, impacts and issues 7 October 2008, St Martins in the Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, 10am-4pm The event, organised by thinktank ippr, aims to: present new research on the impact of migration on public services in rural areas; examine ways in which public services might become more responsive to migrants; present new research on the risk to rural economies caused by changing migration flows, and look at how these risks can be managed. More information at: http://www.ippr.org/events/?id=3235 (WTYL 08/09/08)
Information services for migrants and refugees Tue 14 Oct 2008, British Library pm (registration from 1.30pm) The International and Library Information Group (ILIG) of CILIP is running two half-day seminars on this day, one of which is on information services for migrants and refugees. It includes presentations by Helen Carpenter (Paul Hamlyn Foundation and former WTYL Project Co-ordinator), Diana Edmonds (Assistant Director Culture, Libraries and Learning, London Borough of Haringey) and Amanuel Gebrekidan (British Broadcasting Corporation, Future Media and Technology, Information and Archives) and will be chaired by Stephanie Kenna from the British Library. For more information and how to book see: http://www.cilip.org.uk/specialinterestgroups/bysubject/international/activities/training/default.htm. (WTYL 08/09/08)
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Funding for groups working with refugees and asylum seekers. For details see: http://www.theworkcontinues.org/landing.asp?id=4 Closing date for brief first-stage applications is 5pm on 12 September 2008. (WTYL 08/09/08)
Asylum seeker film wins award at US festival Trouble Sleeping, which covers the battles faced by asylum-seekers in Edinburgh, has won the prize for Best Narrative Feature at the Peace on Earth Film Festival in Chicago. The film was made with the help of Edinburgh asylum-seekers and was recently shown on BBC Two and at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. More information at weblink: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/edinburgh/City-asylum-seeker-film-scoops.4443003.jp. (WTYL 08/09/08 Refugee Council news review 19 Aug – 1 Sep 08)

Audit Commission website on migrant workers http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/migrantworkers/ This website expands on the Audit Commission’s report Crossing Borders published in 2007, which looked at the varying impact that the increase in migration for work has had in different parts of England. The website includes additional and expanded case study material, with a particular focus on data issues and on engaging with migrant workers themselves. One of the case studies (no 11) looks at changes to Cumbria’s library service. (WTYL 01/09/08)

Fundraising toolkit for Refugee Community Organisations http://www.thebasisproject.org.uk/toolkit/fundraising/ This toolkit guides you through the fundraising process: developing a strategy, considering different ways to raise funds, making applications, managing your project and evaluating its success. Whilst it is intended for Refugee Community Organisations it includes lots of very useful generic tips and advice. (WTYL 01/09/08)
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust – three new reports 1) Not moving on: Still destitute in Leeds. Download the summary at: http://www.jrct.org.uk/core/documents/download.asp?id=329 (pdf file, 83kb) Download the full report at: http://www.jrct.org.uk/core/documents/download.asp?id=330(pdf file, 1.18mb) 2) Immigration and social cohesion in the UK: The rhythms and realities of everyday life. by Mary Hickman, Helen Crowley and Nick Mai on: Download the report at: https://www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/eBooks/2230-deprivation-cohesion-immigration.pdf (pdf file 592kb); 3) Immigration and inclusion in South Wales Download the report at: http://www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/eBooks/2290-wales-migration-cohesion.pdf (pdf file 328kb) (WTYL 01/09/08)
All the Welcome To Your Library project partners’ final reports are now available on the Welcome To Your Library website. http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/listDocuments.asp?page_id=70 (WTYL 01/09/08)

Books & Magazines (& exhibition resources)

New Londoners: advance notice of new book of photo stories - PhotoVoice has been running a mentoring project called New Londoners, bringing together 15 of London’s recent arrivals with 15 photographer mentors. The participants, aged between 15 and 21, from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, all share one common experience: they are young refugees separated from their families, who have been given sanctuary in London and are re-building their lives here. Through the participants’ photographs and stories we learn something of their lives, not just as refugees, but as young people sharing similar hopes and fears to teenagers all over London. A selection of New Londoners stories will be published in a high quality photography book due to be published in October 2008. See: http://www.photovoice.org/html/projects/photovoiceprojects/ukandireland/movinglives/newlondoners.html, and for informative project update and article, with more about the book: http://www.photovoice.org/html/projects/photovoiceprojects/ukandireland/movinglives/nlarticle.html (WTYL 23/06/08)
Inter-sections blog (http://intersections.wordpress.com/ ), about migration past and present in all its forms, has an entry for 28 May 2008, with a personal selection of top 10 list of books (in this case fiction) “with a diaspora, migration, identity bent.” See: http://intersections.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/favorite-fiction/#respond The personal selection has been posted by Sanaz, who, according to the blog “who we are” section is researching the Iranian Diaspora post 1979 and the effects of transnational media within this diaspora at School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. (WTYL 16/06/08)
Homelands: Stories by African People in Rochdale is a collection of beautifully illustrated stories and poems by African people in Rochdale. In English, French and Portuguese, the book gives voice to their experiences of life in their home countries of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the UK. From traditional morality tales full of wisdom, to reflective new poetry and poignant stories about the realities of daily life, this book offers the reader a vivid and captivating picture of African culture. The booklet has been published by the Tell Us Another One project at Cartwheel Arts and a number of books are available free of charge to good homes! See: http://www.cartwheelarts.org.uk/images/homelands.pdf Please contact Kim Haygarth at Cartwheel Arts via kim@cartwheelarts.org.uk for more information. (WTYL 09/06/08)
Coins of the people - Proverbs from refugee communities Booklet of with 37 pages of proverbs, brought here by refugees from far away places and cultures, around 18 themes, such as courage, enemies, homeland, hospitality, money, etc. The aim is to offer wisdom to the wider community and the booklet is published in the hope that the proverbs will, in time, replenish and enrich the English language. The booklet is for sale for £5.00 (including postage) or £3.00 if you order 10 or more. Cheques to be made payable to Evelyn Oldfield Unit (EOU) and sent to: EOU - 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA. For further information please see: http://www.evelynoldfield.co.uk/ or contact EOU on 020 7700 8213 administrator@evelynoldfield.co.uk (WTYL 26/05/08)
Suitcases Tour Libraries: I Packed This Myself – a travelling exhibition of three suitcases throwing a spotlight on the lives of migrant workers – is now touring libraries: http://www.bridging-arts.com/projects/travelling-suitcase-exhibition The suitcases (one Portuguese, one Eastern European and the other lined with mirror) launched at St Austell Library in Cornwall where we held workshops with schools and a mini event (with chorizo and red wine) for library visitors on the Saturday morning of Bank Holiday weekend. Librarians read bilingual stories (using the Talking Pen) and we gathered ideas for additions to the library. One Portuguese visitor who worked locally even volunteered to loan his own collection of Portuguese books to the library! Both schools and other visitors contributed their thoughts about travel, identity and personal possessions to the book we are creating to travel with the suitcases. The exhibition will now be visiting other libraries in Cornwall and is available to tour – please email susanroberts@bridging-arts.com for more details or call 020 8749 9010. (WTYL 12/05/08)
A book written by an Albanian refugee who escaped ethnic cleansing in Kosovo was shortlisted for the prestigious Sundial Scottish Arts Council awards. Shadow behind the Sun tells the story of Remzije Sherifi and her family in Kosovo and how they started a new life in Scotland: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Refugee39s-tale--onshortlist.3842901.jp (WTYL 25/03/08 and Refugee Council News Review newsletter 4-17 Mar)
Strawberry fields inspire author http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7292640.stm Marina Lewycka has chosen Kent’s strawberry fields as the setting for her new novel, Two Caravans. Dedicated to the Morecambe Bay cockle-pickers, Professor Lewycka's book looks at the experiences of immigrant farm workers….Over the next two months, reading groups across Kent are being invited to read Two Caravans, in a scheme backed by Kent Libraries. (WTYL 17/03/08)
If Salt Has Memory - Forthcoming anthology edited by Jennifer Langer of Exiled Writers Ink, comprising essays, memoir and fiction by Jewish writers in exile from many lands – contributors include the former leader of the Tupamaros guerrillas in Uruguay, a French philosopher from Tunisia, political activists from Zimbabwe, Iran, Argentina and writers from Yemen, Bosnia, Cuba, Poland and South Africa. The anthology is particularly strong on Jewish writers in exile from Iraq – several essays are translated from Arabic – Iran and South America. For more information see: http://fiveleaves.co.uk and scroll down to forthcoming titles section. (WTYL 25/02/08)
Books about the refugee experience: The Refugee Council has added to their website reviews of novels, anthologies, non-fiction, children’s books, graphic novels and photography, including Refugee Council volunteer Jade Amoli-Jackson's personal account of her journey to the UK, published as part of Penguin anthology on immigration experiences in November 2007. See: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/practice/basics/books/ (WTYL 25/02/08) English PEN (http://www.englishpen.org/) is aiming to develop a new strand of work working with Refugee and Asylum Seekers: One of PEN’s briefs is to promote literature as a means of intercultural dialogue.
The Readers & Writers’ Programme’s Refugee and Asylum Seekers’ Project will do that by "bringing writers and these communities together, encouraging and facilitating participation and dialogue, and enabling the host and the new communities to take a significant step towards each other". A series of sessions are planned where an established writer will talk and work with people from local Refugee and asylum seekers’ groups, in a neutral space, most likely a library. There will be three pilot sessions in Islington and in Kensington & Chelsea. Further info from Simon Burt, the Director of the Readers and Writers programme at English PEN, simon@englishpen.org (WTYL 18/02/08) [English PEN also have sections on their website devoted to Writers In Prison: http://www.englishpen.org/writersinprison/ and Writers In Translation: http://www.englishpen.org/writersintranslation/ ]
List of publications by exiled writers associated with Exiled Writers Ink Exiled Writers Ink! website now includes not only details of their magazine but also a list of publications by exiled writers associated with the organisation. See http://www.exiledwriters.co.uk/publ.shtml and scroll down page. (WTYL 21/01/08)
Words are not enough http://arts.guardian.co.uk/art/photography/story/0,,2217185,00.html Each year around 4,000 refugee children arrive alone in Britain. Without friends or family, and unable to speak English, they face a frightening future. Sarfraz Manzoor reports on a project that lets them use photography to tell their own stories. (WTYL 03/12/07 & The Guardian)
The Suitcase Stories: refugee children reclaim their identities by Glynis Clacherty http://www.africabookcentre.com/acatalog/index.html Glynis Clacherty became involved with a group of refugee children who had arrived in Johannesburg without parents, friends or family from countries of Africa that had been torn apart by civil wars and coups. As a way of helping them deal with the trauma of their flight and their arrival in a strange, sometimes hostile adoptive country, she brought together a number of second-hand suitcases and gave them to the children to paint their personal stories and recent histories. Published 2006. More information and ordering details in Africa Centre catalogue or contact orders@centralbooks.com (WTYL 3/12/07)
Exiled Ink! Magazine http://www.exiledwriters.co.uk/ The latest issue is now out, with a special feature on integration, and includes poetry by Nkosana Mpofu. (WTYL 09/12/07)
Refugee Council volunteer Jade Amoli-Jackson is one of sixteen writers whose work has been published in an anthology, ‘From there to here’. The book is the result of a competition run by decibel in association with Penguin, which invited writers to submit short stories about their personal experiences of immigration to the UK: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/news/2007/december/20071206.htm See also: http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,2218770,00.html and http://www.amazon.co.uk/There-Here-Immigration-Britain-Anthology/
dp/0141034114 (WTYL 17/12/07)
Multilingual information leaflet http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/practice/multilingual/advisers/support/
section4.htm Refugee Council multilingual information leaflet, 'Are you destitute and at the end of the asylum process?', has been updated to reflect changes in legislation and procedures. It can be downloaded in 19 languages. (WTYL 19/11/07 and Refugee Council e-newsletter 5 Nov 07)
Book drive satisfies a thirst for words in Ethiopia http://www.kansascity.com/649/story/360129.html Read how Yohannes Gebregeorgis co-founded Ethiopia Reads (see http://www.ethiopiareads.org/ ). Gebregeorgis was taught to read in Ethiopia by Peace Corps volunteers. He came to the United States as a political refugee, earned a master’s degree in library science and became a children’s librarian at the San Francisco Public Library. He has since returned to live in Ethiopia but travels back to the United States to speak about the project. (WTYL 19/11/07)Sexual Health, Asylum Seekers and Refugees. A Handbook for people working with refugees and asylum seekers in England http://www.fpa.org.uk/community/refugees/index.cfm?contentid=40 Report published by Family Planning Association as a result of research by several organisations is now available via their website (see link above) for more background and for the handbook. On the same webpage there are also details of a community research report , Sexual Health in Exile on the sexual health concerns, issues and needs of refugees and asylum seekers in South and West Yorkshire. (WTYL 29/10/07)
Connections exhibition: available for hire in 2008 http://www.connections-exhibition.org/ The Connections Exhibition is a 24-panel travelling show which charts the histories and experiences of Asian, Black and Jewish immigrants to Britain. It was launched at City Hall, London in October 2004 and has since been travelling around the country to schools, libraries, community centres, small museums, churches and festivals. It has been fully booked since the launch and is booked until the end of 2007. It has recently received additional funding which will enable it to be offered for hire until the end of 2008. Contact: Vicky Joseph, Project Manager, Connections Exhibition (Tel 07981 169932, info@connections-exhibition.org ) (WTYL 15/10/07)
New multilingual information on case resolution http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/practice/multilingual/
advisers/support/case-resolution.htm The latest leaflet from the Refugee Council's information team explains what asylum seekers need to do when they receive a questionnaire from the Case Resolution Directorate at the Home Office. It is available in English and 18 other languages. It can also be found on the Refugee Council's multilingual website: http://languages.refugeecouncil.org.uk/ (WTYL 15/10/07)
Hope College is a liberal arts, undergraduate college in the US, affiliated with the Reformed Church in America. On 2-3 Oct 2007 it is holding a symposium entitled "Immigration: Shaping and Re-shaping America2". Their website includes a booklist of selected fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry. (WTYL 24/09/07)
Migrants Rights News The first edition is now available. You can view online and/or subscribe to receive by e-mail once a month. See http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/enews/september.htm (WTYL 17/09/07)
Mobiles, Money and Mayhem: the facts and fibs about asylum http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/ourwork/projects/refugeeawareness.aspx The Refugee Awareness Project, co-ordinated by Refugee Action has produced this myth-busting pocket guide which aims to put information at peoples' fingertips so they can influence others. See weblink above to download the National, East Midlands, North West and South West versions of the guide or how to obtain a hard copy and to find out more about the Refugee Awareness Project. (WTYL 17/09/07)
From outside in: refugees and British society New publication that brings together contributions by poets, playwrights, journalists and those with no previous writing experience from fifteen different countries to reflect on what Britain and British cultural identity means to them. Cost: £11.99. Further info from: http://www.counterpoint-online.org/cgi-site/biblio.cgi?action=detail&id=69. [WTYL 06/08/07 and Philip Wark]
Refugee Council E-shop New online shop, and the only way to buy books from the Refugee Council
http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/practice/eshop/index.htm?knownurl=http
%3a%2f%2fwww.refugeecouncil.org.uk%2fpractice%2feshop%2f [WTYL 09/07/07]
See: www.exiledwriters.co.uk for information about a new magazine/ webzine 'Exiled Ink' (the Landscape of Exiled Women with poetry, prose and essays on a range of subject areas) . Plans are to include articles in mothertongue. [WTYLJ 27/07/07] They are particularly interested in work by exiled writers living outside London. Please send to: lynette.craig@btinternet.com. Please send all other articles, poetry, prose, drama and images to:jennifer@exiledwriters.fsnet.co.uk [WTYL 20/08/07]
Valentino Achak Deng Foundation (Sudanese): 'What is the What' by Dave Eggers http://www.valentinoachakdeng.org/ This is the novelized autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng, from his pre-war life in southern Sudan to his resettlement in the United States. See weblink above to read a sample chapter, download a reader's guide, or view additional comments and reviews, and to find out more about the VAD Foundation. (WTYL 28/08/07)
Find the Help You Need - a free self-help guide for disabled refugees and asylum seekers. This new guide, initially in English, has been published by the National Information Forum. It is intended to demystify the respective entitlements of disabled refugees and asylum seekers, to provide signpost information about disability services, benefits and opportunities in Great Britain, and to encourage those who need help to take advantage of them. Available in boxes of 42 or in lesser quantities. They want to make the guide known within refugee communities, to ask if it would be welcome in other languages (and, if so, which are needed most), and whether you think it would be more useful to be able to download the text from our website rather than in print. Contact the National Information Forum at: Post Point 905, BT Burne House, Bell Street. London NW1 5BZ, Tel: 020 7402 6681, E.mail: info@nif.org.uk Website: www.nif.org.uk (John Vincent for WTYL 04/06/07 and 05/09/07)

