B-Me voices issue4 spring 2015

Free in Norfolk £1 Donations elsewhere

Issue 4 Spring 2015

... with stories on UK Border agents monitoring your movements & Election results...

VoicesB Me

A Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) Magazine promoting diversity

This is the Afroluso Dance Group

Ms. Roisin Ngembu

Musician Marlon Voices out

I am Michal from Poland a District Councillor

I am Ana of Afroluso from Great Yarmouth

Dr. Joy Barredo - shares

Meet Norfolk’s Police & Crime Commissioner

R.I.P.

2 B-Me VOICES

INDE

XED

ITOR

IAL

What we offer?• Employment,JobCentrePlusandotherbenefitrelatedissues

• Supportyourjobsearchneeds

• Practiceinterviewskillsthroughmockjobinterviewsandfeedback

•UpdateyourCVandbuildanewportfolio

• Findouthowotherpeoplefoundjobs&bemotivated

•Groupnetworkingworkshops&trainingswithtimeforpeer-to-peersupport

What you can expect from us• Aclientcentredapproach

• Tobetreatedequallyandfairlyirrespectiveofgender,race,ethnicbackground,sexualorientation,religion,ageordisability

• Aplacefororganisationslookingtoaccessorprovidesupporttocommunities

• Apathwaytoaccessinglocalservicesandcommunitygroups

• Confidentialityassured

• Ifweareunabletoassistyouwithanyissuesyoumighthavethenwewillalwaysreferyoutoanorganisationthatcan

Information, Advice, Guidance & Training ServicesNeedhelpandassistancewithhousing,health,educationorsimilarrights/accesstoservicesissue?

Our team of local citizen advocates can offer you • 1-1informationadviceandguidanceonawiderangeofissues

•Helpwithcompletingallsortsofforms

• Racismandequalityrelatedissues

• Referring/contactingotherorganisationsonyourbehalf

• Contactingyourtelephone,gas,electricandwatercompany

•Writingsupportinglettersandstatements

• Useofourtelephonestocontactotherorganisationsonyourbehalf

• Escortyoutoanappointment

• Providevolunteerinterpretingserviceoverthephoneandorinperson

The Bridge PlusSuite209SackvillePlace,44-48MagdalenStreet,Norwich,Norfolk,NR31JU

•01603617076

•[email protected]

•www.bridgeplus.org.uk

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thebridgeplus

Appointments available: Mondays,Tuesdays,Thursdays&Fridayfrom10am-3pm(forclientsservices)

• Call 01603 61 70 76

Please leave a voice message if not answered

01603 617 076

Some of our regular front line staff & volunteersPa MusaBeatrice Frances Gervais Jo MoLarissa Sue

INDE

X 4 Councillor Michal from Poland

6 Ana’s Afroluso Dance Group in

Great Yarmouth

10 Meet Your next MP-Special Community

Cuisines event

11 List of BME community Groups

14 UK Elections results

15 Dos & Don’ts and Did you Know

17 Can the Social Service take my child away?

18 Tribute to Late Roisin Ngembu

20 When you die, a Will can make a difference.

What’s in a Will

24 Meet Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner

26 Dr. Joy Barredo Shares

29 UK Border Force Monitoring You

30 A call for Australia to stop turning back refugees

31 BME Voices

32 Bulgarian Voices of Nostalgia by Gayla

34 Musician Marlon Voices Out

B-Me VOICES

Now that the period of purdah is completedwhichistheperiodleadingtoelectionswhenpublicorganisationsintheUKarenotallowedtosayorpublishanythingthatmayinfluencetheoutcomeoftheGeneralElection,weprovideyouatp14asnapshotofthenationalresultsandthewinnersfromNorfolk.Regardlessofhowyouvoted,thewinnerswillbeyourMP’sforthenextfiveyearssomakesuretheyhearyourvoicesbyallmeanspossibleincludingthroughthismedium.Asthismagazineisforandaboutpromotingdiversity,amatternotexclusivetoanyindividualareaoftheUK,inthisissueourcoverstorythereforedepartsabitawayfromNorfolktoHertfordshire,whereMichal,originallyfromPolandhasestablishedhimselfandisnowaDistrictCouncillor.IwouldalsoliketointroduceourguestcolumnistGalyaClark,aBulgarianbornjournalistnowlivinginNorfolk.Thoughitwasnotinitiallydisclosed,thetopicallayoutofourmagazinepagestendtoreflect

7keypriorityneedsofBMEcommunitiesasidentifiedina2012consultationreportco-producedbyTheBridgePlusandNorfolkCountyCouncil,whichare:Housing,Health,Education,Employment,Racism,AccesstoServicesandhowthesearefurtherinfluenced/informedby“BMEpeople’sexperienceofengagingwithfrontlinestaff”.HencetheslantandtoneoftheVoicespageandasinthefeedbacks,quotesandindividualstorieswepublish.Sofarsogood,asthefeedbackswehavebeenreceivingstronglysuggestthatthemagazinehas

proventobeoneeffectivetoolincommunicatingandchampioningBMEcommunities’aspirations.ThankstoNorfolkCountyCouncilandNorwichCCG,themagazinecontinuestobemade

availableinallthe47librariesofNorfolkandnowatallNorwichGPoffices.Wecanofferfreecopiestoanyonewhosendsa£2prepaidlargeenvelopetoourmailingaddresstotherightofthispage.B-MeVoiceisaproudproductofNorfolkwithanexpandinggeographicalreachtoinfluence,

informandinspireBMEpeoplethroughouttheUK.Themagazinehassurviveditsfirstyearandwehopetokeepcountingtheyearsthankstoyour

believeittheneedforitbysponsoringandbuyingadvertpages.Wehavealsoheardfrompeoplefarandbeyond.Thankstoallforyourcommentsandsupport.

