Sandwell - Rethinking Refugees as Assets

Since the industrial revolution Sandwell has been host for a diverse and complex community. The latest phase of this includes refugees from conflict areas across the globe. The challenge is not to necessarily take more people, but to make sure that those who are here are integrated. Integration is not a moment in time, but a long-term process that takes investment.

On Tuesday 10^th October, Ashley Community Housing are holding a Rethinking Refugee event at Sandwell Council House, as part of Local Democracry Week. At this event they will share their experience of refugee resettlement and reintegration. Presentations and discussions will cover the untapped economic potential of the refugee asset within the area, and how to rethink refugees as assets rather than liabilities.

Warm words are not enough. Practical actions are needed here in Sandwell now. Ashley Community Housing has been working in refugee resettlement since 2008, and believe their combination of understanding, experience and technical knowledge allows them to make a unique contribution.

Some of the points addressed will be:

• Challenging the myths that refugees are only a liability and burden on host communities.
• How we can achieve early labour market integration for refugees, to facilitate early transitioning from emergency relief to long-term reintegration.

By attempting to understand the best ways to resettle refugees the aim is to generate new ideas which can turn current humanitarian challenges into sustainable opportunities.

For more information about the Conference you can visit http://www.ashleyhousing.com/news-events/events/ or register your attendance via Eventbrite.