Useful Organisations & Websites (inc. Blogs)

[For The Network & Welcome to Your Library - see under Background Reading towards the bottom of the page]

Refugee Council Multilingual Advice Leaflets http://languages.refugeecouncil.org.uk/ There are two new free leaflets in multiple languages available to download from the Refugee Council multilingual website: Schools for children - information factsheet for refugee parents; Sexual health - information factsheet (WTYL 28/07/08)

EISODOS (Greek for entrance, gateway, access), is an online information resource aimed at those working in an advisory capacity with EU migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. EISODOS provides advisers with profiles of countries from which migrants have arrives, as well as general rules and regulations applicable to all migrants. There is specific information regarding living, working and studying in the UK. The latter is available in 23 languages and can be printed out for individual clients. (from and enquiry to WTYL 28/07/08)

Human Rights TV ( http://www.humanrightstv.com/ ) exists to “empower the voice seldom heard”. It is a non-profit-making organisation run by volunteers who are highly skilled in their own profession. The website is an online video resource and includes, for example, all of the hearings of the Independent Asylum Commission. (WTYL 21/07/08)

Migrant Organisations’ Development Agency (MODA) informs, supports and gives a voice to migrant and minority ethnic community organisations across London. See: http://www.moda.org.uk/index.htm It has a useful weekly ( http://www.moda.org.uk/infoservices/ebulletin/2008-06-04/ebulletin.htm ) which you can access from their website. (WTYL 16/06/08)

Southend Library Service’s Polish translation service/ Nasze Essex (Our Essex) - Starting from Friday 6th June, Southend Central Library will begin holding a weekly Polish Translation Service each Friday in the Ground Floor Meetings Room (10.00am-2.00pm). In addition, Southend Libraries will also start to receive free copies of a new bi-monthly Polish magazine called Nasze Essex (Our Essex) [See: http://www.nasze-essex.co.uk/ but NB it's still being developed]. It has a wide range of listings and dual language articles, including information on services such as recycling, police, sport etc. (WTYL 09/06/08)

Guide for refugees and asylum seekers - Advice-resources (website aimed at those working in IAG – information, advice and guidance) have updated (April 2008) two downloadable guides designed to provide information specifically for and about asylum seekers and refugees. The guide covers topics such as: immigration status, rights and entitlements, learning English, training and education, volunteering, employment and re-qualification. Changes include: greater information on obtaining work experience in the UK; what to expect from a work placement; education fee rates for 2008-2009; additional web links and new references to IAG materials for advisers. There are two versions of the guide: one for the adviser, and one for clients for their reference. The clients' copy is available in Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Kurdish, Pashto, Somali, Tigrinian, Turkish and Urdu. The guide was produced by RAGU (Refugee Assessment and Guidance Unit) at London Metropolitan University. See: http://www.advice-resources.co.uk/adviceresources/general/guides/asylum/ (WTYL 09/06/08)

Integrating new migrants: communicating important information is an important new resource produced by IDeA, which is intended to help local authorities (and others) develop ‘welcome packs’ for new arrivals. The resource is in four parts: A generic information resource that can be used as the basis for an information resource in your area; Analysis of existing information resources (including a list of factors that support a successful information resource; a decision-making self-assessment tool; an outline plan and critical path for producing a resource); Tools and guidance for involving community stakeholders; A generic framework to help you monitor and evaluate information resources. There are lots of good ideas for contacting, consulting and informing new migrants, and several references to work in libraries. See: http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/aio/7929812 (WTYL 19/05/08)

Amnesty have produced a useful teaching resource for Refugee Week – see http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=10838#seeking for access to teaching resources, lesson plans, assembly packs, books and interactive games from Amnesty and others. (WTYL 02/06/08)

“iRefugee is an online space bringing together refugees' stories in their own words. From innovative online exhibitions, blogs and podcasts to books and plays, we aim to highlight the creativity bursting out of the internet from many of those who have fled persecution and landed on our shores.” See: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/irefugee/ (WTYL 05/05/08 & Refugee Council newsletter 28 April)

Refused ... and then what? http://www.irr.org.uk/pdf/JRS_actionpointsleaflet.pdf (pdf file, 1.3mb) The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS-UK) has published a set of ten action points to assist asylum seekers and refugees. Download leaflet at weblink above. (WTYL 14/04/08 and www.irr.org.uk)

When WTYL asked for examples of good practice on Working with Eastern Euopean migrant workers to pass on the the National Year of Reading team, there were lots of replies, and these are summarised on The Network website: http://www.seapn.org.uk/informationResources.asp?cat_id=77 (WTYL 10/03/08)

RefugeeMap is a collaborative Wiki providing easy and accessible information for volunteers, especially young people, working with refugees in England. This site seeks to gather in one place easily accessible information on refugee situations, news and policy, and volunteering opportunities around the UK. For press release with more background info see link above. RefugeeMap is at: http://refugeemap.wikidot.com/ (WTYL 10/03/08)

The City of Sanctuary movement is working to build a culture of hospitality for refugees and asylum-seekers in cities and towns across the UK. See: http://www.cityofsanctuary.com/ for more information, and also the Refugee Council's website: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/gettinginvolved/campaign/other_campaigns/cityofsanctuary.htm for a summary of the story so far and what’s planned, including a first national conference in June 2008. (WTYL 25/02/08)
The Refugee Council website now includes links to a useful selection of key policy/ strategic papers for the sector, which the Refugee Council has often been involved in developing and whose findings it supports. See: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/policy/external_reports/ (WTYL 25/02/08)
Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) website news page on community cohesion: This includes details of free downloadable guide to help local authorities produce and distribute information to migrants and information about a series of events to bring those working in community cohesion together to shape policy development, debate key issues and network with peers. Events are taking place on 27 February in Buckinghamshire, and 19 March in Taunton. Also includes an article from Boston Borough Council about dealing with increase in migrants and calling for more funding and sharing of knowledge. For details, see. http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=6902625 . (WTYL 11/02/08)
Education Action is announcing new and improved education and training services for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, including free online advice, e-newsletters and training courses. Refugee educational advice: http://www.education-action.org/advice (WTYL 19/11/07 and Refugee Council e-newsletter 5 Nov 07)
Refugee advocacy: http://www.education-action.org/refugeeadvocacy (WTYL 19/11/07)
New film on destitution http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=10398
Documentary maker Nick Broomfield has made a new short film for Amnesty International to highlight the issue of destitute refused asylum seekers in the UK. Watch "Still human, still here". (WTYL 19/11/07 and www.refed.org.uk)
Refugee Heritage Project. Report on the London Museums Hub project to record refugee heritage, 2004-6 http://www.mlalondon.org.uk/renaissance/index.cfm?NavigationID=364 This report presents the preliminary findings from the Hub's refugee heritage project, which outline how community-based museum projects can produce benefits for individuals, communities and organisations. It shows that if this work is to continue, museums need to understand that short-term outreach projects need to be part of a wider drive to change the composition of collections, displays and the workforce. (WTYL 12/11/07)Asylum Aid – new website: http://www.asylumaid.org.uk/index.php (WTYL12/11/07)
Refugee Agencies' map http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/howwehelp/partners/partnership/iap.htm The Refugee Council has produced a downloadable a map of the locations of the 'one stop services' provided by refugee agencies (includes phone numbers, addresses and opening times). (WTYL 29/10/07)
Refucast “Refucast is a podcast initiative for refugees in UK by Kubatana International Communications. Kubatana means togetherness in the Zimbabwean shona language …”http://www.refucast.blogspot.com/ [WTYL 02/07/07 and Kevin Harris]
Infopankki (Infobank) website in Finland. This 'web-based information to welcome immigrants' website began as a project co-ordinated by International Cultural Centre Caisa and Helsinki City Library. It was recently shortlisted in the European e-government awards. http://www.infopankki.fi/en-GB/home/ [WTYL 20/08/07]
Forced to flee: The 3rd edition of Refugee Action Group’s FAQs about refugees and asylum-seekers in Northern Ireland has just been published. [WTYL 16/07/07]
Refugee Week The Refugee Council website has a round-up of the Week, including a slideshow of events
http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/news/2007/June/20070629.htm See http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/reviews/newsreview.htm for a review of news coverage too. [WTYL 09/07/07]
Photome online exhibition Photome is an exhibition of photographs that explores and reflects on our sense of home and belonging – the Photome photographers are a group of young people who attend the Tuesday drop-in social evening held at the Refugee Council.
http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/howwehelp/directly/children/photome/ [WTYL 09/07/07]
Migrants Rights Network websiteThe Migrants Rights Network will be launching their new website on 1 July - see a preview at: http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk. [WTYL 18/06/07]
Refugee Council Poliblog http://refugeecouncil.typepad.com/poliblog/ The Refugee Council has just launched a blog to better share information about the politics of refugee and asylum issues in the UK. [WTYL 11/06/07]
Key organisations working for and with refugees http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/practice/basics/links/ A new section on the Refugee Council website lists other organisations which provide specialist advice to refugees or link refugee and asylum issues to broader debates on migration and human rights. [WTYL 11/06/07]
Forced Migration current awareness blogAs well as WTYL, examples of other library programs and services designed specifically to target refugee and/or immigrant populations are described at weblink above. Forced Migration Online (FMO) provides instant access to a wide variety of online resources dealing with the situation of forced migrants worldwide - for more information see http://www.forcedmigration.org/ [WTYL 29/05/07]
Information Centre about Asylum Seekers & Refugees (ICAR)
http://www.icar.org.uk/ ICAR briefings are succinct reference guides to the key issues relating to asylum and refugees in the UK. See weblink above for new briefings on Women Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the UK and the Somali refugee community in the UK (WTYLJ 28/08/07)
The Refugee Council have a multilingual website with help and advice: http://languages.refugeecouncil.org.uk/ (WTYLJ 03/09/07)
iDP Voices website - The Norwegian Refugee Council's Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) has developed a new website to recount the individual stories of people who have had to flee their homes as a result of armed conflict and human rights.http://www.idpvoices.org/ (WTYLJ 03/09/07)
Newcomers - www.newcomers.org.uk E-list migrant and refugee education, benefits, education, employment, housing, training and welfare. Updates include multilingual and translated resources and new publications.
Website with education and employment advice for refugees and asylum seekers http://www.education-action.org/default.asp?pageref=203 Education Action International has produced a clear and inviting website with a lot of useful information for refugees and asylum seekers. [WTYL 21/05/07]
Africa Educational Trust http://www.africaeducationaltrust.org.uk/uk.html In the UK, Africa Educational Trust offers support for students and refugees of African descent, training and capacity building for London-based African organisations, lobbying and advocacy work with other organisations to represent the views and concerns of refugees and asylum seekers and it also manages various memorial funds. [WTYL 21/05/07]
Volunteers Centre Sheffield/ Refugee Housing Association/ WEA DVD 'Volunteering for Asylum Seekers & Refugees' (plus supplementary info on Voluntary Action Sheffield, and Good Practice Guidelines on Criminal Records Checks) (Email Gilly to borrow the SINTO Office copy)
Refugee Week June www.refugeeweek.org.uk See this website for details of events all over the country. Some events have their own website, for example in Birmingham see: <http://www.celebrating-sanctuary.org.uk/ (Info from Mary Harrington, Doncaster Libraries)
For immigration history, see www.movinghere.org.uk (includes Jewish, South Asian, Irish & Caribbean records)
The Refugees Communities History Project has produced mobile exhibitions, CDRoms, and a film available free of charge to Libraries: 020 7700 8143/ 214 or email jess@evelynoldfield.co.uk (UM 5 (3) March 2006)

Women

The Independent Asylum Commission (IAC) has just published its second and third reports: Safe return (2nd report) http://www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk/files/Safe%20Return%20final.pdf, the second report, looks at the issues surrounding the return of refused asylum-seekers; Deserving dignity (3rd report) http://www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk/files/10.07.08.pdf, [nb file is 5+Mb] the third report, looks at the treatment of asylum-seekers in terms of detention, the need for access to work, treatment of children, and the needs to ensure the dignity of women, torture survivors, those with health needs and LGBT asylum-seekers. (WTYL 21/07/08)
"Am I safe yet" WAST Manchester [Women Asylum Seekers Together] are publishing on 11 July a collection of narratives told by eleven of their members – “The narratives are horrific and can be difficult reading but there is no gentle way to describe the terrible reality that forces these women to flee from their home countries to seek international protection, and the often inhumane way in which they are treated while passing through the asylum system in the UK. Some of these stories have been told over and over again as the storyteller bares her very soul." Further details from http://www.wast.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=13 . (WTYL 07/07/08)
ICAR (Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees in the UK) has updated its navigation guide on women refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. It provides detailed overview of key issues and statistics and is accompanied by a succinct briefing paper, also available via: http://www.icar.org.uk/womensguide . (WTYL 02/06/08)
Quilts in the library http://poetrychook.blogspot.com/ Blog from Christchurch, New Zealand. See entry for Saturday November 17th about an exhibition of quilts made by the local Refugee and Migrant Quilt Group at her library. (WTYL 26/11/07)
Vulnerable women http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/supportourwork/vulnerable-women/index.htm As part of their winter appeal, the Refugee Council are launching 4 podcasts over the next four weeks, highlighting the Refugee Council’s work with vulnerable women who have claimed asylum in the UK, and the work the Refugee Council does to help them rebuild their lives in safety. (WTYL 26/11/07)

The Refugee Women's Resource Project has produced a leaflet directed at asylum-seeking women which explains the Home Office policy for deciding women's asylum claims. This is available to download from the weblink above in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Pashto, Somali, Turkish, Tigrinya, Urdu and Vietnamese. An audio CD for training and awareness-raising purposes is also available (free), covering the Home Office policy for deciding women’s asylum claims and the consequences if this policy is not followed. The six tracks can each be used individually (15 minutes total). The CD is in English only. For more information see above web link or e-mail women@asylumaid.org.uk [WTYL 30/07/07]
How to Set Up and Run a Women's Conversation Club http://www.nrcentre.org.uk/women/ConversationSetUp.html This handbook provides background on refugees and asylum seeker women, what a women's conversation club is and in 10 steps sets out how to set up and run one. The handbook is produced by the Northern Refugee Centre, which improve services and provides opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers in the Yorkshire and Humber region, but this is a very valuable document for use anywhere. [WTYL 21/05/07]
The East African Women’s Group (MAMA) is proud to announce the upcoming release of its fifth publication: The Asylum Seeker. The true accounts of numerous Somali asylum seekers have been seamlessly woven into this beautiful story, depicting the challenges of a country haunted by its Colonial past and its dictatorship rule.” (Press Release) This new publication costs £12 – for further information or to place an order, please ‘phone +44 (0)114 275 2955, or email mama.sar@workstation.org.uk or amina@mamalink.org [WTYL 25/06/07 and Laura Bell].