Youcanaccesstheonlineversionatwww.bridgeplus.org.uk

Sincerely

Pa Musa, i4!

Contact:[email protected]

ORIA

L

3

Who am I? IamMichalSiewniakfromPolandandIamaLiberalDemocratDistrictCouncillorfortheboroughofWelwynHatfieldinHertfordshire.IwasborninLublin,lovelycity(population400,000),inthesouth–eastpartofPoland,withabeautifulhistory,manymonumentsandaverypopular‘Universitydestination’formanyPolishstudents.GrowingupinPolandin

the1980’swasaninterestingexperience.Isometimesfindithardtobelievethatitwasnotuntil1989thatpeoplefromPoland,aswellasmanyotherEasternEuropeancountries,werenotabletotravelfreelyabroad,expressourviewsopenly,practiseourreligionorevenwatchforeignTV.IcanvividlyrememberqueuingforbasicitemsjusttobakeaChristmascake.WewerealsonotallowedtolearnEnglishsoIwastaughtRussian.Overall,ourfreedominthosedayswashugelylimited.IbelievethosestrugglingyearshavereallymademeandmanyofmycounterpartsstrongerandIthinkweareprobablymorelikely,withoutmakinganyassumptions,toappreciateourlivesinthemodernworld,simplybecausewedidn’t

4 B-Me VOICES

havemuchuntil25yearsago.Havingsaidthat,mychildhood

wasactuallygreat!Ispentmostofmytime,likemanyotherordinarychildrenaroundtheworld,playingsportandvisitingfriends.IvisitedEnglandforthefirst

timein1997whenIwasstillinsecondaryschoolandIstayedinLondonforonemonth.Itwasawonderfulexperience,seeingsuchdiversecommunitiesandbeingabletovisitsomeofthefamousbuildingsandplaces.IfinallymovedtotheUKabout

10yearsagotowork.WhatattractedmetotheUKwasitsmulticulturalism.IthinkabigadvantageofmyinitialyearsherewasthefactsthatIhadagoodlevelofspokenEnglish.IthinkanyonewhochoosestoworkandliveintheUKshouldputatthetopoftheirprioritylist,theneedtolearnEnglish.Formelanguageisthekeytointegration.

What do I do?Iamacommunitydevelopmentworker.Ihavebeendoingthiskindofworkforseveralyearsnow.IhaveworkedinmanyareasoftheeasternregionasaregionalcommunitydevelopmentworkerwhichtookmetoplaceslikeNorfolk,CambridgeshireandPeterborough.

Ifindmyrolereallyinteresting,becauseitgivesmeachancetomakeadifferenceinotherpeople’slives,enablesmetocreateaplatformfordialogueandmutualunderstanding.Aboveall,Ilearnnewthingseveryday.Myworkmakesmebelievethatwecanallliveinamoretolerantand“healthy”environment.Asacommunitydevelopment

worker,myroleinvolvessupportingtheintegrationneedsofdifferentethniccommunitygroupsandhelpbuildtheircapacity.Thisentailsassistinggroupswiththeirgovernance,developinggoodpoliciesandfundraisingstrategies,actionplanning,marketingandevaluation.WherenecessaryIactasanadvocateforgroupsintheirnegotiationswithexternalagenciesandraiseawarenessabouttheneedsoflocalethnicminoritygroups.Themostinterestingthing

aboutmyjobisthateverydayisdifferent,becauseIgettomeetpeoplefrommanycountriesanddiversebackgrounds.Eachdayprovidesmewiththeuniqueopportunitytochampiondiversityandequality.IseeeverypersonasGod’screationandunderstandthatdespiteourdifferences–wehavesomanycommonalities.IamdelightedwhenIseethatpeople

I am Michal from Poland a District Councillor

5B-Me VOICES

aremoreengagedandactivelyinvolvedinwhattheydo.Iloveseeingthemdevelopingtheirownskillsandideasandunderstandtheirneedsandaspirations.

What Interests me?Learningforeignlanguages.Sofar,Ihavelearnedthree-English,CroatianandItalian,becauseIbelievethateachlanguageprovidesanopportunitytomeetnewpeopleandbroadenone’shorizon.IwishIhadtimetolearnanotherfew.Andthebestwaytolearnalanguageistogoabroad.Ialsolovesport,particularly

football.AsayoungboyIspentalotoftimeonthepitch,playingwithmyfriends.Inprimaryschool,IwonacompetitionwhichgavemethechancetogototheUSAtowatchtheWorldCup.IstillplaywithsomePolishfriendseveryFridayeveningformyemotionalandphysicalwellbeing.Ialsoliketabletennis.

Your achievements?Ihavetoadmitthatthereweresomanylittleones,allofwhichIamreallyproudofbecauseIbelieveIshareeachwithmembersofthecommunityIworkwith.ThemostrecentachievementwasbeingelectedasadistrictcouncilorforWelwynHatfield

