Aim 3: Providing Support

PROVIDING SUPPORT & ADVOCACY, ACCESSING RIGHTS & ENTITLEMENTS

89% of service users 80% of service users

said that taking part in EYST activities/ accessing EYST support has helped them understand their rights more 29% said ‘Yes, a Huge Amount’; 35% said ‘Yes, a lot’; 25% said ‘Yes, a bit’.

said that taking part in EYST activities/ accessing EYST support has helped them access their Entitlements - 23% said ‘Yes, a Huge Amount’; 33% said ‘Yes, a lot’; 24% said ‘Yes a bit’.

All Wales BAME Engagement Programme

The Welsh Government-funded All Wales BAME Engagement Programme entered its 3 year during 2019, with the project team busier than ever in the 4 corners of Wales. Lee continued his great work in North Wales running the ever-popular Cultures Youth Club in partnership with BAWSO, while Rahila in Newport developed a deepening focus on the needs of BAME Older people. Chisi and then Jalal worked on the issues of BAME people in relation to racism, Islamophobia and hate crime. The team completed the All Wales Survey of BAME people, providing insights into the experience of BAME living in Wales, and also held a successful conference in March entitled ‘United We Stand’ highlighting the need for solidarity in these politically divided times.

Refugee & Asylum Advice Project

This year we were thrilled to be awarded funding from Henry Smith Foundation to continue our Refugee and Asylum Advice project for 3 years. During 2019 we supported an incredible 756 clients through more than 2600 advice sessions. The project workers offered support with accessing NASS support & Migrant Help, providing advice around financial & benefits system, housing advice, help with legal support and their asylum claim, help to access employment, education and health care, and much more including providing food vouchers.

Asylum Rights Project

With continued funded from Welsh Government, via Welsh Refugee Council, we continued to run the Asylum Rights Project offering specific advice to Asylum-seekers via one-to-one advice sessions in Swansea. This enabled us to continue to support individuals seeking asylum and living in Swansea to access their rights and entitlements. During 2019, through this programme, we supported clients from over 62 Nationalities! We are looking forward to relocating this service to a bespoke Refugee and Asylum Advice Hub in 2020!

EU Citizens Rights Project

This year we launched the EU Citizens Rights Project, a project led by Citizens Advice Cymru and funded by Welsh Government. The project works across Wales, in partnership with local CABs to engage with EU Citizens living in Wales and support them to register for the new EU Settlement Scheme. Project workers Lucy, Elis, Lee and Assia have been busy delivering and supporting a range of outreach and information events to ensure that all EU Citizens in Wales understand and can access their rights and entitlements following the new Brexit arrangements.