Children & Young People

The Independent Asylum Commission (IAC) has just published its second and third reports: Safe return (2nd report) http://www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk/files/Safe%20Return%20final.pdf, the second report, looks at the issues surrounding the return of refused asylum-seekers; Deserving dignity (3rd report) http://www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk/files/10.07.08.pdf, [nb file is 5+Mb] the third report, looks at the treatment of asylum-seekers in terms of detention, the need for access to work, treatment of children, and the needs to ensure the dignity of women, torture survivors, those with health needs and LGBT asylum-seekers. (WTYL 21/07/08)
Leading Edge In partnership with schools, colleges and other support services, the Children’s Society Leading Edge initiative aims to improve the experience of young refugees in education. The initiative is active in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester, and Oxford to provide advice and support to parents and carers, homework clubs and anti-bullying projects, and raise awareness of the needs and experiences of young refugees. If you work in a public library service in these areas and want to get involved contact rashid.iqbal@childrenssociety.org.uk More information about the initiative at: http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/all_about_us/how_we_do_it/working_with_children_and_young_people/pro_leading_edge/2048.html (WTYL 29/06/08)
Shared Futures is a new DVD and resource pack that promotes the integration of refugee children and young people in school and the wider community. The DVD, divided into nine chapters, showcases effective practice across the UK. The resource pack provides guidance and training workshop activities linked to the DVD. Shared Futures has been developed by Salusbury World and funded by Comic Relief. The material can support practitioners in a range of settings. Advice and consultancy is available for local services, schools, and youth and community settings wishing to use Shared Futures to develop their work. You can view Chapter 1 of the DVD as a sample from the website: http://www.sharedfutures.org.uk/dvd.html . To order the DVD and pack see website for more details: http://www.sharedfutures.org.uk/index2.html (WTYL 23/06/08)
My friend Jamal is a new title from a new publisher – Alanna Books. “Unlike many similar books, it does not follow the life of the 'foreign' child in the 'foreign' country, but rather takes a child who was born here in the UK (of refugee parents) and looks at the friendship he is forging with a British child - the narrator of the story, Joseph.” For more information, see: http://www.alanna.demon.co.uk/alanna-newtitles.html (WTYL 26/05/08)
Beyond the school gates: supporting refugees and asylum seekers in secondary schools This report presents the findings from research undertaken as part of the Inclusive Secondary Schools Project funded by the KPMG Foundation. The project has researched and piloted new ways of working that link schools with refugee and asylum-seeking young people, their parents/ carers and Refugee Community Organisations: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/20DFFA86-F65B-4C2B-84EC-855A2A0B59A4/0/inclusiveschools_may08.pdf (WTYL 19/05/08)
As noted in WTYL Digest 07/04/08, the Who do we think we are? educational programme engages primary and secondary school teachers in the exploration of identity, diversity and citizenship with children and young people – in their schools, local communities and nationally. The website is now live: http://www.whodowethinkweare.org.uk/ (WTYL 12/05/08)
Who do we think we are? educational programme engages primary and secondary school teachers in the exploration of identity, diversity and citizenship with children and young people – in their schools, local communities and nationally. The project is led by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), Historical Association, and Citizenship Consultant Paula Kitching & supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). It will culminate in a week of activities 23-28 June 2008. See: http://www.whodowethinkweare.org/ (WTYL 07/04/08)
The Children's Legal Centre website has an information note on the educational entitlements of asylum seekers, refugees and people granted limited leave to remain: http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/Refugee+and+Asylum+Seeking+Children/Resources/Education.htm (there are also FAQs about under 16s, FE and HE). (CLC 01/04/08)
Community Care website. Briefings on “the bigger picture”
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/List.aspx?NavigationID=153&SlotPageID=32 This expert guide section of the Community Care website has very readable briefings on a wide range of topics. Although intended for those involved in the social care sector these could be very useful background for library staff. Topics covered include, for example, the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (WTYL 10/03/08)
STAR (Student Action for refugees) has launched a new interactive online resource for young people, Refugee Map: http://www.star-network.org.uk/index.php/news/comments/refugeemap_launched/
YoungMinds magazine's featured download for March 2008 is a copy of Angela Neustatter's article on the effects of asylum on young people's mental health.- see: http://www.youngminds.org.uk/document-library/pdf/ymm-featured-downloads/YMM-featured-download-iss-93.pdf The hard-copy of YoungMinds magazine (see http://www.youngminds.org.uk/join-us/youngminds-magazine for info), the latest issue (no.93, March/April) also has an important article about the recent spate of - largely unreported - suicides of young Kurdish and Turkish men ("'They would rather die than live their lives like this'", pp32-34). (WTYL 25/03/08)
Caring for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people – China and Somalia by Eileen Fursland, £2.00 each, BAAF, February 2008, 20 pages approx. To find out more visit: http://www.baaf.org.uk/res/pubs/books/book_cuasc.shtml How to order these titles: Order online at http://www.baaf.org.uk/res/pubs/books/book_cuasc.shtml ; Or call our publications sales team on 020 7421 2604; Or email pubs.sales@baaf.org.uk Please note BAAF always require prepayment. [British Association for Adoption & Fostering, Saffron House, 6-10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS, tel 020 7421 2600, email mail@baaf.org.uk ] These pamphlets aim to help foster carers and others learn about the circumstances that unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people have experienced, the effect of traumatic events on these young people, what their needs are likely to be, what issues are important for them now, and how they can help these young people cope with the profound changes in their young lives. There are also three other country specific pamphlets focusing on Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iran. (LACJ 26/02/08 & WTYL 03/03/08)
Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children's Project. After temporarily closing in May 2007, the Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children's Project of the Children's Legal Centre has been re-launched, providing accurate, detailed, and up to date legal information about this area of children’s rights. There is an FAQ section including: Age Assessment; Support; Education under 16; Further and higher education; Work and training; Transition at 18; Border & Immigration Agency (BIA) and Government Policy. See: http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/
Refugee+and+Asylum+Seeking+Children/Advising/Advising/FAQ/ (Children's Legal Centre's Refugee and Asylum Seeking Children's Project (CLC) - Update February 2008)
A guide to meaningful consultation with young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. New guidance document from the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues in Victoria, Australia: http://www.cmyi.net.au/uploads/downloads/cmyi/pdfs/
Publications/ConsideringConsulting.pdf (WTYL 21/01/08)
Moving Here Schools www.movinghere.org.uk/schools Just launched as the latest part of the project led by The National Archives, this website contains a broad range of learning resources, including interactive activities, which has been designed to be used across the school curriculum. The site is ideal to support pupils at Key Stage 2 and 3 (ages 8-14) for History, Geography, Citizenship and ICT. Working with a range of heritage institutions, the project has enabled different minority communities to record their own stories of migration using a variety of sources - stories are told through audio, video, photographs, film and crafts. (WTYL 26/11/07)
Learning to read a new culture http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/201854/0053801.pdf
Interesting research report which looks at "how immigrant and asylum seeking children experience Scottish identity through classroom books". (WTYL 19/11/07 and IRR weekly digest, 16 November)
Against All Odds - online game for children to experience what it’s like to be a refugee: http://www.playagainstallodds.com/ The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR has just launched an English language version of this game. The game is designed to be of educational value and is primarily aimed at schoolchildren. Further background information at: http://www.unhcr.org/news/NEWS/4731b5064.html (WTYL 12/11/07 and http://refugee-archives.blogspot.com/ )
Children's books by Nicki Cornwell about asylum seekers and refugeeshttp://www.nickicornwell.com/book_&_articles.htm Not new publications, but Christophe's Story (see weblink above for details of this and other titles) has just come out in an American edition. (WTYL 05/11/07) Four Feet Two Sandals http://www.amazon.com/Four-Feet-Sandals-Karen-William/dp/0802852963 Just published in the United States and based on co-author Khadra Mohammed's experiences with refugees in Peshawar, a city on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Four Feet, Two Sandals is a children's picturebook about ten-year-old Lina and her young friend who each discover one of a wonderful pair of sandals. (WTYL 05/11/07)
My new school http://www.interruptedlearning.com/ Paramount Training Education and Development Centre runs courses to support those in teaching profession working with refugees and asylum seekers. The website also has details of a board game "My New School" available to help new pupils with the induction, inclusion and assessment procedures in a school environment. (WTYL 24/09/07)
The British Association for Adoption & Fostering has produced a series of pamphlets aimed at foster carers looking after unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people, consisting of an introductory overview pamphlet and three pamphlets that focus on young people coming from Eritrea, Afghanistan and Iran. For more information and how to order see website. [WTYL 10/09/07]
The Children's Panel at the Refugee Council has opened new office in Birmingham and Leeds. The Children’s Panel works with separated children who are under the age of 18 when they enter the UK. The team can also work with asylum seeking young people under 21 who, in the absence of a parent, are caring for younger brothers and sisters. http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/news/2007/july/20070719.htm

[WTYL 06/08/07]
Fostering, Child Protection and Rights of Young Refugees "Zuhra Bahman and Associates is a young company aiming to provide high quality professional and friendly training from a human rights perspective on issues related to refugees and children. We would like to help you understand and help refugee children reach their full potential. All involved in Zuhra Bahman and Associates have first hand experience of the asylum system in the UK as well as a wide range of professional experience of working with refugee children and in human rights field. Further info from: zuhra@zuhrabahman.com. [WTYL 21/05/07]
Life and Law in Britain An illustrated guide for young asylum seekers and refugees (and those who support them), outlining young people’s legal rights and responsibilities in Britain, and the ways in which everyday matters are customarily dealt with.
http://www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/main/resource.php?s309 [WTYL 21/05/07]
Supporting young asylum seekers
http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/doc.asp?doc=19458&cat=2514
Details of a survey conducted by London Councils and the LGA, with recommendations arising from it in relation to funding to support young asylum seekers. (LACJ 04/03/07)
Child first, migrant second: Ensuring that every child matters, ILPA (2006) http://www.ilpa.org.uk/ (CLC 01/06/06)
'Research in progress on supporting asylum-seeker and refugee children' focuses on the support offered to asylum-seeker and refugee children and their families and how, in turn, this may lead to improvements in meeting the educational, social and cultural needs of pupils within school. For more information about what the research covers see http://www.nfer.ac.uk/research-areas/pims-data/outlines/
supporting-asylum-seeker-and-refugee-children.cfm Public library services developing work with asylum seekers and refugees may find the information gathered in this report very useful, and/or wish to make contact before the research is complete. It aims to flag up gaps in provision and therefore provides an advocacy opportunity for public libraries where they may be well-placed to play a strong role.
Refugee and Asylum Seeker Children's home page on Children's Legal Centre Website: http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/Templates/
Internal.asp?NodeID=90033 (CLC 01/03/07)
Multiverse - refugee children resource list www.multiverse.ac.uk provides teacher educators and student teachers/ trainees with resources that focus on the educational achievement of pupils from diverse backgrounds. The website includes a Refugee Children resource list page with background reading, children's books, teaching packs, useful educational websites and organisations working with refugees. See http://www.multiverse.ac.uk/viewArticle.aspx?categoryId=467&taggingType=1&contentId=379
Ealing's Southall Library ran an event for Children in Refugee week where they wrote a webpage: http://www.freewebs.com/childrenlibrary/ (WTYL 13/0706)
Warwickshire Libraries also celebrated the event, contact: irenajones@warwickshire.gov.uk (WTYL 14/07/06) Ask Gilly at SINTO Office if you want to see the report written by Irena.
Society of Chief Libarians have agreed that children and young people who are Travellers/ Looked After Children/ Refugees & Asylum Seekers can return library materials to any library in the UK without any overdue charges being made. The library will then return materials to the originating library free of charge. For further information, contact: Assoc of Senior Children's & Education Librarians (ASCEL) Vice Chair, Lesley Sim lesley.sim@westsussex.gov.uk ; The Network - tackling exclusion in libraries, museums, archives and galleries, John Vincent john@nadder.org.uk ; Youth & Schools Panel (YASP) of CILIP, Chair, Liz Dubber lizdubber@lycosmax.co.uk ; Society of Chief Librarians (SCL), Chair, Rob Froud RNFroud@somerset.gov.uk
'Many Happy Returns' To be broadcast on Channel 4, 8 June at 11.10am. Each year around 2,500 children arrive in the UK from other countries unaccompanied by parents, guardians, identification or documentation. Until their 18th birthdays the Home Office gives them 'Leave to Remain' and they are given a home, a place at school and a small weekly allowance. But once they turn 18, their lives change. By becoming adults they lose all their protection as children and have to apply for asylum. 90 per cent of applicants are turned down and can be deported at any time. This documentary follows the lives of three 17-year-old asylum seekers who have all spent their teenage years growing up in the UK, and asks whether they should stay. http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/M/mycrazylife/docs.html (WTYL 07/06/06)

Older People

Report of the Older Refugees Conference This Conference took place in January, and was the culmination of a two-year joint programme focussing on older refugees by Age Concern, the Refugee Council and the Association of Greater London Older Women. The report, plus presentations, are now available to download: http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/older-refugee-conference.asp (WTYL 21/04/08 and Refugee Council Newsletter, 14 April 2008)
A Working Paper for the Older Refugees Programme – A Literature Review and Interviews with Refugees http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/policy/position/2008/older_refugees.htm The Older Refugees Programme is a partnership project between Age Concern England, the Refugee Council, Age Concern London and the Association of Greater London Women (AGLOW). These two previously-published reports were re-issued for the conference on older refugees ‘From Isolation to Integration’ held earlier in January and are available to download from weblink above. The Literature Review provides a comprehensive overview of previous research on issues relating to older refugees’ experience in the UK, and identifies a series of research questions which are worthy of consideration for further research in this important area. (WTYL 28/01/08)
Older asylum seekers suffer isolation say leading charities http://www.blackbritain.co.uk/news/details.aspx?i=2629&c=uk Age Concern and the Refugee Council have found that older refugees and asylum seekers are a virtually invisible group that suffers both isolation and discrimination. (WTYL 21/01/08 & www.irr.org.uk e newsletter)

Training & events

World Library and Information Congress: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council "Libraries without borders: Navigating towards global understanding" http://www.ifla.org:80/IV/ifla74/Programme2008.htm 10-14 Aug, Quebec. There are some fascinating papers being given, including: "Changing Demographics: Marketing to Communities in Transition: Reaching Out to New Immigrants" - Fred Gitner http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/papers/118-Gitner-en.pdf (WTYL 28/07/08)
The multimedia documentary theatre production from Birmingham-based Banner Theatre, They get free mobiles, don’t they? sets out to bust some of the myths about refugees and asylum seekers. Combining music, song, video, film and theatre, it speaks for asylum seekers in their quest for safety and security after fleeing war-torn lands in Africa and the Middle East. It tells the human stories of people in the wrong place at the wrong time, and cuts through the myths and prejudice surrounding the search for sanctuary in England’s green but sometimes not so pleasant land. June 2008 tour dates in the SINTO area include Mansfield and Halifax. For the full schedule see: http://www.bannertheatre.co.uk/tour_schedule.htm (WTYL 19/05/08 and Refugee Council news review 29 Apr-12 May 08)
Refugee Week is a UK wide programme of cultural and educational events which celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and aims to encourage better understanding between communities. This year Refugee week is from 16th to 25th June, and will be the tenth one to be celebrated. For more information about Refugee Week and what’s happening near you visit www.refugeeweek.org.uk. To check out and order our Promotional Materials please click on the link below: http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/getinvolved/Refugee+Week+Shop/. The website also includes a huge range of free downloadable materials including logos, an image gallery and flash movie, 3 sticker designs and 4 downloadable banners. The Downloadable Materials section also includes 20 different poster designs so you can pick and choose whatever image you want to represent your Refugee Week! All the posters are designed to be printed off onto A4 paper and come in full colour or black and white. You can see all of the promotional and downloadable materials here: http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/Events/Promotional+Materials.htm (Gerdy Rees, Project Worker, Refugee Week UK, 020 7346 1215 circulated via WTYL 15/05/08)
New resource from the Federation for Community Development Learning on How to set up a refugee community organisation: http://www.fcdl.org.uk/projects/Improving%20Reach/documents/RCO.htm designed with and for new and emerging refugee community organisations to help them establish themselves. Details: ISBN: 978-1-904111-15-3. Price: free to refugee community organisations; £15 per copy to voluntary and community organisations; £30 to statutory organisations. All prices include p&p. 10% discount to FCDL members. To order, please email admin@fcdl.org.uk or contact the Federation on tel. 0114 253 6770, fax: 0114 253 6771. (WTYL 05/05/08)
Zuhra Bahman, Children's Rights trainer, now has a website including a calendar of events: http://www.zuhrabahman.com/ (WTYL 19/05/08 and www.refed.org.uk)
Refugee Week Conference, Friday 15 February 2008, 10–16.30. Human Rights Action Centre, Amnesty International, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/Events/Refugee+Week+Conference+2008.htm Free conference to provide participants with an opportunity to: celebrate their achievements with regards to Refugee Week; learn from others about models of good practice; input further into the future development of Refugee Week; discuss issues of concern and future support needs; make specific recommendations with regards to Refugee Week 2008; enjoy themselves. (WTYL 17/12/07)
MLA Yorkshire's latest Audience Development Toolkit Resource Banks are now available on their website. This includes advice for Working with the Asylum Seeker & Refugee Community
Welcome to Your Library have a calendar of training and events: http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/calendar.asp?page_id=21 (WTYL 01/10/07)
They get free mobiles....don't they? Touring from Fri 28 Sep to Wed 7 Nov, this New multimedia documentary theatre production from Birmingham-based Banner Theatre, which sets out to bust some of the myths about refugees and asylum seekers. This live multimedia show, combining music, song, video, film and theatre, speaks for asylum seekers in their quest for safety and security after fleeing war-torn lands in Africa and the Middle East. Tour dates include: Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield, Huddersfield, and Bradford (amongst others). For more information see website. http://www.bannertheatre.co.uk/tour_schedule.htm (WTYL 17/09/07)
Building communities: equality and diversity in action Leeds 7 November 2007/ London 28 November 2007 http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/eventsandtraining/conferences
/buildingcommunities.htm With the recent publication of the Commission on Integration and Cohesion’s report Our shared future and the launch in October 2007 of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights these Refugee Council conferences seek to clarify the legislative background to refugee integration and examine current policy and practice in this area; establishing it both as a critical issue in its own right and as an essential element within the wider context of community cohesion. (WTYLJ 28/08/07)