BoroughCouncilinMay2014.ItisagreatexperiencebecauseitgivesmeanopportunitytoservemylocalresidentsbecauseIgettocontributetoimplementingpolicieswhichdrivepositivechangeslocallyandimpactupontheirdailylives.ButifIweretochoose,Iwould

saythatorganisingtripstotheHousesofParliamentorEuropeanParliamentwerespecial.Ihavemanagedtoarrangevisitsforover250peoplefromvariousbackgrounds.Iverymuchvaluetheimportanceofincreasedcivicparticipation.Theseprojectshelptoaddresstheissueofcivicengagement,buildaplatformfor“communityactivism”andenthusepeopletogetinvolvedindemocraticprocessesandintensifythedialoguebetweeninstitutionsandtheircitizens.Ipassionatelybelievethatallpoliticiansshouldput“ourresidents”attheheartofcivicactivismandhelptobring“democracy”toourcommunities.Ifoundsettingupand

supportingmanyPolishcommunitynetworksinthecountyofHertfordshireveryfascinating.OneofthegroupsrecentlybecameaglobalcasestudyandIamproudtobepartoftheproject.TheHatfieldPolishForumwasrecognisedby‘CitiesofMigration’,aCanadianorganisation,asanexampleofgoodpracticeinimmigrantintegration,foritspromotionofgoodideasanditspracticalapproachestotheintegrationofurbanmigrants.Ithinkitisalsoworth

mentioningthatonthe9thOctober

2011,ImanagedtocoordinatethesettingupofaPolishnationalelectionspollingstationattheHatfieldFireStation.Thisisthefirsttimeafirestationhasbeenusedforanothercountry’snationalelections.Theelectionwashighlightasagoodexampleofpartnershipworkbetweenorganizationstopromote,buildandcreateaplatformforintegrationandcohesion.Iamalsoveryinvolvedin

organisingsomereallygoodsportandhealtheventswhichagainshowedmehowsportscanbeagreatplatformforintegrationandsocialcohesion.InMarchthisyear,IwasinvitedbytheDepartmentofHealthtotheHouseofCommonswhereIwaspresentedwithanawardformycontributiontopublichealthexcellence.Personallyandaboveall,

meetingtheQueenafewyearsagowasa“bigone”forme.IhavetosayIwasabitnervousbutitallwentwell!

Ana’s Afroluso Dance Group

•PostUpdate:I live in the wonderful town of Great Yarmouth. It has been home for several years now.

I was born in Portugal and my parents are originally from Cape Verde which is one of the African countries colonised by Portugal.

I have a degree in business management. I came to the UK 13 years ago when I was in my twenties.

I have learned a bit of English in Portugal but not enough to feel confident to communicate with people when I arrived here. Now it’s really different.

When I arrive in the UK 13 years ago, I really didn’t speak any English, but now people say I have some sort of an English accent.

I came to England because I wanted to have a new experience of life and to study and improve myself. I wanted to be a nurse but then while I was studying to improve my English, I decided to do a degree in business at University of east London (UEL, Stratford).

At first it was very challenging to learn English. I found it very difficult to learn but as soon I made friend, my spoken English begin to improve. And then I started a job in 2003 which meant making more friend and work colleagues, which also helped to improve my English. I think I developed my confidence of speaking English mainly through conversations with friends and work colleagues.

•Profile: Ana Moreira, born in Portugal, lives in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

•Timeline: Lives in UK, Since 2003

6 B-Me VOICES

Timeline|About|Friends|Photos|More

Coming to the UK was a big decision I had to make. As an EU citizen, I wanted to explore and experience life, but above all I wanted to work. When I first arrive, obviously the main barrier was language. My first teacher was a nice Englishman who was very supportive. He always told me that one day you will speak perfect English. I never believed that was possible, but now I think the level of English I have is perfect for someone who started speaking the language just a few years ago.

I have learned a lot from my first English teacher. He taught me a lot about English culture and way of life. I still remember a lot of what he told me, and this has helped me to engage with the people much better.

I feel very welcomed here. I think if you really want to work there are always opportunities. You can do your own thing or work for others. I have experienced both.

I moved to Great Yarmouth in 2012 after visiting a friend having being fed up with living in London. When I first visited Great Yarmouth, I liked it because I felt it was quiet and private and a great place for someone like me bringing up a child, something I was looking for. I found Great Yarmouth to be a place I could easily relate to, as it already had an established community of Portuguese speaking people. I think Yarmouth is a city that understands diversity.

7B-Me VOICES

•AboutAfroluso:It was exactly three years ago that I started the dance group, AFROLUSO, in Great Yarmouth. I have been a dancer since I was a child, and I never stopped. So having a dance group was something I always wanted.

Afroluso means Afro as in Africa and Luso is a name we use in Portugal to mean all the countries colonised by Portugal. The group has an active membership of about 20 people from ages 11 to 18. We also have 7 active volunteers.

I started the group when I came to Great Yarmouth. The idea started as a conversation with some friends when we all agreed that there was nothing for young people to do, and when I suggested starting a dance group everyone supported it.

I wanted the group help share and show a bit of our culture. After speaking to lots of people and with the encouragement and support from the community, the group was founded.

The group uses dance moves from all the African countries colonised by Portugal such as Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde, Angola and Mozambique. That is why our logo is a mix of the flags of all the former countries colonised by Portugal.

The group is not just about dancing. It is an opportunity to showcase our culture, to involve young people is some meaningful activities outside of school and stay out of trouble and also to keep fit. You can see that all of our main dancers are young people.

Every year, we get invited to more than 20 events by different organisations and community groups to perform. This takes us to so many different places in the county. We also organise our own events.

What am I good at? Well I think I am a very good dancer. I also think am really good at engaging with people, especially young people. So many parents ask me how I manage to keep the young people focused and involved. But I think growing up as a child and being involved in groups has taught me a lesson that I can use to connect with young people. I just love working with young people and I think they can be very inspiring if you understand them.

I also loved being a mom. As a single parent, my daughter is my first and best friend.

Managing a group is a lot of hard work but we have been together for three years now, which is a great achievement. Most of the original members are still with us, but some have grown up and moved on. For a group like Afroluso, it is always going to be a challenge to make it in the entertainment business. The key is finding your own way of keeping the group together, training the dancers, recruiting new members and getting the right equipments needed.

I am very happy with the way the group is going. At the moment it is just great because we are getting more recognised in Norfolk. I would like to see this continue for the sake of the young people because they put a lot of effort into the group and they enjoy it. The kids just want to have fun.

