Mid and East Antrim councillors have accepted an offer of £50,000 funding from The Executive Office (TEO) for refugees and asylum seekers after missing out on the same sum last year.
TEO has highlighted the need to establish networks of support and integration of dispersed asylum seekers and refugees into local communities.
A report presented to the borough council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee, at a meeting, on Tuesday evening, said:
“TEO has highlighted the need to establish networks for the support and integration of dispersed asylum seekers and refugees into local communities and the need to facilitate the process in an inclusive and safe manner.”
Between last September and March, projects delivered in Mid and East Antrim included English classes provided by churches, three full-day workshops on trauma-informed practice; three half-day workshops on cultural awareness; English for speakers of other languages training for volunteers and welcome packs.
Proposals for 2024/25 in the borough include an inclusion hub similar to the Ukrainian Assistance Centre which was established at The Braid in Ballymena to provide assistance to refugees working with community partners in housing, health and education etc.
The hub would offer a holistic approach to individuals and their needs, the report said.
Speaking at the meeting, committee chair, Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Maeve Donnelly said:
“The welcome pack is wonderful, very welcoming. We are obliged to provide a safe haven. I am pleased to see trauma-informed practice delivered on this programme as standard.”
Last week, a motion proposed by Cllr Donnelly for Mid and East Antrim to become a trauma-informed borough to help the council understand the “significant impact of trauma on people’s lives” was approved.
Knockagh Ulster Unionist Alderman Andrew Wilson said that he welcomed the additional offer of funding to support refugees and asylum seekers, which he stated, will “enhance positive partnerships” with groups and churches.
He asked if all councils will be offered £50k or if it is being offered due to the sum provided to Mid and East Antrim in the previous funding award. An officer said that this sum is being offered to each of the 11 councils in Northern Ireland.
Ballymena Sinn Fein Cllr Breanainn Lyness, Deputy Mayor, said that he welcomed the funding to support the integration of asylum seekers and refugees into the community.
“I would encourage asylum seekers and refugees to go to community organisations and take part more in the local community to experience what we have to offer here and become more integrated. I think music and culture is the best way to get involved in the local community,” he commented.
Carrick Castle Alliance Cllr Lauren Gray said:
“It is really great to see Carrick Together highlighting some really positive stories from people who have spent time in Carrick.”
Party colleague Ald Gerardine Mulvenna, a Coast Road councillor, commented:
“I very much welcome this. It is great to support a programme for asylum seekers and refugees.”
She went on to say that as mayor she hosted a reception last year for refugees and asylum seekers in the borough, adding that they were “an absolute joy and privilege to meet”.
In response to a query by Bannside Sinn Fein Cllr Ian Friary, the officer indicated that there were 2,748 asylum seekers receiving support in Northern Ireland at the end of March.
Last year, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council initially turned down almost £100k after several members expressed concern regarding availability of housing stock and pressures on services, with information received from The Executive Office described as “vague”.
On that occasion, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was the only council in Northern Ireland to decline the money. However, in a U-turn six months later, the council agreed to accept a reduced offer of £50k following “complaints made by community partners expressing disappointment and concern” at missing out.
Meanwhile, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council also accepted an offer of £50,000 funding from The Executive Office this week for costs associated with a refugee integration programme for 2024/25.
The proposal includes English language support for refugees, support for local volunteers through the continuation of the Let’s Connect Network and activities to support the orientation of newcomers to the area and local culture.
Last September, the council hosted a ’Let’s Connect’ championship five-a-side football tournament in partnership with the Irish Football Association (IFA) at the Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey.
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