Funding

Access to Funding bulletin http://www.refugeeaccess.info/default.asp?step=4&pid=71 This funding bulletin is for refugee and asylum-related projects. Some of the funding streams mentioned are specific to refugee and asylum projects, but most are general. See weblink above for the final edition (updated January 2008). (WTYL 21/01/08)
London Libraries Development Agency, London Health Commission and MLA London are running five year long pilots of Skilled for Health learning sessions in five London boroughs. The sessions are to help disadvantaged adults (eg migrants, ex-offenders, young mothers & the homeless), to improve their helath and well-being while developing literacy, language or numeracy skills. (UM 6 (11) Nov 2007 pg 15)
Their Past Your Future 2 http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets//T/TPYF2_yr_1_projects_12500.pdf The successful bids have just been announced. (WTYL 17/10/07). Projects that will be funded in the SINTO region include (& include Refugees): Yorkshire Waterways Museum (Based in Goole, veterans, community groups and schools will work together to develop an exhibition around the social and economic impact of WWII on the local area and its people); Cannon Hall Museum (veterans and young people will work together to produce an e-learning package looking at personal experiences of conflict and the legacies of these for succeeding generations); Leeds Libraries (the Relay project involving community groups, including refugee groups, sharing perspectives on conflict through creative writing and technology); Wakefield Cultural Services and Libraries (work with young people to create a databank of war stories to increase understanding of 'commemoration, remembrance, and citizenship'); North Yorkshire County Record Office (prisoners in Northallerton to work with archives to create learning journeys).
The KPMG Foundation provides grants for projects with disadvantaged people, with particular emphasis on unlocking the potential of children and young people up to 30 years of age. Particular groups of interest include; Refugees; Young offenders; Children and young people who have been in care; Children and young people with dyslexia/literacy difficulties. The Foundation considers applications once a year, and throughout the year they capture all organizations keen to apply for funding on a database. If you would like your details added to the database email kpmgfoundation@kpmg.co.uk. Once the Trustees agree a funding date they will write to all organisations on the database providing them with details of how to apply. For further information visit: http://www.kpmg.co.uk/about/foundation/ap.cfm (WTYL 15/10/07)
The Refugee Community Development Fund (RCDF) Grants up to £10,000 available to organisations working with refugees and refugee communities The fund is intended to support Refugee Community Organisations to establish the capacity to enable them to participate in accessing mainstream funding. Grants are available to fund a range of different costs and activities, falling into two broad categories:Development Costs (including start-up costs for newly emerging groups) • Activity-based Costs (e.g. educational activities, community engagement activities such as providing outreach services)Deadline for applications: 11 August 2006. For more information visit: www.governmentfunding.org.uk(MLAY 18/07)

Citizenship and help with Citizenship Tests

Lord Goldsmith QC Citizenship Review - Details of the review at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/reviews/citizenship.htm together with links to three pamphlets, produced in the last few months on (1) the Future of Citizenship Ceremonies (which mentions libraries on p11), (2) Mentoring for New Migrants, and (3) Becoming a British Citizen: a Learning Journey. (WTYL 10/03/08)
Contract for citizenship - Major changes are proposed to the way foreign nationals achieve British citizenship. A government Green Paper, entitled The path to citizenship: next steps in reforming the immigration system, published 20 February 2008, sets out details of the government’s plans, including a citizenship contract that would set out each new citizen’s rights and responsibilities. For an outline of the proposals see: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/contract-for-citizenship There is now a consultation period on the Green Paper (deadline for responses 14 May 2008). Both the Green Paper and a questionnaire for responses are available at: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/consultations/pathtocitizenship/ To respond to the consultation or if you would like a hard copy of the Green Paper please email: ImmigrationReform@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk (WTYL 25/02/08) Also see documents about the points based system at: http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/managingourborders/pbsdocs/ (WTYL 03/03/08)
US Citizenship and Immigration Services Taskforce on New Americans has produced a Civics and Citizenship Toolkit for public libraries to help them begin or enhance their collections and resources for immigrants. One copy is available to every library in the USA free of charge. For more information about what it contains see: http://www.citizenshiptoolkit.gov/ (WTYL 22/10/07)
Cambridge University Press have a mock test which is very close to the real Life in the UK Test. The Test consists of 24 questions. Forty-five minutes are allowed for the test, but most people complete it in much less. There are four types of question in the online test. The first type is multiple choice, where one answer is selected from four options. The second type of question is "true or false". The next type involves selecting two correct answers from four options. The last question type asks which one of two statements is correct. Try this and see if you'd pass to become a UK citizen: http://www.cambridge.org/elt/esol/citizenshiptest.htm (Mary Harrington, Doncaster Libraries, 25/09/07)

Controversial Material & the Terrorism Bill

John Pateman has a letter in Update about how a university worker in Nottingham, Hicham Yezza, faces deportation under the Terrorism Act for helping a student access controversial material. (UM 7 [7-8] July/ August 2008 p30). For information on the campaign to support Hicham Yezza, see: http://freehicham.co.uk/
To see CILIP's response to the MLA Draft Guidance on the Management of Controversial Material, go to www.cilip.org.uk/policyadvocacy and www.thebookseller.co.uk/blogs/57957-a-neutral-space.html (UM 7 [6] June 2008 p5)
Hey Minister - leave those books alone is an article by John Pateman responding to MLA's draft guidelines on extremist material in Update Magazine. He warns of 'a threat to stock selection' and 'challenges [to] the professional ethics of the librarian'. (UM 7 (3) March 2008 pp20-21) Responses to as WTYL enquiry about Refugees, asylum-seekers, migrant workers & local studies/ archives are at: http://www.seapn.org.uk/content_files/files/enquiry___refugees_asylum_seekers_and_local_studies.doc (WTYL 17/03/08)
Have a look at MLA's Consultation on draft guidance on the management of controversial material in public libraries: http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets//C/controversial_material_12579.pdf To send in comments, email: libraryconsultation@mla.gov.uk (MLAY News E-bulletin 31/01/08 and (UM 7 (1-2) Jan/Feb 2008 p2) Consultation on draft guidance on the management of controversial material in public libraries. The Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) is seeking comments on this draft guidance (which is aimed primarily at public library managers and heads of local authority cultural services) by 7 April 2008. See http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets/C/ controversial_material_12579.pdf For related material, see the section on the 'Terrorism Bill' further down this page. (WTYL 21/01/08)
'Guidance' on Stock Planned: MLA and DCMS are to agree a 'common approach to deal with inflammatory and extremist material that some seek to distribute through public libraries, whilst also protecting freedom of speech' announced the PM on 13th November in a speech on terrorism. (UM Dec 2007 Vol 6 (12) p 3)
Preserving users' privacy in spite of surveillance an article by Elspeth Hyams, explores Tobias Sack's assessment of the impactr of the anti-terrorism measures on public library practice. (UM 6 (10) Oct 2007 pg 26-28)
A library consortium has been formed to lobby government on the wording of the terrorism bill - clause two includes new offences such as lending a 'terrorist publication'. See www.cilip.org.uk/professionalguidance/terrorismbill [Update Dec 05 Vol 4 (12) pp 2 & 16] The LIS consortium challenging the wording of the Terrorism Bill achieved the amendment required to prevent librarians being charged with dissemination of terrorist publications. (UM March 2006). There is also an article on the campaign by Clive Field in the Update Magazine for July/ August 2006.

Background Reading

Anyone who wants more background reading material should sign up to The Network's jiscmail list for refugees & asylum seekers run by John Vincent and Helen Carpenter of Welcome to Your Library (see the first five bullet points below).

"The Network - tackling social exclusion in libraries, museums, archives and galleries" (see www.seapn.org.uk ), coordinates a number of email lists (using JISCMAIL) including one for Refugees & Asylum Seekers. To subscribe, simply send an email to john@nadder.org.uk . To send an email to the list, email wtyl@jiscmail.ac.uk (WTYL = Welcome To Your Library)
See the Welcome to Your Library website to subscribe to their e-newsletter http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/ [Welcome to Your Library project won the CILIP/ LIS Libraries Change Lives Award for 2007. To view a film of all three finalists, go to: www.myspace.com/librarieschangelives ]
New Network website: The Network (partner in WTYL) has just launched its website, redesigned by Electric Putty (who designed the WTYL site) www.seapn.org.uk (WTYL 05/11/07) [It's very tasteful and easy to navigate round - Gilly]
The Welcome To Your Library Evaluation Report and Good Practice Guide are available on the WTYL website. The Evaluation Report in full is at: http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/content_files/files/
WTYLEvaluationReportNov07.pdf, and the Executive Summary is also available separately at: http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/content_files/files/
ExecSummaryWTYLEvaluationReportNov07.pdf. The report introduces WTYL, and then assesses the project's achievements; impact; the distance travelled by the project partners; and key findings, including lessons learned from the work, and recommendations for ensuring that this way of working is taken up and mainstreamed by all library services. The Good Practice Guide is at: http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/content_files/files/
WTYLGoodPracticeGuideNov07.pdf. The Guide looks at making sense of policy (putting our work into a wider context); making plans; making partnerships work; making the library welcoming; and making an impact. (WTYL 3/12/07)
There are archived copies of WTYL E-Digest at: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/archives/wtyl.html And from January '08 these will also be on the WTYL website: http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/editorial.asp?page_id=77 (WTYL 18/02/08)
New research reports about library & information provision in mid-Wales Cadwyn Y Canolbarth is the mid-Wales library partnership, and they have just published two pieces of research undertaken by the Department of Information Studies, Aberystwyth. The first looks at ethnic services provision in mid-Wales (http://online.coleg-powys.ac.uk/file.php/347/Libraries_For_Life_MUES_Report_Final.doc) with recommendations for development. The second report looks at rural information needs, with specific focuses on health needs and migrant workers (http://online.coleg-powys.ac.uk/file.php/347/Mid_Wales_Library_and_Information_Partnership_Rural_Information_Needs_Report_Final.doc). (WTYL 21/07/08)
Immigration and inclusion in South Wales - http://www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/eBooks/2290-wales-migration-cohesion.pdf Mewnfudo a chynhwysiant yn Ne Cymru http://www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialpolicy/pdf/2250-welsh.pdf New report from Joseph Rowntree Foundation (available in Welsh and English via links above). “This research explores the impact of new migration on established communities in south-east Wales, in particular on the issues of community, integration and cohesion.” (WTYL 21/07/08)
The Independent Asylum Commission (IAC) has just published its second and third reports: Safe return (2nd report) http://www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk/files/Safe%20Return%20final.pdf, the second report, looks at the issues surrounding the return of refused asylum-seekers; Deserving dignity (3rd report) http://www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk/files/10.07.08.pdf, [nb file is 5+Mb] the third report, looks at the treatment of asylum-seekers in terms of detention, the need for access to work, treatment of children, and the needs to ensure the dignity of women, torture survivors, those with health needs and LGBT asylum-seekers. (WTYL 21/07/08)
"Reluctant refuge" New title published by the British Library, which "attempts to show how current attitudes reflect a centuries-old tradition of ambivalence towards the world’s dispossessed, fuelled by economic protectionism and the perceived need to maintain social cohesion. Woven throughout are the voices of asylum seekers and refugees, illuminating the uncertain and often challenging future they face here in Britain." Further details from: http://shop.bl.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/BritishLibrary/ISBN_9780712308878 . (WTYL 07/07/08)
Consultation on the new Equality Framework for Local Government (http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8488097 IDeA have produced an updated version of the Framework for consultation (http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/aio/8493290 ) – they want views from local authorities that have implemented the Equality Standard, and the deadline is 16 Aug 2008. This new version picks up particularly on changes in local demography (including migration), and simplifies the process, whilst also broadening the definitions “which includes the groups that enjoy legal protection against discrimination – race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age – but also encourages authorities to work with other groups who may face disadvantage and discrimination, such as white working class boys, looked after children and groups like Gypsies and Travellers whose needs have often been ignored.” (WTYL 07/07/08)
Land of no return All across the country, communities are organising themselves to stop their friends and neighbours from being deported. From lobbying the Home Office to foiling dawn raids, the resistance will stop at nothing to keep failed asylum-seekers safe in Britain. See: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/jun/13/immigration.immigrationpolicy for this article by Rachel Stevenson and Harriet Grant in The Guardian Fri 13 June. (WTYL 23/06/08)
Read about North Lincolnshire Libraries & Education Diversity Service (http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/wikireadia/index.php?title=North_Lincolnshire_Libraries_%26_the_Education_Diversity_Service ) and North Yorkshire's work with Polish and Lithuanian communities (http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/wikireadia/index.php?title=Books_in_Polish_-_North_Yorkshire ) in Wikireadia (NYOR 2008). (WTYL 23/06/08)
Paddington Bear faces questions on asylum status - The new Paddington bear book “Paddington Here and Now” has just been published in which the bear is questioned by police over his residency status. See the report in the Guardian at: http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,2225679,00.html (WTYL 16/06/08)
Review of Migrant Integration Policy in the UK - Important background paper that reviews “the current strategic and policy framework, processes and provisions in place or under development to support the integration of new migrants. On this basis it considers where further provision is required. The review includes a feasibility study of the need for an Integration Agency to support new migrants, as recommended by the Commission for Integration and Cohesion.” See http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/838994.pdf for a pdf of the report. (WTYL 16/06/08)
The word "asylum" should be phased out in regards to foreigners seeking safe haven in Britain and replaced with "sanctuary", a first report of conclusions and recommendations by the Independent Asylum Commission suggests. The report is entitled Saving Sanctuary [ http://www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk/ ] (BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7409652.stm annd WTYL 02/06/08)
Arts and refugees: history, impact and future - the Baring Foundation (along with two other funders, the Arts Council England, London and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation), commissioned Hybrid Consultancy to look at work over the last fifteen years across the UK to involve refugees and asylum seekers in the arts. The researchers identified over 200 arts organisations working with refugees across all media. The report was launched at the Baring Foundation on 20th May. Hard copies of this publication are available free, while stocks last, from the Baring Foundation office. The report includes full contact details for Hybrid Consultancy and each of the funders. Recommended reading and partnership opportunities for public libraries. See: http://www.baringfoundation.org.uk/publications.htm to access full report. (WTYL 26/05/08)
Floodgates or turnstiles? Post-EU enlargement migration flows to (and from) the UK This report from ippr looks at the scale and nature of migration from the eight new Central and Eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 and, to a lesser extent, from Romania and Bulgaria, which joined in 2007, and gives some useful background information about Polish migrant workers: http://www.ippr.org/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=603 (WTYL 19/05/08)
The Queens Library Foundation raises funds for Queens Library in New York, in order to provide exceptional and innovative programmes and services to enrich the lives of the people of Queens. Click link above to watch the DVD, Enriching Lives: Four Stories : http://www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_nm=enrich (10mins) to see how Queens Library impacts positively on the lives of four residents (Enmi: New American succeeds; Sydelle: Senior enjoys life; Kessler: Teen builds a future; Diane: Adult literacy brings new opportunities). (WTYL 05/05/08)
A poisoned debate Piece by Danny Sriskandarajah, head of migration at ippr. The problem with discussing immigration is that anecdote and prejudice fill the gaps where we lack good data - the Lords report is no exception: http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/dhananjayan_sriskandarajah/2008/04/a_poisoned_debate.html (WTYL 28/04/08)
What are today’s social evils? Summary of new research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, identifying what a cross-section of the public identify as “today’s social evils”. Includes comments on immigration and responses to immigration: http://www.socialevils.org.uk/documents/social-evils-summary.pdf . (WTYL 28/04/08)
Right to Work - The Refugee Council, together with the TUC, have launched a campaign for the right of asylum-seekers to work in the UK. See: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/gettinginvolved/campaign/righttowork/righttowork.htm (WTYL 21/04/08 and Refugee Council Newsletter, 14 April 2008)
City of Sanctuary national conference Wed 4 June, Sheffield, 11am-4.30pm Could your town or city become an official 'City of Sanctuary' for refugees and asylum-seekers? You are invited to the first City of Sanctuary National Conference. To book a free place or for more information please contact: craig@cityofsanctuary.org or visit or visit www.cityofsanctuary.org (WTYL 14/04/08)
New Arrivals project – current work with New Arrivals http://www.seapn.org.uk/content_files/files/new_arrivals_work_for_rem.doc Brief outline of current work being undertaken in Lincolnshire. (WTYL 14/04/08)
Local experiences of migration: consulting Coventry The Welcome Project, a partnership between Coventry City Council and Coventry Refugee Centre, commissioned ICAR (Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees: http://www.icar.org.uk/ ) to conduct a consultation with local residents on community relations and integration issues, published in February 2008. The research explored attitudes and relations amongst and between the host population, asylum-seekers and refugees and other new migrants. The findings aim to inform community cohesion and integration strategies at the neighbourhood and city levels. Some interviews took place in public libraries in Bell Green and Willenhall. The report includes a comment from a respondent (p24) about library stock in different languages, reflecting some of the issues that the report discusses. For the full report (60 pages): http://www.icar.org.uk/download/Local%20experiences_of_migration_Coventry_report.pdf and executive summary (8 pages): http://www.icar.org.uk/download/Local%20experiences_of_migration_Coventry_summary.pdf . (WTYL 07/04/08)
The Economic Impact of Migration http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldeconaf.htm#reports Report by the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee which challenges measures used by government to assess impact of migration on the economy and living standards. See also response from PM as reported on BBC website http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7324485.stm. (WTYL 07/04/08)
Fit for purpose yet? The Independent Asylum Commission's Interim Findings Report of the IAC was published on 27th March 2008. The report has concluded that Britain's treatment of asylum-seekers "falls seriously below the standards to be expected of a humane and civilised society". The full report is available at: http://www.independentasylumcommission.org.uk/files/Fit%20for%20Purpose%20Yet.pdf ; there is a summary at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/asylum-review-executive-summary-801031.html; and follow-on stories (particularly the letter from a group of peers) is at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/asylum-the-peers-revolt-801745.html (WTYL 31/03/08
Welcome stranger: public libraries build the global village New 20 page report from Urban Libraries Council in the US details five broad strategies that public libraries are using for successful immigrant inclusion and community adaptation: Understanding local immigration dynamics; Bringing cultural and language sensitivity to service delivery; Building English capacity; Creating connections to local institutions; Encouraging civic engagement. Based on surveys of member libraries augmented with data from earlier work, the findings show that urban public libraries are in the forefront of the effort to make their cities stronger by welcoming and integrating new residents from all over the world and highlights promising and replicable practice and strategies. An article by Norman Oder in Library Journal about the report http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6534210.html picks up that it is aimed not just at library leaders, but at public and foundation officials and that public libraries are often ahead of other agencies (eg census bureau) in collecting formal and informal data on settlement patterns and needs of immigrants and refugees. Full report can be downloaded from http://www.urbanlibraries.org/publications/details.html (WTYL 25/03/08)
The Difference Dividend: Why immigration is vital to innovation http://www.nesta.org.uk/informing/provocations/charles_leadbeater2.aspx is a paper (January 2008) by Charles Leadbetter for NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts). It is part of NESTA’s Provocations, which include extended essays by key thought leaders working in innovation. All Provocations are available to download from the NESTA website at: http://www.nesta.org.uk/informing/provocations/index.aspx (WTYL 25/02/08)
Two new reports from Runnymede Trust Community Study Reports: Empowering individuals & creating community: Thai perspectives on life in Britain http://www.runnymedetrust.org/uploads/file/EmpoweringIndividualsCreatingCommunity-2008.pdf , and Living transnationally: Romanian migrants in London http://www.runnymedetrust.org/uploads/file/LivingTransnationally-2008.pdf (WTYL 18/02/08)
None deadlier than The Mail On 24 January The New Statesman published an extract from a new book by Nick Davies, Flat Earth News: An Award-Winning Reporter Exposes Falsehood, Distortion and Propaganda in the Global Media in which he criticised the accuracy of the Daily Mail’s reporting on asylum issues and its political impact: http://www.newstatesman.com/print/200801240030 (WTYL 11/02/08 & Refugee Council news review newsletter)
A community profile of EU8 migrants in Edinburgh and an evaluation of their access to key services http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/207638/0055078.pdf (Source: Philip Wark) Useful example of community profiling, which also highlights the plight of EU migrants in Scotland. (WTYL 28/01/08)
Ten point plan for border protection and immigration reform http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/tenpointplan The Home Office published their ten point plan for reform of the immigration and asylum system on 14 January, with a series of milestones in the next year. This includes a pledge that 60% of asylum decisions will be made and enforced within six months, with alternatives to detention for children. For response from the Refugee Council see http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/news/press/2008/January/20080114.htm (WTYL 28/01/08)
Conflict Zones http://www.independent.co.uk/ The Independent 12 Dec produced a supplement looking at the key world conflict zones and the effects, eg in terms of refugees. (WTYL 17/12/07)
Papers and presentations at Migration Impacts Forum meeting 17 October 2007 http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawandpolicy/migrationimpactsforum/
meeting17october2007/ See weblink above to access presentations including a presentation by Liam Byrne MP, Minister of State for Nationality, Citizenship and Immigration on regional impacts of migration (evidence from consultation), and a presentation by Rodney Green, Chief Executive of Leicester City Council on the topic of community cohesion. (WTYL 17/12/07 & LORECA e-bulletin December 07)
Employment, Skills and Training Needs of Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Recent Migrants in Haringey A report commissioned by Haringey Council’s Employment & Skills Team by the Working Lives Research Institute. Contact Apu.Alam@haringey.gov.uk for a copy. (WTYL 17/12/07 & LORECA e-bulletin December 07)
Refugees’ experiences of integration: policy related findings on employment, ESOL and vocational training http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/
E635A530-65DC-40C4-9594-CD7117E3A421/0/
Integration_employment.pdf New report from the Refugee Council and the University of Birmingham which “presents findings concerning employment, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and vocational training from a two-year qualitative study of Refugees’ Experiences of Integration, carried out in partnership by the Refugee Council and the University of Birmingham.” (WTYL 09/12/07 & Refugee Council newsletter, 3 December 2007)
The housing pathways of new immigrants http://www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/
eBooks/2103-housing-immigration-asylum.pdf New research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which explores the arrival experiences and settlement stories of new immigrants.[NB file is 3.36mb] (WTYL 09/12/07)
Mentoring for new migrants http://www.justice.gov.uk/images/mentoring-new-migrants.pdf Produced by TimeBank as part of Lord Goldsmith’s Citizenship Review, this pamphlet argues that new migrants to the UK could benefit from a mentoring scheme. (WTYL 09/12/07)
Government response to the REACH report http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/575441 The REACH report on raising the aspirations and attainment of Black boys and young Black men was published in August, and the Government has now produced its response which “sets out a strong framework for delivering those real improvements, and complements recent announcements from Government in this area”.There is also a summary of key Government initiatives at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/574381 (WTYL 09/12/07)
Migrant Integration Policy Index [MIPEX] http://www.eukn.org/eukn/themes/Urban_Policy/ Social_inclusion_and_integration/Integration_of_social_groups/
migration-policy-index_1146.htmlMIPEX is a bi-annual assessment of migration policy across 28 countries "in order to find out which policies various countries apply to address the issue of migration and in how far these policy measures are successful in creating opportunities for migrants to participate in society." (WTYL 26/11/07 and www.local-level.org.uk)