Someday we hope to perform at the Norwich Festival. You also can expect us to do something for Black History Month this year. We would like to widen our network with more people and communities throughout the county.

During my spare time when am not working, I like to go to the gym. Personally, I would one day like to be running my own business.

The challenge for the group right now is getting the right help and support to keep it going on, doing the work we doing and being able to recruit the next generation of dancers.

My special thanks to all the parents and young people who take their time to come to practice and perform with the group.

•FacebookLikes&ToSendMessage:The best way to contact us is through Facebook and we always welcome people inviting us to perform at their events https://www.facebook.com/afroluso.luso

Next Steps for Hate Free Norfolk

Wehavedonealotofworkoverthelastyearor so, topromote theHateFreeNorfolkmessage, to engage with communitygroupsandtohelppeoplewhoaresubjecttohateincidents.TwoofourSpecialistHateCrime

Advocateshavenowcometotheendoftheirpost,butwestillhaveanAdvocateoperatinginGreatYarmouthandNorthNorfolk.JonnacanhelpyouifyouliveinthatpartofNorfolkandareexperiencinghateincidents.Youcancontactherviaourwebsite.

8 B-Me VOICES

Wearecurrentlyreflectingonwhatwehaveachievedsofarandwhatweneedtodonext.Experiencetellsusthattherearesomerealgapsinsupportforpeople,andthatmanycommunityorganisationsmaynothavetheknowledgeandresourcestogivepeoplethehelptheyneed.Thisissomethingweneedtoaddress.WearealsoverykeentoworkwithBAMEcommunitiesinNorfolkasrecenteventsaroundtheworldandhereathomehavemeantthatsomepeopleandcommunitiesfeelunwelcomeorlessacceptedthantheyusedtobe.Thishasresultedinsomelocalhateincidents.Wewouldalwaysencourageyoutogotothepoliceifanythinghappenstoyouoraskforhelpfromyourlocalcommunitygroupororganisation.Pleasesignuptoournewslettersoyoucankeepuptodate

withthelatestnews.www.hatefreenorfolk.com

Michelle de Oude Chair of the Hate Free Norfolk Network

Latest News from Hate Free Norfolk

Pledge in Russian

Equality &

Diversity Images & Quotes

9B-Me VOICES

10 B-Me VOICES

The Bridge Plus+ held an Election Special Community Cuisines event on 23 April 2015whichwasattendedbyfourparliamentarycandidates:LesleyGrahameandAdrianHolmesfromtheGreenparty,Labour’sCliveLewisandChloeSmithoftheConservativeparty.Lateapologieswerereceived

fromJessAsato.Wethankthemallfortheirattendance.Theeventwaspartofourregularcommunityengagementlunchesforpeopletogettogether,socialiseandenjoyethnicfoodpreparedbyvolunteers.Thelunchesareanopportunitytodiscussissuesofconcerntocommunitymembers,

toshareinformationfromsupportorganisationsandserviceproviders,andtohelpserviceusersandvolunteersstayinformedaboutrelevantservices,eventsandopportunities.RegardlessofwhoiselectedtobeournextMPs,webelievetheywillbetheretorepresenttheinterestofallcommunitymembers.

Meet Your Next MP community lunch

Chloe Smith & Clive Lewis with the crowd.

11B-Me VOICES

1. AFROLUSO (Portuguese Dance Group in Great Yarmouth) Email:[email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afroluso.luso Telephone: 07427662455 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=afroluso

2. Amnesty International (Norwich Group) c/o Charing Cross Centre 17-19 St. John Maddermarket Norwich NR2 1DN Email: [email protected]

3. Anna Mudeka’s Tambai Promotions – African music & dance Websites: http://www.annamudeka.com/ or http://mudekafoundation.com/about-us/ Telephone: 01362822194

4. Bulgarians in Norwich & Norfolk (BNN) Mailing Address: c/o 30 Esprit close, Wymondham, Norwich, NR18 9LY Contacts: [email protected] T:0798 605 3330 or [email protected] T:07591220858 Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/ueaBulgaria/posts/135667739934013

5. Ethnic Minority Association of Norfolk (in Great Yarmouth) Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Telephone: 07910922070

6. Filipino Community Group in Norwich –PINAS (Pinoy in Norwich Aksyong Samahan) Mailing Address: 113 Nursery Close Norwich, NR6 5SH Email: [email protected] Telephone: 07964048305

7. Gambian African Network (GAN) Main Contact: Mr. Abdoulie Mendy Mailing Address; C/o The Bridge Plus+, Suite 209-Sackvile Business Place, Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1JU Telephone: 07886109568

8. GYROS-Great Yarmouth Resettlement & Orientation Services Mailing Address: 26-27, King Street, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2PQ Email 1: [email protected] Email 2: [email protected] Telephone1: 01493 745260

9. Hala’s House 2 Home – Resettlement support project with Arabic interpreting support. Mailing address: The Stage, 52 St. Augustine’s Street, Norwich, NR3 3AD Email: [email protected] website: www.norwichhouse2home.com Telephone: 07808135376

10. NEAD (Norfolk Education & Action for Development)-explores global justice & equality issues, linking them to local issues and life-style. Mailing Address: Charing Cross Centre, 17–19 St John Maddermarket, Norwich, NR2 1DN. Telephone: 01603 610993 Website: www.nead.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/NEADorgUk Twitter: @NEAD_Norfolk

11. Nepalese Community Network Contact: Dev Ghimire Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0750065816 Contact: Neelam/Mahesh 07723 327 453 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dev.ghimire.180

12. New Routes Mailing Address: Norwich Social Centre, Catherine Wheel Opening, St Augustine’s St, Norwich, NR3 3BQ Email 1: [email protected] Email 2: [email protected] Telephone1: 01603 662648 Telephone 2: 07799661009

13. Norfolk Congolese Association (NOCA) Chairman: Elvis Beya Mobile: 07576684000 or Tel: 01603290015 Email: [email protected] Web: www.noca.org.uk

14. NORFRESA (Norfolk French Speakers Association) Mailing Address; C/o The Bridge Plus+ Plus, Suite 209-Sackvile Business Place, Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1JU Email: [email protected]

15. Norwich Association of Malayalese- (NAM) Indians Website: http://www.norwichmalayalees.co.uk/ Contact: Jason 0776141528

16. Norwich Asylum Seekers and Refugees Forum (NASREF)-is an open membership meeting group comprising of organisations or individual involved with support, advice or delivery of services to asylum seekers and refugees within Norwich. Email 1: [email protected]

17. Norwich Congolese Community Group Chairman: Odon Kasera Mobile: 074 044 69157 Email: [email protected]

18. Norwich International Youth Project (NIYP) Project Co-ordinator: Rachael Martis Telephone: 07964 719 796 Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norwichinternationalyouthproject Website: http://www.niyp.org.uk/home.html

19. Norwich United Karate Coordinator’s Contact: 074 044 69157 Email: [email protected]

20. One Love United Football Club - established May 2010. Membership includes people from diverse backgrounds, Europe, Africa, Asia and UK. Main Contact: Gordon Turner-Chairman Email: [email protected] Email2: Junior De Silva [email protected] Telephone: 07737 412288

21. Ormiston Families at HMP Norwich Mailing Address: The Visitors Centre, HMP Norwich, Knox Road, Norwich, NR1 4LU Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01603 702301

22. Polish Community (Norwich) Key Contact: Iwona Paciorkowska Email: [email protected] Telephone1: 07923297325

23. Saudi Society Club of Norfolk – offers activities for children and women. Mailing Address: c/o Bowthorpe Hall, Norwich, NR5 9AA. Main Contact: Amani Alsiary Telephone: 07702491810 Email: [email protected]

24. The Neesa project -is a voluntary group which provides social and education activities for women and children. Email: [email protected] Telephone: 07852 732 799 Website:www.theneesaproject.co.uk

25. WORD Trust International- A widows and Orphans Relief and Development Trust-Supporting widows, widowers, single parents and orphans. Mailing Address: New Hope Christian Centre. Martineau Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 2 HX, UK Main Contact: Everjoice Makuve Telephone: +44(0)1603 617905, 01603926118 +44(0)7588487957. (0)7969810239 Email: [email protected] Website, www.wordtrustinternational.com/

26. Zimbabwe Community Association of Norfolk (ZIMCAN) Email: [email protected] Website: www.zimcan.btck.co.uk Main Contact: Francis Nhamo. Telephone: 07956437813

This list is subject to change and is constantly being updated. The information was provided by the listed groups. Please note that some of the smaller organisations are very fluid in nature with their lead contacts, who are mainly volunteers, changing very often. Please check our website www.bridgeplus.org.uk for an updated version of the list.

Compiled by The Bridge Plus+ a Norfolk based black/Asian and minority ethnic (BME) organisation. Tel 01603 617 076 or [email protected]

List of BME Community Organisations

12 B-Me VOICES

Everyyear,hundredsofeventsareplannedforRefugeeWeek.Thisyear,itwillbecelebratedfromthe15thto21stJune

bygroupsandorganisationsacrossthecountry,tohighlightthecontributionsandresilienceofrefugeesintheUK.InNorfolk,theorganisations

listedbelowhavetraditionallysupportedRefugeeWeekbyorganising,andorhostingeventsandtalkstoraiseawarenessandcontributetocommunitycohesioninthecounty.Thisyear,duetolackoffundingforthecoordinationoftheweek’seventinthecounty,therehasnotbeenanybookletorprogrammetimetable,butwebelievemostofthepreviousmembergroupslistedbelowislikelytodosomethingduringtheweek.Pleasecontactthemdirectviatheirwebsitecontactsoremail.

1. Amnesty International Norwich Group2. British Red Cross [email protected] 3. Cinema City 4. Creative Arts East5. Norwich City College 6. NORCA7. Future Radio8. New Routes [email protected] 9. NEAD [email protected] 10. Norwich International Youth Project11. Norfolk Constabulary Diversity Team12. Norfolk Fire Services13. Norfolk Library and Information Service14. Norfolk Record Office15. Norwich & Central Norfolk MIND

[email protected] 16. Norwich City Council17. Norwich Puppet Theatre18. Norwich United Nations Association19. Notre Dame High School20. Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts21. Sprowston Community High School22. The Bridge Plus+ http://www.bridgeplus.

org.uk/refugee-week/ 23. Writers Centre Norwich24. Wymondham High School

Plans for Refugee Week 2015

Source: Movement Against Xenophobia

13B-Me VOICES

Did you know that you don’t have to be a Cotman tenant to get help from our services for senior people? Our services can help if you live in a private rented, other Housing Association, Council or owner occupied home.