From refugee to citizen: standing on my own two feet: http://www.mst-online.org.uk/researchandconsultancyunit.html This research was commissioned from the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Refugee Support (formerly the Refugee Housing Association), a charity founded in the autumn of 1957 to provide housing for Hungarian refugees who had settled in the UK. It comprises 30 life history interviews with refugees who had arrived in the UK between 1956 and 2006. The research examines how refugees understood their own integration and journey to citizenship, notions of home and what it means to be British. The researchers interviewed those who came as children, as well as adults. Many child arrivals were shocked at the endemic violence of UK schools. (WTYL 19/11/07 and www.refed.org.uk)

Older Refugees: from isolation to integration Wed 09 Jan 2008, City Hall, London. This conference will focus on the issues, challenges and service needs of older refugees and asylum-seekers, concluding the Older Refugees Programme - a 2-year initiative, funded by Lloyds TSB, between Age Concern England, the Refugee Council, Age Concern London and the Greater London Association of Older Women (AGLOW). To register your interest in attending this conference, please email refugees@ace.org.uk or call 020 8765 7523. (WTYL 12/11/07)

Migration - research bibliography: http://www.refugeeaccess.info/default.asp?step=2&id=54 The website for asylum seekers, refugees and agencies in the Yorkshire and Humberside region of the United Kingdom now has a section with links to reports and research papers relating to migration and new migrants in Yorkshire and Humber. The section is split into two parts, one of which covers relevant national reports and research papers. (WTYL 12/11/07)

Disaggregating cost and benefits of immigration
http://www.icar.org.uk/?lid=9216 (WTYL 12/11/07)

London Libraries Development Agency, London Health Commission and MLA London are running five year long pilots of Skilled for Health learning sessions in five London boroughs. The sessions are to help disadvantaged adults (eg migrants, ex-offenders, young mothers & the homeless), to improve their helath and well-being while developing literacy, language or numeracy skills. (UM 6 (11) Nov 2007 pg 15)

Sense of Belonging: Refugee Access Point http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/listDocuments.asp?page_id=70

WTYL have reproduced Leeds Library Service's final report of their Paul Hamlyn Foundation Reading & Libraries Challenge Fund project. (WTYL 29/10/07)

Refugees' Experiences of Integration http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/policy/position/2007/integration.htm Report from two year qualitative research project by Refugee Council and University of Birmingham and funded by the Big Lottery Fund, looking at the social aspects of refugees’ integration, particularly in relation to how these were experienced in two different localities, Haringey and Dudley, and across different groups of refugees and asylum seekers. See weblink above for more information and links to full report and executive summary. (WTYL 29/10/07)

Britains' Immigrants: An economic profile http://www.ippr.org/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=563 Report by Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah, Laurence Cooley and Tracy Kornblatt from ippr. More information and available to download from weblink above. (WTYL 29/10/07)

Migration "causes pressure in UK"http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7048205.stm
Almost every UK region has difficulties in housing, health, education and crime because of increased migration, according to an official report. The findings are contained in a report drawn up to advise ministers on the social impact of immigration. For more information about the Migration Impacts Forum see:http://www.communities.gov.uk/communities/racecohesionfaith
/asylumandimmigration/migration-forum/ (WTYL 22/10/07)

Safeguarding civilians Report from IPPR, which looks at the ‘responsibility to protect’ (an obligation to act to protect civilians facing war crimes or genocide) in relation to Africa. “… the central challenge today in respect of the responsibility to protect is … how to protect civilians from mass killing, war crimes and genocide.”
The report is available to download from the ippr website (see: http://www.ippr.org/publicationsandreports/?title=&author=
&policyarea=0&pubdate=&pg=2 - you need to register on the site) (WTYL 22/10/07)

Migrants are a boon to UK economy says study http://www.guardian.co.uk/immigration/story/0,,2192777,00.html Migrants are more skilled and often more reliable and hardworking than British workers, and are fuelling the country's economic growth to the tune of £6bn a year, according to the first official study of their impact published 16 October 2007 (The economic and fiscal impact of immigration, http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm72/7237/7237.pdf). (WTYL 22/10/07)

Talking Sense about Migration
http://www.lga.gov.uk/Briefing.asp?lSection=0&id=SXECD2-A7848CA6

Presentations from Local Government Association conference held on 19 September 2007 (WTYL 15/10/07)

Sources of information on migration http://www.lgar.local.gov.uk/lgv/aio/35288 The Local Government Analysis and Research Group has produced a useful intro to sources of information about migration in order to support local councils who are responding to changes in their communities. (WTYL 15/10/07)

Refugees and asylum seekers in the Caribbean region: library service implications http://www.unhcr.org/research/RESEARCH/46791a622.pdf Report by Tamara Brathwaite (Librarian, Institute of International Relations, University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago) for the UNHCR, which looks at the impact on library services in the Caribbean of the arrival of refugees – with some interesting examples of work drawn from the UK, and some ideas for good practice. (WTYL 08/10/07)

Aegis Trust report http://www.aegistrust.org/images/PDFs/lives%20we%20throw%20away%20final.pdf You may have seen media coverage of this new report, Lives we throw away: Darfuri survivors tortured in Khartoum following removal from the UK – the report from the Aegis Trust (which campaigns to prevent genocide worldwide) is available at the above weblink. (WTYL 08/10/07)

“The callous hypocrisy of our asylum system” http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article3018348.ece The Independent 2 October carried a front-page piece highlighting the gap between the political rhetoric and the reality of people being returned to Zimbabwe and Burma. There is also a grim piece in The Independent 5 Oct, which looks at allegations that asylum-seekers being deported are assaulted and racially abused by the British escort teams accompanying them on their journeys: http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article3028727.ece (WTYL 08/10/07)

Migrant Workers - local authority initiatives http://www.laria.gov.uk/ On 10 May 2007, the Local Authorities Research & Intelligence Association (LARIA) and the Local Government Association (LGA) held a seminar on this topic, looking at research undertaken in the Midlands, Slough and Crewe, and at activities in East Anglia. The presentations, including one from the Audit Commission, are available from a link on the home page of the LARIA website (see above). [WTYL 06/08/07]

Understanding immigration and refugee policy: contradictions and continuities New title from The Policy Press, which “provides an essential background to understanding debates surrounding immigration and refugee policy. It examines different theoretical approaches to immigration and explores links between immigration policy, welfare and social exclusion, as well as documenting migrants' experiences in negotiating and challenging these policies.” Further info at: https://www.policypress.org.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=&products
_id=576. [WTYL 11/06/07]

New European migration: good practice guide for local authorities http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/aio/6949811
The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) has published this good practice guide for local authorities (available at weblink above). It includes an overview, good practice toolkit, round-up and resource directory as well as useful references. (WTYLJ 28/08/07)

Keep up with statistics at the Home Office's Research Development Statistics website (includes a subject index) http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/ (WTYLJ 03/09/07)

MLA Yorkshire have published the final report of the Innovation and Integration project which financed nine museums and libraries to work with refugee and asylum seeker communities: http://www.mlayorkshire.org.uk/webdav/harmonise?Page%2F@id=175&Section%2F@id=4547&Document%2F@id=26539 (MLAY 24th Nov 2006)

"An exploration of factors affecting the successful dispersal of asylum seekers" a new report from the Home Office at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/rdsolr5005.pdf

Welcome To Your Library has been included in Small Places, Close to Home, the latest Community Links Ideas Annual highlighting innovative project work with Refugee and Asylum Seeking Communities. Small Places Close To Home is available from Community Links, 105 Barking Road E16 4HQ. Tel: 020 7473 2270 www.community-links.org £15 per copy to statutory organisations £5.00 per copy to Voluntary and Community organisations.

Latest news for NG

Sintocarl — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:49:18 CDT

This page will be used for news about Next Generation.

Next Generation 10 has now started.
The workbook for the People management 2 workshop is attached below. This has been sent out to all delegates.
I have also added the workbook for the People Management 3 workshop in July and the Belbin questionnaire.

Reflective Learning and Feedback
We are very keen to get feedback on the Next generation programme and each workshop. After each workshop I will invite you to fill in our Reflective Learning and Feedback form. You are also welcome to contribute to the threads (see below) or to e-mail me directly.
Later on in the programme I will be asking your line managers to provide feedback on the value of the course to the organisation.

Spam warning
One person has reported that an e-mail from me was blocked by their organisation's Spam checker and put in a "Possible spam" mailbox. This can happen with messages that are addressed to a large number of recipients.

Next Generation

Sintocarl — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:42:03 CDT

Welcome to the Next Generation page on the SINTO wiki.
This page has been set up for delegates on the Next Generation Management Development Programme. It will be used to post information about the programme and also as a forum for you to get to know each other and to discuss issues arising from the programme. It can also act as an introduction to wikis as an example of social computing which may be of interest to you in your work.

Latest news here.
Networking

A wiki is a website that you can read; but you can also register with the site and add your own information. You can do this by adding a "thread" at the bottom of each page, or you can add information directly to the page, or make a new page. The site is owned by and developed by you.

To get things started you are invited to fill in your name and organisation below. You can then make a link from your name to a new page and share some information about yourself - what your job is, why you are doing this course, etc. You can also make a link from your organisation to your website so that people can find out more about where you work.