Older People’s Outreach Service

If you are aged 60 or over and living in Norwich and need support and advice this free service could help you. We can help with:

•Supporttomovetomoresuitablehousingandaccesscareservices

•Supporttoovercomelonelinessandfindnewthingstodo

•Supporttosetupalarmsystemsorotherassistivetechnology

•Supporttomakesureyouaregettingtherightbenefits

…And much more

Norwich HandyVan Service

If you are aged 65 and over and living in the Norwich City area and need small jobs to be done around the home we can help. This service is free if you are on Council Tax Reduction and costs £15 per job plus materials if you are not. We can help with:

•Fittingsmokedetectors

•Changingfluorescentlightbulbtubes

•Plumbinginwashingmachines

•Puttingupshelves

…And much more

Want to find out more? Phoneuson01603731696Or email us [email protected]

Senior People’s Services from Cotman Housing Association

14 B-Me VOICES

1. Keith Simpson MP BroadlandConservativeTel: 01603 865763 email: [email protected]

2. Brandon Lewis MPGreatYarmouthConservativeTel: 01493 652928 email: [email protected]

3. George Freeman MPMidNorfolkConservativeTel: 01953 600617 email: [email protected]

4. Norman Lamb MP-NorthNorfolkLiberalDemocratTel: 01692 403752 email: [email protected]

5. Henry Bellingham MPNorthWestNorfolkConservativeTel: 01553 692076 email: [email protected]

6. Chloe Smith MPNorwichNorthConservativeTel: 01603 414756 email: [email protected]

7. Clive Lewis MPNorwichSouthLabourTel: 01603 622017 email: [email protected]

8. Richard Bacon MPSouthNorfolkConservativeTel: 01379 643728 email: [email protected]

9. Elizabeth Truss MPSouthWestNorfolkConservativeTel: 01842 757345 email: [email protected]

Member of European Parliament (MEP)

Richard HowittLabourTel: 01223 240202 e-mail: [email protected]

The basic annual salary for an MP from 1 April 2014 is £67,060

Below is Norfolk’s 9 Members of Parliament & their Constituencies

To find your MP using postcodes and names of MPs or constituencies, or fragments from this link: http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/

1

8

267

4

3

5

9

2015 UK Election Results returns a Conservative government.THE FINAL SCORE IS:

15B-Me VOICES

•DidyouknowthatthedeathpenaltywasabolishedintheUKjust50yearsagoin1965?Thatpeoplewerehangedforjustpickpocketing.Childrenwerenotsparedeither.

• Identitycardforforeignnationals-Itisestablishedthatsincethe1990s,therehavebeenover8differentformsofresidencepermitsorISD(ImmigrationStatusDocuments,astheywerecalled)issuedtoimmigrantsdependingonthereasontheyoriginallycametothecountry.ThefirstformofauniformkindofidentitycardforforeignnationalsintheUKwasfirstintroducedforstudentsin2008.Beforethen,differentcategoriesofimmigrantshavedifferentformsofpaperworktoprovetheirrighttostayintheUK.AsofOctober2012allimmigrantsarenowbeinggraduallyissuedaBiometricResidencePermit(BRP)whichisaplasticcardsimilartoadriverslicence.Howevernoteveryonehassuchcardsasyet,becausepeoplearenotrequiredtochangetheirexistingformsofresidencevisasuntilwhentheyexpire.

Did You Know & Dos and Don’ts• From9March2015,newEUmigrantswhohavearrivedintheUKwillbepreventedfromclaimingbenefitsuntiltheyhavestartedwork.NewmigrantjobseekerswillalsonolongerbeabletoclaimHousingBenefit.ActionhasalreadybeentakentohalvetheamountoftimeEUjobseekerscanclaimJobseeker’sAllowance,ChildBenefitandChildTaxCredit.Toadd,migrantswhocannotfindajobafter3monthswilllosetheirrighttoresideintheUK.

• ThehighestnumberofBlackfootballertoplayforEngland’snationalteaminasinglematchwas60%inagameagainsttheUSAon28thMay2005withthefollowingplayers:SolCampbell(wasCaptain),DavidJames,GlenJohnson,AshleyCole,WesBrown,JermaineJenasandKieranRichardsonstarted.ZatKnightwasahalf-timesubstituteforCampbell.Richardsonwassubstitutedafter59minutes.Defoewasa63rdminutesubstituteforCole.Source: http://www.englandfootballonline.com/TeamBlack/Black.html

•Don’tmakethemistakeImade!IamnotcrazyaboutfootballbutIlovemyNorwichCityfootballclubscarf,warmandanicemixofcolours.However,afewyearsagowhiledrivingonthestreetsofLondonaroundUptonPark,littledidIknowthatmyscarfwhichwasopenlydisplayedinmycarwouldhaveadifferentmeaningtoprovokeastreamofpedestrianstorepeatedlybangonmycarhood.Thenextbangwasafriendlytaponmyglasswindow,andasIrolleditdownanAsianmanadvisedmetohidemyNorwichscarfasIwasinarivalturf.IlaterfoundoutthatNorwichhadwonagainstUptonParkafewweeksearlierinthepremierleague.Soshouldyoubewarnedwheretowearyoucluboutfit!

•Didyouknowthatsince30November2014thewayyoupaythetollcrossingchargeatDartfordCrossinghaschanged?DartChargeisthenewelectronicsystemthatreplacedcashpaymentsatthetollbooths.Insteadofstoppingatabarriertopaythechargeatabooth,driverswillneedtopaybeforetravellingwhichcanbedoneonline,atoneofmanyretailoutletsincludingthosewithaPayzoneterminal,orbyphone.Youcanalsopaybymidnightthefollowingdayifyouruseofthecrossingwasunplannedoryouforgottopayinadvance.Don’tdespair,ifyoufailtopay,youwillbesentapenaltynoticetopaythefeewithin28daysjustasisdonewithunpaidparkingtickets.Theratesare:Cars£2.50,2-axlegoods£3.00,Multi-axlegoods£6.00.Thecrossingwillcontinuetobefreetousebetween22:00and06:00.

16 B-Me VOICES

Have you been to The Forum in Norwich?

theforumnorwich.co.uk

Everyone welcome. Every day.

The Forum, Norwich @TheForumNorwich

FREE events, exhibitions, and markets

workshops, films and talks

Plus one of the best libraries in the UK

Books, classes, research, DVDs, games,

computers, printing and much more.