Name	Organisation
Carl Clayton	SINTO

Networking

Sintocarl — Sun, 03 May 2009 04:40:22 CDT

Networking is the process of building up and using a group of contacts that can help you in your personal or professional life. It can be just a social activity but you can also develop a network to help you in your career. A good network can help both in terms of developing your career and in improving your practice.
In the commercial world networks are useful for getting to know potential customers and suppliers. In the world of public services networks can be used as a way of getting information and advice, to develop your awareness of issues affecting yor profession and to get support and help.
Networks are best developed through personal contacts - meeting people at conferences, seminars and social occasions. However networks can be developed and maintained by using technology. Telephone and e-mail are the basic tools for keeping in touch but recently a number of new technologies have been developed. These are often called Web 2.0 (web version 2). In Web 1.0 people could write websites which other people could read but this was a one-way flow. Web 2.0 is more interactive. Two or more people can communicate with each other. Examples of Web 2.0 technologies are wikis (like this one), blogs & micro blogs (e.g. Twitter) and social networking sites (e.g. Facebook).

The Next Generation programme is an opportunity to develop a network which could help you through your career. Obviously it will be nice if you make personal friendships but you should also see it as an opportunity to develop a professional network. It is also an opportunity to try out some of these Web 2.0 networking tools.

Next Generation wiki. I will use this website to post information about the course. You can add comments to each page by using the Theads link below. You can also join the site. When you do this you can edit pages and add new pages. On the NG home page there is a table. You could add your name and place of work to this table. You could then make a link from your place of work to your organisations website. Next you could set up a new page on this website about yourself. Perhaps the Museums Sheffield Visitor Assistants could set up a page about what you all do. You can put a link in the table from your name to this new page. As the programme develops you can find other information and links to add.
SINTO Blog. A blog is a web log or online diary. I use the Sinto blog to post regular enteries about events run by SINTO or discussion of professional issues in librarianship. Readers can post comments to my entries. All Next Generation candidates are welcome to read my blog and there will be other blogs available about museums and archives. If you discover any useful ones you could mention them on this wiki.
NextGen10 Twitter Twitter is what is called a microblog. You can post very short messages. To use Twitter you have to set up an account. You can then choose to follow other Twitterers - that means you will receive their messages. If you search for and follow "NextGen10" you will receive messages from me about the programme. These will often be reminders about longer messages on this website. Other organisations and individuals use Twitter to broadcast news and you will find many relevant to you. (For example MLA has a Twitter feed). If you follow these as well they will appear on your Twitter page when you log in. You can post your own messages about the course, or just to say hello, and other candidates can choose to follow you. Twitter can be very addictive and as long as you don't start to follow too many people it can be a quick way of keeping in touch and finding out what is going on.

I hope you find these notes useful. If you want to contribute more information please sign on.

Communities

sinto_gilly — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:33:22 CST

This page looks at Community COHESION, Community MAPPING, Community CONSULTATION, and also lists RESOURCES for Community GROUPS

Main Related Pages on this Wiki:

Culture & Religion
IT Access (espcially under Websites)

NB To see the guide to the abbreviations used to indicate original sources see the Social Inclusion Information main page

New Stuff

Mapping minority groups in Britain http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/projects/Modernmulticulturalism/Pages/Mapping.aspx In order to illustrate the current diversity of different parts of Britain, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has commissioned a new interactive map. When you click through you will find 30 cities or areas of Britain, which appear as red circles – if you double click on a circle this takes you to a detailed neighbourhood map showing the most numerous minority groups by postcode, in that area. The white British population is excluded as otherwise it would dominate the maps, obscuring the minority group data. Click link above for more about how information was gathered and to access the map. (WTYL 24/11/08)
Community cohesion one-stop shop portal launched http://www.cohesioninstitute.org.uk/Pages/default.aspx The Institute of Community Cohesion has just launched the first phase of its one-stop shop, including a very useful summary of the development of community cohesion in the UK, with links to the key reports and documents. (WTYL 24/11/08)
O2 – “It’s your community” grants http://www.itsyourcommunity.co.uk/ “Awards of up to £1,000 are available to local groups and individuals for anything that can be shown to benefit your community. The awards are independently judged and administered by The Conservation Foundation on behalf of O2 … We support projects that bring people together and benefit your community…” There are four categories for awards: rebuild and restore; cultural; active; and green and clean. (WTYL 17/11/08 and National Youth Agency e-youthaction no. 43, November 2008)
Delivering Joined-Up Community Engagement. Fulfilling your duty to inform, consult and involve, Wed 21 January 2009, Central London. Attend this conference to learn more about: Developing an engagement strategy best suited to your local area; Embedding policy into your engagement strategy; Strengthening partnerships and establishing systems for collaborative working; Consultation and community involvement in local decision making; Overcoming barriers to participation. See: http://www.emapconferences.co.uk/communityengagement/index.jsp The conference is preceded by a workshop on Tue 20 January 2009: http://www.emapconferences.co.uk/communityengagement/programme/workshop/index.jsp (WTYL 17/11/08)
Migration statistics resource guide - http://www.lgar.local.gov.uk/lgv/aio/86274 (see page 9). An LGA migration statistics resource guide will provide a review and critique of official sources of data that provide estimates of migration and population more generally. It will also look at sources from Councils’ own records, from the private sector and from the third sector which might provide an early alert to changing trends in migration or details about the characteristics of migrants. The guide will advise how different sources can be drawn together to provide richer detail about local populations. It will be available in early November. For more information contact peter.norris@lgar.local.gov.uk or 020 7664 3076. (WTYL 03/11/08)
Worker registration scheme (WRS) data - Local Government Analysis and Research has negotiated and secured access to local authority level WRS data from the Home Office. This up-to-date information enables local authorities to discover more about changing local population, and is invaluable in service planning. You can access local WRS data if you have a .gov.uk web address and the following weblink also has a link to access national and regional data if you do not: http://www.lgar.local.gov.uk/lgv/core/page.do?pageId=27879 (WTYL 03/11/08)
Community Leadership Fund http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/987558 Announcement of the 22 projects that will share the fund “aimed at supporting Muslim communities to unlock the potential of local people to take a lead on tackling violent extremism.” The list of successful projects is at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/corporate/pdf/987573.pdf - and NB the setting up of the pilot Gateshead Interfaith Forum. (WTYL 13/10/08)
“Mainstreaming community cohesion in Leicester” http://www.idea.gov.uk:80/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8644592 New case study on the IDeA site, which illustrates how Leicester is mainstreaming its Council-wide approach to community cohesion. What is particularly exciting is not only evidence that community cohesion can be mainstreamed, but also the involvement of libraries as one of the key partners, including a presentation on “the role of libraries in integrating new arrivals, asylum seekers and refugees and helping them to get work experience”. (WTYL 22/09/08)
Read about linking with the local community through community forums and websites in Carl's SINTO Blog. The local forums for South Yorkshire are listed: Sheffield Forum http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/index.php; Barnsley Links http://barnsley.freeforums.org/; Rotherham, The Unofficial Website http://www.rotherhamunofficial.co.uk/index.html; Doncaster's Donny Online http://www.donny.co.uk/. (Sintoblog 24th August 2008 http://sintoblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/libraries-and-social-engagement.html)
Community archives and identities: documenting and sustaining community heritage http://archivesandidentities.com/ and http://www.ucl.ac.uk/slais/research/icarus/community-archives/ Community Archives and Identities is part of a research project at the School of Library Archive and Information Studies at University College London (UCL) funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. The aim of the project is to investigate the role community archives play in supporting a sense of rootedness and identity amongst black and other minority ethnic communities in particular. The researchers are also interested in the role community archives play in raising awareness of these neglected histories in the wider public and challenging collective representations. How such projects can best be supported from both within and outside the mainstream archive sector is also a major theme of this research. The researchers hope that the blog will provide a forum for a wide discussion of some of the issues arising from the project and welcome contributions from anyone with an interest in this area - activists, archivists, family historians, researchers. They are also keen to publicise talks, publications, events etc., so do please get in touch mary.stevens@acl.ac.uk (WTYL 08/09/08)
Community engagement resources taken from Daren Kearl's article in Update, 'Dairy of a Community Development Librarian 2007-2008': Community engagement in public libraries: a toolkit for public library staff. MLAC and CSV Consulting 2006. Also see: www.mla.gov.uk/programmes/framework/framework_programmes/Community_Engagement_resources or www.communities.gov.uk (UM 7 [7-8] July/ August 2008 pp38-39)
Empowering Communities: achieving local improvement, accountability and opportunities through community involvement and leadership http://www.lgc-empowerment.com/homepage.asp 30 September 2008, Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London. This Local Government Chronicle event is designed to help local authorities get to grips with what empowerment means and how you can achieve this with your community. With a detailed look at pioneering community-led projects and future policy, this is an opportunity to get a firm understanding of the opportunities, risks and potential for empowerment and how it can be driven forward successfully in your area. Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State Communities and Local Government is the confirmed keynote speaker. See weblink above for programme and how to register. (WTYL 01/09/08)
Community engagement: an introduction http://www.mlalondon.org.uk/lmal/index.cfm?ArticleID=1459&NavigationID=103 17 September 2008, Brunei Gallery, London, 9.30-4.30. This course is one of a series of three community engagement courses aimed at museums, libraries and archives. Delegates are welcome to attend just one course, or a combination of the three. The course is interactive and participative and will draw upon the experience and skills of the participants to consider community engagement in the museums, libraries and archives sector. Prior to the course, participants will be sent some background materials including a policy briefing and will be asked to identify a current or proposed community engagement project, activity or issue that they would like to focus on with other participants in an afternoon session. Trainers: John Vincent - Networker for "The Network - tackling social exclusion ..." and Cathy Herman, Independent Consultant. More information and how to book at weblink above. (WTYL 01/09/08)

Community Cohesion & Integration

Cohesion delivery framework: overview http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/898656.pdf New resource from DCLG. “This document is the starting point for anyone interested in what cohesion is and why it matters. It draws on the work of the independent Commission on Integration and Cohesion, who spent nine months examining how people around the country are getting involved to help make their communities better places to live. It explains the practical things that local authorities and their partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors can do to build places where everyone shares a sense of belonging. And it signposts the support and advice available from central government.” (WTYL 28/07/08)

Community Cohesion and Migration http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmselect/cmcomloc/369/369i.pdf The House of Commons Communities & Local Government Committee has just published the 10th report of the Session 2007/8. The report looks at the effects of migration on cohesion; pressures on local services; responding to migration locally (eg local leadership and integration) and nationally (eg number of bodies involved, need for the Government to improve its provision); Government funding; and concludes with some 32 recommendations. Although referring to the Government, the following is also of particular importance to us: “We have identified four areas where improvements are needed: the co-ordination of policy across departments; the spread of best practice; the provision of English language tuition; and policy on the integration of short-term economic migrants.” (Also of interest is that one of the meetings with stakeholders, in Barking & Dagenham, included the Head of Community Services, Libraries and Heritage). (WTYL 21/07/08)

Community engagement and community cohesion Important new research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which investigates whether attempts to build engagement and cohesion actually 'hear' the voices of new (and disparate) communities, such as refugees or migrant workers. It also suggests that the constant changes in local government structures and methods of consulting may also affect the involvement of some communities, and that some initiatives (such as creating shared spaces) may be counter-productive unless properly managed. There is a very useful list of "promising practices" - approaches that merit consideration - including: creating welcome packs; community events and activities; myth-busting exercises; outreach work; etc. A 'must-read'! See: http://www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/eBooks/2227-governance-community-engagement.pdf (WTYL 14/07/08)

Everybody needs good neighbours? A study of the link between community participation and community cohesion This report, from INVOLVE, funded by the national Empowerment Partnership, presents the findings from a study into the relationship between public participation, community cohesion and empowerment. Drawing on a literature review and the experiences and insights of a broad range of people from local and central government, academia and third sector organisations, the report explores how local authorities and Britain’s communities can best work together towards greater cohesion. The report is divided into two parts: a Practical Framework, which gives practical tips to those working towards community cohesion at the local level; and a Contextual Framework, which analyses the theories and evidence that underpin the current policy agenda on community cohesion. See: http://www.involve.org.uk/cohesion_report (WTYL 07/07/08)

The Smart City and Its Libraries. International Conference 8-10 October 2008, Copenhagen, Denmark. The Public Libraries of Copenhagen, Denmark, in partnership with Victorian Public Library and Information Network (VICLINK), Public Libraries International Network (PLIN) and Urban Libraries Council (ULC), are happy to announce this international library conference and symposia. The conference will focus primarily on two topics: How libraries can make cities stronger; The library as a “place” in the age of technology. Full agenda and more information, see: http://www.bibliotek.kk.dk/smartcity or see the video on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOJjM3yIQxo (WTYL 29/06/08)

Barrow Cadbury Trust announces new £750,000 funding initiative: 'Habits of Solidarity': The Barrow Cadbury Trust has launched a new funding stream aimed at fostering greater cohesion in some of Britain’s most diverse towns and cities. The trust will fund voluntary and community projects with grants typically worth £30,000. The new funding stream builds on the trust’s existing work promoting ‘Habits of Solidarity’ between people of different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. See: http://www.bctrust.org.uk/news/detail.php?nid=44 (WTYL 29/06/08)

Local involvement leads to happier communities (a report by the Improvement & Development Agency). See: http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8428462 for information about the Local Wellbeing Project and recently published report and link to details of conference to take place on 9 September 2008 (http://www.localwellbeing.org.uk/ ). (WTYL 23/06/08)