FOR_ BMeMag_advert_184x135mm_Art2.indd 1 27/11/2014 10:28

Dates shaded white must be open for pupils. Yellow shading indicates pupil holiday. Red shading indicates bank holiday.Five Professional Development days must be taken within pupil holidays, we suggest 3 September, 23-24 October, 5 January and 22 July.

Children's Services2014-2015

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S765432121543217654321

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

1303920392827262524213039282720392


5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 1212 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 1919 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 2626 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30

30 31


11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 1618 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

03928272625242130392827203921303928272625231

5102 tsuguA5102 yluJ5102 enuJ5102 yaM

December 2014

5102 lirpA5102 hcraM5102 yraurbeF5102 yraunaJ

4102 rebmevoN4102 rebotcO4102 rebmetpeS

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

17B-Me VOICES

Safeguardingchildreniseveryone’sresponsibility.Anyonewhoworkswithchildren-includingteachers,GPs,nurses,midwives,healthvisitors,earlyyearsprofessionals,youthworkers,

police,AccidentandEmergencystaff,paediatricians,voluntaryandcommunityworkersaswellassocialworkershaveresponsibilityforkeepingthemsafe.Alocalauthoritymaybeinvolved

withafamilybecausetheyhaveconcernsaboutthewelfareofachild.Thisdoesnotmeanthatthelocalauthorityisseekingtoremovechildrenfromthecareofparentsorothercarers.Ifalocalauthorityisinvolvedwith

afamilyitislikelytowantthecarersofchildrentoengagewithitssocialworkers,attendmeetingsandtolistentoadvicewhichtheygive.Thiscanquiteofteninvolvealotofmeetings,notjustwithsocialworkersbutwithotherprofessionals.Itisveryimportanttoattendthesemeetings.Alocalauthorityhasadutytoprovide

assistancetochildrenwhoareinneed.Italsohasthedutytoprotectchildrenwhoitregardsasbeingatriskofharm.Ifitsconcernsaresignificantthenitmaybethatthelocalauthorityoranotherprofessionalagencywillasktoconvenewhatiscalleda‘ChildProtectionConference’.Ifitdoesconvenesuchameetingitisimportantthatparentsorcarersattend.Parentsandcarersdonotgetavoteonwhetherornotachildisregisteredatriskofsignificantharmbutnonethelesshavetheopportunitytosetouttheirviewstothemeeting.IfachildisplacedontheChild

ProtectionRegisteritdoesnotmeanthatachildisgoingtoberemovedfromthecarers.ItdoesmeanthoughthataChildProtectionPlanwillbeputtogetherandtheexpectationwillbethatthecarerscooperatewiththatandmeetregularlywithidentifiedprofessionalsusuallyonsixweekbasis.Registrationisusuallyreviewedeverysixmonths.Ifthelocalauthority’sconcernissuch

thatitthinksthatitmayneedtoasktheCourttotakedecisionsaboutachild

theymayaskcarerstoattendameeting.Thatwillusuallyinvolvewhatiswhatiscalleda“LetterbeforeAction”whichwilloutlineitsconcerns.Ifsuchaletterisissueditisimportantthatlegaladviceissoughtstraightawayasfundingisautomaticallyavailabletosupportcarersinsuchameetingiftheyhaveparentalresponsibilityortheyarethefatherofthechild.Inotherwordsparentswillautomaticallyqualifyforfreelegaladvice.Alocalauthoritycannotremovea

childfromcareofparentswithoutaCourtOrderorunlessithastheparents’permission.Ifparentsgivepermissionforachildtobeaccommodatedi.e.gointofostercare,thatpermissioncanbewithdrawnatanytime.Theonlyauthoritywhocanremove

achildfromparentswithoutaCourtOrderandwithouttheparents’orcarer’spermissionarethepolice.Howevertheycanonlydothatiftheybelievethechild’swelfareisatsignificantriskandthatcanonlylastfor72hours.Itverylikelythatanagencyknown

asCAFCASS(theChildrenandFamilyCourtAdvisoryandSupportService)wouldbeinvolvedifthematterofachildwouldinvolvefamilycourtproceedings.CAFCASSisanexecutivenon-departmentalpublicbodywhichisindependentofthecourtsandsocialservices.TheyworkundertherulesoftheFamilyCourtandlegislationanditistheirresponsibilitytoworkwithchildrenandtheirfamilies,sothattheycancomeupwithanassessmentthatwouldenablethentobestadvisethecourtsonwhatisconsideredtobeinthebestinterestsofindividualchildren.

This article is intended as a general outline of the basics. It is inspired by and with parts adapted from: Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children of March 2013

TheCarersAgencyPartnership(CAP)isapartnershipofeight local charities,which provide services to supportunpaidcarers.Weaimtoreducethesocialisolationcarerscanexperienceduetotheirrole,aswellasensuringthereisaccesstopeersupport,andwerelyonthevaluedskillsof volunteers in order to do this. There are a number

of volunteering opportunities within CAP that can help supportcarers inyour localcommunity,suchassupportingcarersgroups,communityambassadors,fundraising,adminworkandbefriending.‘I have been involved with West Norfolk Befriending as a volunteer for about 10 years. My clients have all been a joy to visit and are so appreciative of the time given to them. Many of them are very lonely due to their isolation and do not see anyone all week except for carers/cared for. They all have wonderful tales to tell and with a little encouragement they soon begin reminiscing about childhood antics, school days, and their working life. We always manage to have a laugh even if

the client has been a little “down” when I first arrive. Those who are able, love going out for coffee and cake and we encourage as many as possible to attend our social functions (which always involves a meal!). It is a pleasure to hear the “buzz” of conversation when they all get together.’ Volunteer Befriender at West Norfolk Befriending.