Intercultural Cities Conference, 1-3 May 2008, at St George's Hall, Liverpool. The Intercultural Cities Conference will look at migration, diversity and urban life in a fresh way. It not only provides an opportunity for International city leaders and experts to look at how different cultures can live together but how mixing can be turned to economic, social and cultural advantage. New thinking is needed on how diverse communities can co-operate in productive harmony instead of leading parallel or antagonistic lives. Official UK event as part of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. More information about the conference programme and how to book at: http://inter.culture.info/icc , and about the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue at: http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/International/eyoid2008.htm (WTYL 31/03/08)
Managing outreach in public libraries http://www.cilip.org.uk/training/training/2008/mp/Managingoutreachinpubliclibraries.htm 7 & 8 May 2008, London. Understand the value of outreach and how it can attract new users to your library and learn about community profiling and needs assessment. See weblink for full details. (WTYL 25/03/08)
Welcome stranger: public libraries build the global village New 20 page report from Urban Libraries Council in the US details five broad strategies that public libraries are using for successful immigrant inclusion and community adaptation: Understanding local immigration dynamics; Bringing cultural and language sensitivity to service delivery; Building English capacity; Creating connections to local institutions; Encouraging civic engagement. Based on surveys of member libraries augmented with data from earlier work, the findings show that urban public libraries are in the forefront of the effort to make their cities stronger by welcoming and integrating new residents from all over the world and highlights promising and replicable practice and strategies. An article by Norman Oder in Library Journal about the report http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6534210.html picks up that it is aimed not just at library leaders, but at public and foundation officials and that public libraries are often ahead of other agencies (eg census bureau) in collecting formal and informal data on settlement patterns and needs of immigrants and refugees. Full report can be downloaded from http://www.urbanlibraries.org/publications/details.html (WTYL 25/03/08)
A passion for excellence http://www.culture.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/CBDCC1D5-8984-41A1-AFD8-C6ECD15C21BF/0/apassionforexcellence.pdf Key new strategy, published by the Local Government Association on behalf of DCMS, IDeA and others, which aims to show that, by “making the most of sporting and cultural opportunities, local authorities can improve the quality of services to their local communities”. 'Culture' here includes libraries. Links culture and sports into the National Improvement and Efficiency Strategy which sets out how central and local government will provide the support that local partnerships will need to deliver excellent Local Area Agreements. (WTYL 25/03/08)
Delivering Local Area Agreements: the contribution of cultural activity http://www.mlalondon.org.uk/uploads/documents/Delivering_local_area_agreements_final.pdf This briefing, produced by MLA London and Arts Council England, London, is intended for local authorities seeking to position cultural activities in the process of negotiating their Local Area Agreements (LAAs). The document shows how these activities can deliver against the key themes and national indicators, with examples of projects and organisations that have put this into practice. The document also references other key evidence that local authorities can use. A supporting document, Delivering Local Area Agreements - a digest of research to evidence the contribution of culture to Local Area Agreements, gives more detailed evidence and brings together further web-based resources: http://www.mlalondon.org.uk/uploads/documents/
Delivering_Local_Area_Agreements_Research_Digest.pdf In the section on stronger and safer communities it includes a page on the Welcome To Your Library project evaluation and shows the National Indicators to which this work contributes. (p12). Whilst directed at London boroughs these documents may be useful background for any local authority working on positioning culture in LAAs. (WTYL 25/03/08 and diversity-forum@mailtalk.ac.uk)
Libraries Change Lives contenders in the SINTO Region include: Nunny TV (NE Lincolnshire Library Service) community TV project with free media/ IICT/ communications training; and Bradford Care Trust Libraries Partnership Project "aims to integrate service users with learning difficulties into the community using the central library as a focus for activities". (UM 7 (3) March 2008 p 3)
Plugging into people power http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/joepublic/2008/03/plugging_into_people_power.html Richard Wilson looks at the government's performance on empowerment and what it should consider for the future in the light of its plans for a new Empowerment White Paper in an article in the Guardian. (WTYL 17/03/08)
Community archives and identities: documenting and sustaining community heritage project This project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council for 20 months (from Feb 2008) is being researched at University College London. It will investigate the importance of community archives, and in particular the role of these archives in the production of community identity via academic and popular public histories, exhibitions and other interactions. The outcome intended is a better understanding of the role of community archive initiatives in resisting misrepresentation and marginalisation, a clearer understanding of the relationship between formal archive professionals and the custodians of community archives and suggestions regarding best practice models for identifying and ensuring the long-term sustainability of significant community archives, both physical and virtual. For more information and details of the project team see: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/slais/research/icarus/community-archives/ (WTYL 10/03/08)
Community Care website. Briefings on “the bigger picture”
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/List.aspx?NavigationID=153&SlotPageID=32 This expert guide section of the Community Care website has very readable briefings on a wide range of topics. Although intended for those involved in the social care sector these could be very useful background for library staff. Topics covered include Regeneration (WTYL 10/03/08)
The following resources are all published by the Department of Communities and Local Government: Getting the message across: using media to reduce racial prejudice and discrimination http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/611667 Report (available to download) by Mike Sutton, Barbara Perry, Jonathon Parke and Catherine John-Baptiste; Community cohesion impact assessment and community conflict prevention tool: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/communitycohesiontool ; Predictors of community cohesion: multi-level modelling of the 2005 Citizenship Survey: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/682739 (WTYL 18/02/08 and www.irr.org.uk)
Building communities: equality and diversity in action. Report of this Refugee Council conference held in November 2007 is now available to download from: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/eventsandtraining/conferences/
archive/buildingcommunities.htm (WTYL 11/02/08)
Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) website news page on community cohesion: This includes details of free downloadable guide to help local authorities produce and distribute information to migrants and information about a series of events to bring those working in community cohesion together to shape policy development, debate key issues and network with peers. Events are taking place on 27 February in Buckinghamshire, and 19 March in Taunton. Also includes an article from Boston Borough Council about dealing with increase in migrants and calling for more funding and sharing of knowledge. For details, see. http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=6902625 . (WTYL 11/02/08)
The Government’s Response to the Commission on Integration and Cohesion http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/681624 This document is the second of three elements of the government’s response to the report Our Shared Future (www.integrationandcohesion.org.uk ), published in June 2007 by the Commission on Integration and Cohesion. This detailed document responds to each of the Commission’s recommendations and sets out a commitment to an ongoing programme of work, based around six key principles: A move away from a “one size fits all” approach; Mainstreaming of cohesion into wider policy areas; A national framework for local support and guidance; Integration of new migrants and existing communities; Building positive relationships; A stronger focus on what works. The final element of the response will be to develop a Cohesion Delivery Framework which will provide further advice for local authorities in delivering community cohesion, so that they can analyse the issues in their area and produce an action plan. The framework will be supported by examples of good practice available from a single website. (WTYL 11/02/08)
Faithful communities: fostering cohesion? Tue 19 Feb, Sunderland, 11am-2pm, free. This event, organised by ippr north, will explore how best to build community cohesion in an inclusive way, encompassing culture, ethnicity and faith. It will explore recent initiatives such as the Commission on Integration and Cohesion and draw out the importance of building strong multi-faith communities in all areas of England. See http://www.ippr.org/ipprnorth/events/?id=2950 for full information and how to book. (WTYL 04/02/08)
Building Community Cohesion Through Partnership, Thu 17 Apr, London 9.30-14.00. Major conference, organised by Inside Government, looking at key issues – more information at: http://www.insidegovernment.co.uk/communities/cohesion/index.php (WTYL 04/02/08)
Faith, Cohesion and Community Development This new report by Malcolm James, published by Community Development Foundation, is an evaluation of the government’s Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund, containing valuable information for those working in a local authority. It looks at ways to involve faith groups in building cohesion, including the relationship between government and the faith sector, language and being understood, providing local community spaces, interfaith working, capacity building and funded groups and diversity of the sector. To download full report or executive summary see: http://www.cdf.org.uk/pooled/articles/BF_DOCART/view.asp?Q=BF_DOCART_298024 (WTYL 28/01/08)
The power of belonging: identity, citizenship and community cohesion Shared identities are thought to contribute to a number of progressive goals, such as fostering communities in which people from different backgrounds get along well together, encouraging citizens to participate actively in public life and generating wider support for a more egalitarian distribution of wealth and income. This new identity politics is not without its critics - some on the right claim that it is a typically corrosive left-wing attempt to meddle with tradition, while others on the left claim it amounts to a return to a conservative politics of cultural assimilation. In this short report, the authors Ben Rogers and Rick Muir of ippr set out to test the claims of those who support this new agenda and interrogate its potential for furthering liberal and social democratic goals. Price £8.95, but the executive summary (which includes a mention of libraries) available to download at: http://www.ippr.org/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=568 . (WTYL 28/01/08)
Culture connects communities Tue 26 February, London 2.30-5.30. There is an increasing emphasis being placed by Government on councils to enable their local communities to take a more active role in the shaping and delivery of public services. Other funders are also increasingly looking for more active involvement from users in new developments and programmes. This free seminar, organised by MLA London and London Councils will consider and discuss how museums, libraries and archives can contribute to this policy agenda through the building of innovative and sustainable community partnerships. Speakers include Helen Marsh from Communities and Local Government (CLG) talking about the DCLG’s Community Empowerment Action plan, Ben Hughes from BASSAC discussing the role of Community Anchors, Sally MacDonald from University College London on their Community Engagement Beacon Status, and Angela Fletcher from the London Borough of Sutton Heritage Service talking about their experience of working with their local communities. See: http://www.mlalondon.org.uk/news/index.cfm?ArticleID=1388 (WTYL 21/01/08)
Place-shaping and sustainable communities: what's the role of museums, libraries & archives? A policy briefing for heads of service, managers & cultural portfolio holders on Tuesday 22 January 2008, 10am-2pm, Leeds Town Hall, Free (lunch inc.): http://www.mlayorkshire.org.uk/webdav/harmonise?Page/
@id=175&Section/@id=4549&Document/@id=30209&Session/
@id=D_2nJr2lUQEYnnV3KbKoxM&parent=group_1 , followed by a participative workshop aimed at middle managers from museums, libraries and archives with strategic and operational responsibilities on Monday 3 March 2008, 10am-4pm, Round Foundry Media Centre, Leeds, free (lunch inc.): http://www.mlayorkshire.org.uk/webdav/harmonise?Page/
@id=175&Section/@id=4549&Document/@id=30210&Session/
@id=D_2nJr2lUQEYnnV3KbKoxM&parent=group_1 Visit the links for details and access to booking forms. (MLAY Professional Development & Training eBulletin Dec 2007)
Papers and presentations at Migration Impacts Forum meeting 17 October 2007 http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawandpolicy/migrationimpactsforum/

meeting17october2007/ See weblink above to access presentations including one by Rodney Green, Chief Executive of Leicester City Council on the topic of community cohesion. (WTYL 17/12/07 & LORECA e-bulletin December 07)
An Action Plan for Community Empowerment: Building on Success http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/
communityempowermentactionplan Produced October 2007 by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Local Government Association, this action plan sets out activities in three key areas: Widening and deepening empowerment opportunities locally; Supporting and enabling people to take up empowerment opportunities; Strengthening local representative democracy. Views are welcome on the actions and questions set out in the plan (by 19 January 2008). There is an online forum for feedback at: http://haveyoursay.communities.gov.uk/forums/ (WTYL 26/11/07)
Developing a community cohesion strategy in Barking & Dagenham http://www.barking-dagenham.gov.uk/9-council/comm-cohesion/community-cohesion-main.html The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham's website includes information about the second community cohesion strategy and action plan adopted by the Dagenham & Barking Partnership, including how the strategy was developed and details of the Community Cohesion Survey Report. (WTYL 19/11/07)
Making Links: 15 visions of community http://www.community-links.org/ourwork/makinglinks_page212.aspx New book celebrating the 30th anniversary of Community Links, drawing together varied views on our communities and the way we interact. (WTYL 19/11/07 and Kevin Harris of Local Level)
The baby and the bath water: community cohesion and the funding crisis
http://www.irr.org.uk/2007/november/ha000014.html Article by Jenny Bourne on the Institute of Race Relations website. (WTYL 12/11/07)
Regional Integration Programme - Yorkshire and Humber
http://www.refugeeaccess.info/default.asp?step=2&id=48
See weblink above for more information and also details of the culture consultation, which aims to understand how culture relates to integration. If you're based in Yorkshire and Humber or can pass on to relevant contacts in this area, deadline to respond is 30 Nov 2007. (WTYL 12/11/07)

Public services at the crossroads www.ippr.org.uk/publicationsandreports/publication.asp?id=562

Report from the think tank Institute of Public Policy Reserach, ippr. Its overarching theme is the fact that public services are not simply delivered to their users, but instead depend on a relationship of co-production in which the outcomes that we care about such as good health, high levels of skills and low rates of crime are the result of government, public services and citizens working effectively together. (WTYL 05/11/07)

Strong and prosperous communities - The Local Government White Paper Implementation Plan: one year on http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/532485 Updated implementation plan, showing the progress made on how the Government is playing its part in implementing key proposals. (WTYL 05/11/07)
John Pateman of Lincolnshire Libraries has written about how Cultural Services should get involved with Local Area Agreements in Update Magazine (UM 6 (11) Nov 2007 pp38-39)
Understanding ModernGov is a series of interactive, information-led, exclusive courses designed for people working in the public, private and third sectors, to help them understand the mechanisms of central, regional and local government.” In the Spring list of courses http://www.moderngov.info/spring_courses.php , they have “Understanding good relations and community cohesion”, 19 Feb 2008, London. (WTYL 29/10/07)
Libraries at the heart of learning in communities across England are set for a multi-million modernising makeover funded with £80 million by the Big Lottery Fund. Some 58 library authorities are being given grants of between £250,000 and £2 million each from BIG’s Community Libraries funding to renovate, extend or build new libraries so that they can offer a broader range of activities to their communities. Building on the strong community link that libraries already have, the £80 million investment from BIG will help attract groups and individuals who may not have utilised their libraries. See: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/pr_301007_eng_cl_modernising
_makeover?regioncode=-uk for more information. A full list of the 58 library projects to receive funding can be found at: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/pr_301007_eng_libraries_awards (WTYL 30/10/07)
Unison have a new comapign leaflet 'Defend the Public Library Service' in which they argue 'Libraries must be seen as key to community cohesion and educational achievement, not just another privatisation opportunity.' PDFs of the leaflet can be downloaded from www.unison.org.uk/localgov/library.asp (UM 6 (10) Oct 2007 pg 5)
Government response to Our shared future http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/
pdf/hazelblearsletter Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears, has written a letter to Chair of the Commission on Integration and Cohesion, Darra Singh. It outlines the Government's plan of action following the publication on 14 June 2007 of the commission's final report, Our shared future, and stresses the role that local authorities need to play in building cohesive communities. (WTYL 15/10/07)
MLA Yorkshire's Big Day 8th November 2007, Bradford, National Media Museum. The theme is 'How our sector makes a difference to...' and one aspect of this is ...communities'. (MLAY 08/10/07)
Toolkit for linking: opportunities and challenges http://www.ukowla.org.uk/main/toolkit.asp Produced by the UK One World Linking Association, this toolkit (available via the Web or in hard copy) sets out ways of developing successful linking. “Linking aims to create relationships between diverse cultures which benefits both partners.” There is also a series of leaflets aimed at different sectors. Click here for the local government one. (WTYL 08/10/07)
MLA's list of Community Engagement Resources (Mary Harrington, Doncaster Libraries)
The Living Library Seminar, Weds 24 Oct, 2-4.30pm, London http://neighbourhoods.typepad.com/neighbourhoods/files/
living_library_seminar_blurb_web.pdf ‘Living Library’ gives direct access to someone else’s experience, by allowing people to ‘borrow’ someone who is an expert in their field, has significant experience to share, or is passionate about a hobby. ‘Loans’ take the form of a conversation, and can last for half an hour, a morning or an afternoon. The Living Library has been developed in a number of countries and this seminar has been organised to share experiences from Australia and Belgium, which clearly illustrate the contribution that library, museum and archive services can make to community cohesion. (WTYL 24/09/07) Booking Forms from Linda Constable, 07717 650670 linda@lindaconstable.com (Library & Information Gazette 5-18 Oct 2007 p9)
Community Engagement through Reading: a pro-active role for public libraries, Friday 30 November, London http://www.lga.gov.uk/Event.asp?lSection=0&id=-A7846A72 Conference organised by the LGA & The Reading Agency. (WTYL 24/09/07) This conference, organised by the Local Government Association and The Reading Agency, explores the positive role that public libraries' work with readers can play in delivering the community engagement ambitions of the Local Government White Paper Strong and Prosperous Communities. (WTYLJ 03/09/07)
Resource on Improvement & Devlopment Agency (IDeA) website on community cohesion This resource supports councils who want to work with partners and their communities to promote interaction and foster positive community relations. There is useful advice as well as a growing bank of case studies. [WTYL 13/08/07]
The Department for Children, Schools and Families has published guidance on the duty to promote community cohesion. The link above is to a series of case studies and there is a link to the actual guidance at the bottom of the page. Although this relates specifically to schools, there are opportunities for public libraries to link in and contribute to this work in partnership with their local schools. http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/Communitycohesion/
Community_cohesion_case_studies/ [WTYL 30/07/07]
Commission on Integration & Cohesion (CIC) reports:
- Integration and cohesion case studies, including “Refugees into Libraries” (Leicester) and “Libraries Connect” (Hull). [WTYL 16/07/07]
- Our Shared Future . The report focuses on 4 key themes: the sense of shared futures (an emphasis on articulating what binds communities together rather than what differences divide them); an emphasis on a new model of rights and responsibilities; an ethics of hospitality (a new emphasis on mutual respect and civility that recognises that alongside the need to strengthen the social bonds within groups, the pace of change across the country reconfigures local communities rapidly, meaning that mutual respect is fundamental to issues of integration and cohesion); and a commitment to equality that sits alongside the need to deliver visible social justice, to prioritise transparency and fairness, and build trust in the institutions that arbitrate between groups. Annexe E includes the Commission’s position on translation, which again has been a key focus of media reporting. [WTYL 18/06/07] According to Update Magazine (pg 15), Libraries have 'surprisingly poor visibility' in the final report of the Commission on Integration & Cohesion. (UM 6 & [7-8] July/ August 2007)
- What Works in Community Cohesion This research study, conducted for Communities and Local Government and the Commission on Integration and Cohesion, includes a glowing write-up of the PHF-funded "Libraries Connect" programme in Hull. [WTYL 18/06/07] and includes coverage of policy and practice in six case study areas: Blackburn, Birmingham, Bradford, Hull, Peterborough and Tower Hamlets. The Hull case study draws on the proactive work of the public library service - see p121 onwards. (WTYLJ 28/08/07)
- Bringing Communities and People Together (by Comedia) which has a section on libraries (p24-26) in a chapter on Potential Zones of Encounter and Interaction. It highlights two examples from Denmark and the Idea Stores in Tower Hamlets in London.
Informal education website. Useful feature on social capital http://www.infed.org/biblio/social_capital.htm A very useful introduction to the notion of social capital and debates about the nature of civil society - relevant to thinking about the role of public libraries in communities, including the Welcome To Your Library project. The whole website has useful background reading. http://www.infed.org [WTYL 21/05/07]

Community Mapping

Multi-Area Agreements: IDeA have just published a webpage outlining what these are (cross-boundary LAAs) – see: http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=6960557#contents-1. (WTYL 21/07/08)
Local Priorities Website DCLG have produced a database of local priorities (as set out in the Local Area Agreements), searchable by local area (so, for example, if you click on your region on the map, you can then choose your local Council from the drop-down menu, and see what has been agreed as their priorities): http://www.localpriorities.communities.gov.uk/ (WTYL 07/07/08)
Citizenship Survey April-September 2007, England & Wales Published by Communities and Local Government Department. Download the survey at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/650953 (WTYL 28/01/08)
Government Office Fact Files http://www.gos.gov.uk/facts/ Website currently has Fact Files available for 38 cities and nine regions. Each Fact File contains key information for the place, including statistics provided by ONS, council composition and council tax bands, and information from the Government Offices. (WTYL 19/11/07)
Results of citizenship survey England and Wales April-June 2007
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/corporate/pdf/
citizenshipsurveyaprjun2007 This release provides headline findings from the first quarter of the 2007-08 Citizenship Survey, covering April-June 2007. It is divided into three sections covering active and empowered communities, community cohesion, and racial prejudice and discrimination. (WTYL 15/10/07)
A report by the Greenwich Policy Team, as a good example of how to map new communities arriving into your area, has been placed on the WTYL Website by Gerard Lewis of Grennwich Libraries – see the foot of the page at: http://www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk/editorial.asp?page_id=76 [WTYL 06/08/07]
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Mapping Exercises for communities in the UK (scroll to the bottom of the page): These are intended to identify main channels of communication and location of potential beneficiaries of the IOM's voluntary return programme. However, the information is also potentially very useful general background information for library staff about different communities in the UK. The IOM's mapping exercises for communities in the UK include: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladeshi, Brazil, China, DRC, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Iraqi, Kenya, Mozambique, Pakistan, Punjab, Somali, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Vietnam, Zimbabwe. (WTYLJ 28/08/07)
Show case of interesting work by Community Links: http://www.community-links.org/default.aspx (Refugees and Asylum seekers) and http://www.community-links.org/ourwork.evidencepapers_page25.aspx 'The Uncounted' is a good intro to finding out about communities that exist outside of official systems.

Community Consultation & Engagement

Deliberative public engagement – nine principles http://www.involve.org.uk/deliberative_principles Deliberative public engagement is a distinctive approach to involving people in decision-making. It is different from other forms of engagement in that it is about giving participants time to consider and discuss an issue in depth before they come to a considered view. This book, available to download free from weblink above, aims to encourage and support good quality deliberative public engagement activities. The authors believe that, when done well, such activities can help to create better public services, promote social cohesion and foster a thriving democracy. The document has been produced by Involve, the National Consumer Council and Diane Warburton at Shared Practice as the lead author. (WTYL 28/07/08)

Empowering agencies to engage communities http://changesuk.net/empowering_agencies_report.pdf This research (published March 2008), explores how public agencies can assess and improve their openness and ability to respond to community influence. It was produced by "changes" an independent consultancy based in the West Midlands specialising in community engagement, community development and active citizenship. More information at www.changesuk.net/ (WTYL 21/07/08)

Communities in control: real people, real power (http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/886045.pdf )
On 9 July, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears published a White Paper setting out proposals to deliver a fundamental shift in power, influence and responsibility into the hands of communities and citizens. It includes extending the “duty to involve”, which currently applies mainly to local authorities, to additional agencies across England from April 2009, including the Museums Libraries and Archives Council. This duty requires the named bodies to take appropriate steps to involve people in decisions, policies and services that may affect them or be of interest to them. (Full list of agencies to which this applies in paragraph 1.50). All of Chapter Three in the White Paper is about access to information. It points out that information online is not enough and states (paragraph 3.16) “..a range of methods will therefore be necessary, using the media that different people prefer, and delivered where they can easily access it, including through libraries.” Report provides opportunity for libraries to be proactive in responding! Use link above to download full report or order a hard copy. (WTYL 14/07/08)

Empowering communities: achieving local improvement, accountability, and opportunities through community involvement and leadership 30th September, Central London. The Empowerment White Paper will propose greater public involvement in decision-making, budgets, service delivery and much more. Closer working with communities is not just a duty but a great opportunity to unlock local improvement and redesign public services. This Local Government Chronicle event aims to offer clear guidance on future empowerment policy and help you manage its practical implications. Get a firm understanding of the opportunities, risks and potential to effectively drive forward local empowerment with your community and partners. For more information on speakers, programme and how to register, see: http://www.lgc-empowerment.com/homepage.asp (WTYL 23/06/08)

Delivering Local Outcomes Through Libraries 12th June 2008, Liverpool. Delegates will look at how to engage communities and work with the third sector through the Community Assets Fund. They will also hear how the fund and other approaches can be used to generate additional revenue. Leading speakers will also present best practice in advocating and linking libraries with wider cultural and community strategies in order to promote access and deliver positive outcomes. See weblink for programme details and how to book. Two of the speakers announced so far, Tony Durcan and John Keane, work for local authority library services which participated in Welcome To Your Library. See: http://www.neilstewartassociates.com/se218/index.html (WTYL 02/06/08)

In his article, Lincolnshire’s fundamental review: affordability and sustainability in Update Magazine, John Pateman reports that the community consultation carried out during this process ‘has been recognised as evidence of best practice in community engagement by the Consultation Institute’. (UM 7 [5] May 2008 p36)

Laura Swaffield reports on TRA & LGA's conference Reading - a key to Community Engagement in Update Magazine, describing six, varied library projects (in Staffordshire, Newham, E. Midlands, Essex, Newcastle and Manchester) (UM 7 [4] April 2008 p21)

The Community Power Pack has been produced by Communities and Local Government (CLG) working with INVOLVE. It contains all the information needed to run a participative event on Empowerment. It is aimed at groups who wouldn't normally take part to let their views and experiences be known. The pack is as practical and easy to use as possible. It contains suggestions on how to run an event, with advice for facilitators and organisers as well as detailed information about empowerment issues. It also poses some questions around empowerment issues that CLG would like to hear your views on. The results of the events will feed into the development of the upcoming Community Empowerment White paper. For more information and to download the pack see: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/powerpack (WTYL 21/04/08 and newsletter from www.involve.org.uk)

An overview of the baseline for community engagement in libraries http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets/C/community_libs_eval_12857.pdf This important research has established a baseline which the MLA and Big Lottery Fund will use to evaluate the programme in future years – also includes a list of six areas for improvement: development of vision & goals; community segmentation; organisational transformation; effective communications; development of ‘real’ social networks; need for improved/clearer methods for evaluating impacts. (WTYL 07/04/08)

Deliberative Public Engagement in Decision Making – Principles for Effective Practice - Involve and the National Consumer Council together with Diane Warburton at Shared Practice and Lindsey Colbourne at the Sustainable Development Commission are developing a set of best practice principles to improve the quality and impact of deliberative public engagement processes. A draft of the principles has been posted on the Involve wiki for comments and discussion. To read and comment on the principles: http://groups.involving.org/display/Principles/Deliberative+Public+Engagement+in+Decision+Making+-+Principles+for+Effective+Practice;jsessionid=871A1D626AA9B6594CF27B711E783B31 For more information contact karin@involve.org.uk (WTYL 25/02/08)

MLA are organising free one day seminars on community engagement until April for front line staff working directly with local communities. John Vincent of The Network and Cathy Harman, consultant, will be the trainers: http://www.mla.gov.uk/programmes/framework/framework_programmes/
community_engagement/ or contact Batool.Khan@mla.gov.uk (UM 7 (1-2) Jan/Feb 2008 p7)

Working more effectively with communities, Mon 11 Feb, BSVC, Birmingham http://www.fcdl.org.uk/events/ The Federation for Community Development Learning is a partner in the National Empowerment Partnership, sponsored by Communities and Local Government department. One of the projects it is undertaking is to run an inter-active and participatory workshop and produce a ‘How to’ Guide that will provide support to the ever increasing range of workers across many policy areas (health, housing, environment, regeneration, sustainable communities, anti-poverty …..) who need to develop their skills and understanding in how to engage and work effectively with communities. . The workshop and lunch are free but there will be a £20 deposit, returnable on attendance. Places are limited and FCDL is aiming for a balance of both people who aren’t Community Development (CD) workers, and experienced CD workers. (WTYL 28/01/08/ diversity-forum@mailtalk.ac.uk)

Their Past Your Future 2 http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets//T/
TPYF2_yr_1_projects_12500.pdf The successful bids have just been announced. (WTYL 17/10/07). Projects that will be funded in the SINTO region include (& include 'Community Groups'): Yorkshire Waterways Museum (Based in Goole, veterans, community groups and schools will work together to develop an exhibition around the social and economic impact of WWII on the local area and its people); Cannon Hall Museum (veterans and young people will work together to produce an e-learning package looking at personal experiences of conflict and the legacies of these for succeeding generations); Leeds Libraries (the Relay project involving community groups, including refugee groups, sharing perspectives on conflict through creative writing and technology); Wakefield Cultural Services and Libraries (work with young people to create a databank of war stories to increase understanding of 'commemoration, remembrance, and citizenship'); North Yorkshire County Record Office (prisoners in Northallerton to work with archives to create learning journeys).

Participation Nation: The Challenge of Reconnection http://www.involve.org.uk/home New pamphlet from INVOLVE which brings together 17 leading thinkers and practitioners from government, local authorities, think-tanks and NGOs to discuss the role of the citizen in the public realm. Available for download from the INVOLVE website or £10 by mail order from info@involve.org.uk (WTYL 17/12/07)

There is an article 'Winning the lottery: the successful Community Libraries' by James Nichol and Sarah Wilkie in Update Magazine, looking at the successful bidders' ideas 'to increase and enhance spaces for a broader range of activities agreed with more input from communities'. (UM Dec 2007 Vol 6 (12) pp34-37)

Audiences Yorkshire’s Conference, Let’s Stick Together, 29 November 2007, Leeds, is all about building and developing relationships with audiences through Customer Relationship Management (CRM). It will explore ways of retaining existing audiences and suggest practical approaches you can use to ensure your audiences stick with you. For more information just click on the flyer below or go to: www.audiencesyorkshire.org.uk (this link didn't work when I tried it, but might be working again soon. You can also access a PDF flyer for the event from the MLAY website:
http://www.mlayorkshire.org.uk/webdav/harmonise?Page/
@id=175&Section/@id=4545&Document/@id=29839&Session/
@id=D_1k3UvW5RYym1vOQOW6LA&parent=group_1 ) (MLAY 22/11/07)

Community Engagement through Reading: 30 November 2007. The Reading Agency, in partnership with The Local Government Association, is to hold this conference which will explore the positive role that public libraries' work with readers can play in delivering the community engagement ambitions of the Local Government White Paper, Strong and Prosperous Communities. It will examine the vital role that reading can play as a community engagement tool for libraries and as a partnership base with other sectors. You can also access a PDF flyer for the event from the MLAY website: http://www.mlayorkshire.org.uk/webdav/harmonise?Page/@id=175&Section/@id=4545&Document/@id=29840&Session/
@id=D_Ne2F3A8MnH581lSQ61Dl&parent=group_1 (MLAY 22/11/07)

People and participation http://www.peopleandparticipation.net/display/Involve/Home This new interactive website has just been launched by Involve ( http://www.involve.org.uk/home ) and aims to help those seeking to engage with the public to select participatory methods based on their specific circumstances . It includes a comprehensive methods database, covering over 30 traditional and innovative approaches to public participation from around the world, case studies, resources and a section for users to post questions. The site is funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government, the Ministry of Justice and the Sustainable Development Commission. (WTYL 05/11/07)

For information on Birmingham Libraries' six month community consultation concerning the demolition of Birchfield Library and the plan to replace it with a mulit-purpose building see www.birmingham.gov.uk/birchfieldconsultation (UM 6 & [6] June 2007)

Update Magazine for September has two articles on Community Consultation: one by Jenny Salisbury (Essex); one by Mary Keane (Bolton) (UM September)

Resources for Community Groups & working with Community Groups

Lancashire CC Library & Info Service have set up a new online resource for community groups called Lancashire Lantern wiCI, whihch will contain searchable information of local not-for-profit groups and other resources in the area. (UM 7 [7-8] July/ August 2008 p4)
World Library and Information Congress: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council "Libraries without borders: Navigating towards global understanding" http://www.ifla.org:80/IV/ifla74/Programme2008.htm 10-14 Aug, Quebec. There are some fascinating papers being given, including: "Working together: community-led libraries toolkit" - Annette Defaveri & Andre Gagnon http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla74/papers/149-DeFaveri_Gagnon-en.pdf (WTYL 28/07/08)
Partnerships & Places (IDeA website) (http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/laa/home.do The Partnerships and Places library on the Improvement and Development Agency website contains case studies designed to share learning and innovation to transform localities. By entering the word “public library” you can find synopses of work around the country that demonstrates how libraries have integrated what they do with other agencies and services. Each synopsis links to more detailed case study information. (WTYL 14/07/08)
The new My Yorkshire website is helping communities to become digital storytellers in partnership with museums around the region. This exciting website will make material collected during museum community projects and existing oral history archives more accessible, combining multi-media with the age-old art of storytelling. See an eclectic mix of stories, from how Violet got her new teeth to Michael's story of sleeping rough, at: http://www.myyorkshire.org/ (MLA Ebulletin July 2008)
In a Film about Living Library in Malmö Sweden, Mariana van Zeller visits a library in Sweden that loans out humans of all shapes and sizes as a means of promoting tolerance and understanding. See: http://current.com/items/76292762_living_library A number of Living Library events are currently taking place or planned in the UK. See: http://neighbourhoods.typepad.com/neighbourhoods/2008/04/living-library.html Kevin Harris’s Neighbourhoods blog for more information (WTYL 05/05/08)
The right 'man' for the job? The role of empathy in community librarianship – research from University of Sheffield, Dept of Information Studies: http://www.shef.ac.uk/is/research/centres/cplis/research/rightman.html [Also mentioned in WTYL 05/05/08 giving the link to the full script: http://www.shef.ac.uk/content/1/c6/07/85/14/AHRC%202006-8%20final%20report%2004.08.pdf ]
Four Canadian libraries (Vancouver, Toronto, Regina and Halifax), have put together a toolkit for working with communities which "offers eight Tools for use by library staff as they work out in community spaces with socially excluded individuals. The Toolkit is based in the Project’s real-life experiences and the lessons shared are based on some of our challenges and successes". This 'Community-Led Libraries Tool-kit' is at: http://librariesincommunities.ca/resources/Community-Led_Libraries_Toolkit.pdf (Libraran Activist Blog 01/05/08: http://www.librarianactivist.org/2008/05/01/economic-inequality-social-exclusion-and-libraries/) Also see John Vincent's summary: Six key lessons are: 1) Library culture, along with rules and procedures, create significant barriers to inclusion; 2) Libraries must recognise that same or consistent customer service, which does not take into account socio-economic disparity, results in inequitable services that further disadvantage socially excluded people; 3) Planning relevant and effective library services for socially excluded community members requires a collaboration of equals between the community members and the library; 4) Relationship building is at the core of effective service planning; 5) Staff “soft skills” such as empathy, interpersonal competence and open-mindedness are essential; and 6) People want to see themselves represented in the library and have a chance to participate. Drawing on the experiences of the Working Together project, this comprehensive toolkit discusses the techniques used by Project staff as they worked with their communities both to identify and eliminate barriers to service and to develop and test a service model in which socially excluded people can actively participate as equals in library decision making and planning. (WTYL 29/06/08)
Big Lottery People's Millions Launched The People's Millions programme, now in its fourth year, was launched on 19th March. Five awards of up to £50,000 will be available in each of ITV's 18 regions, for projects that improve and enrich communities. Organisations have until 15 May to enter: the final project shortlist will be announced on 29 October. The People's Millions contest will be televised on ITV from 24-28 November and the public in each region will vote for the winners. For information on this programme and to find out how to get hold of an application pack, please call the Big Advice Line on 08454 10 20 30 or see: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_peoples_millions.htm. (WTYL 07/04/08 and MLA SE e-bulletin 45) [Also see item below]
Projects that can promote a better understanding of 20th century conflict are invited to apply for cash from a £420,000 fund. Their Past Your Future 2 is the second phase of a hugely successful three-year Big Lottery Fund programme. The money is available for museums, libraries and archives in England who can develop programmes, workshops, exhibitions and events which increase community and intergenerational learning and young people’s knowledge and understanding of the impact and contemporary significance of conflict. Eve Pattinson, Their Past Your Future Project Manager at MLA, said: “Projects based around themes of remembrance and commemoration, citizenship, diversity, conflict resolution and peacekeeping enable young people and their communities to learn from past conflicts... Museums, libraries and archives are ideal partners for such work as they provide the opportunity to see, touch and discuss objects, learn new research techniques and ultimately provide us with a new and enhanced dimension to the way in which we view our history.” The fund will close on the 23 May 2008. Successful projects will be notified at the end of June 2008. The ceiling amount for a single project request for funding from MLA is £10,000. For more information, see: http://www.mla.gov.uk/programmes/their_past_your_future/tpyf_intro (WTYL
VOICE software and toolkit to help Community Groups set up their own websites: see article by Helen Leach in Update Magazine and: www.e-voice.org.uk (UM Nov 06 Vol 5 (11))
Website toolkit for community groups: http://www.channel4.com/culture/microsites/I/insite/index.html