Ourvolunteerscomefromvariedbackgrounds,andthereforebringawiderangeofskillsandexperiencestotheirroles.Webelieveincreatingpartnerships,wherevolunteersbenefitanddevelopthroughtheirwork,asmuchaswedofromthevaluabletimethatiscontributed.Wetakeapersoncentredapproachtovolunteeringandwillworkwithyoutoidentifywhereyourskillscanbemostusefulandwheretheexperiencewillbemostrewardingforyou.Inreturnforyourtime,weofferachanceforyoutomakearealimpactincarers’lives,aswellasimproveyourskillsandconfidence.Wealsooffertrainingandsupportinyourroleandoutofpockettravelexpenses.

For further information on voluntary roles in the Carers Agency Partnership or for an application pack, please contact Ryan Hughes (CAP Volunteer Co-ordinator) on [email protected] / 07443522486 or visit http://www.carersagencypartnership.org.uk

Can the Social Service take my child away?

CAP-Taking a lead on providing services to support unpaid carers

ThisismyfinalgoodbyetoRoisinBelleNgembu,mydaughter,(alsoknownasRo,RoBelle,RoshPosh,babyRoisin,WahalaPikin)who

passedawayonthe11thMarch2015.Roisinwasaspecialperson,our

giftfromGodandshefulfilledherGodsentmissioncompetentlyandtoaveryhighstandard.IamverythankfulIwasherDad.Iwilltreasureherallmylife.Herbeautifulmemorieswilllivewithmeforever.Itwasabsolutelyapleasuretobenexttoher.Roisinwasasociablepersonwith

manyfriends.Shewasconsiderate,loving,selfless,nurturing,thoughtful,generous,andcompassionate.Andtome,shewassimplymyprettydaughterwholovedandstoodbymenomatterwhat.Shewasmyrockandshewasamazing.Shewasinatruesenseanindependentperson.Iwasherfatherandastabilizinginfluence.Wehadaserene,genuinedaughter/fatherrelationshipthatexcelledandsurpassedtheimaginationsofsome.IameversogratefultoRebecca,

Roisin’sMum,whomadeallthat

18 B-Me VOICES

possible.Ihadanuninterrupted18yearsrelationshipwithRoisin.IwantBeckytoknowthatshegotmyotherchildren,Michael,DauebiandEmilieandIhopetheywillfeelthatwaytoo.BeckyhasbeenMumtoallofyou.RoisintookupjobsinSportsDirect,

atalocalFishandChipshopandlatersheworkedasaself-employedphotographerinapopularnightclubinNorwich.Sheofferedmediscounts,broughtmefishandchips,andmostofmybestpicturesandvideoswereeditedbyRoisin.Iwillmissallofthat.Roisinhadagood,happyand

richlyvariedlife,andwehaveenjoyedfamilyholidaystogetherinEuropeandAfrica.Sherecentlycelebratedher18th

birthdayin‘TheDstrkt’Londonwithhersistersandboyfriend.Sheenjoyedactivesportslikeskating,gymnastics,danceandswimming,butakneeproblemslowedherprogress.HerfavouriteTVprogrammeswere:

Shameless,Angryboys,TheOnlyWayisEssex,fromwhichshecoinedthephrase‘TheonlywayisNorfolk.’SheplannedtostudyBusiness

managementattheUniversityofManchesterintheUKandeventuallyrunherownphotographyornightclubbusiness.SoIwasveryhappywithRoisinandherdevelopments.

‘My Roisin’In Loving Memory of Roisin Ngembu

A Tribute Written and Read by her Dad

19B-Me VOICES

IlastsawheronMonday9thMarchandthenthenextdaythesadnewsofherdeathbrokeourhearts.Withtearfuleyes,wewatchedherfadeawayand

althoughwelovedherdearly,wecouldnotmakeherstay.Despiteourhope,agoldenheartstoppedbeatingandweallweptwithshock.Roisinwasneitheraweakperson

noremotionallyunstablebyanymeans.therefore,immenseanger,deephurt,inconsolablegrief,disbeliefareafewofthewordsandfeelingsthatIcanassociatewithRoisin’sdeath.Whathappenedontheafternoonofthe11th

Marchleftmecompletelytraumatized.Weareheretoshareourgrief,so

Ihopeyouwillnotfeelashamedorembarrassedtoweepopenly.Lookingaround,IcantellthatRoisinisstillatworkbecausethistragiceventhasbroughtmanyofustogether,reconcilingourdifferences.Whensomeonesoyoungis

takenfromusatthestartoftheirlife,understandablywearenotascomfortablewithwordsandphrasesthatpointtowardsthecelebrationoftheirlife.Buthiddeninallthepainandsorrowthatwefeel,thereisundeniablysomethingspecialtocelebrate.Torememberthatshewaspartofourlivesandremind

ourselvesthatgoodpeoplemustdie.However,deathshouldnotkilltheirnames,soletRoisin’smemoryliveon.RoshPosh,weshallalwaysremember

yourspecialsmile,thecaringheartandthewarmembracethatyougaveus.Youwerealwaysthereformenomatterwhat.Inlifewelovedyoudearlyandindeathwedothesame.Itbrokeourheartstoloseyou.Youdidnotgoalone,forpartofmewentwithyou.IhavedecidedtogiveRoisina

befittingsendofftoreturnhertothealmightywhogavehertomeinthefirstplace.HerasheswillbetakentoCameroon,mycountryofbirth,andburiedwhereshetoldmeshewasgoingtobuildahomeforme.Ithankallofyouwhohavecalled,

visitedandsentmessages.Thesetokensofsupporthavetrulyhelpedusallcopeatthesedifficulttimes.Toleaveyourtributes,pleasevisit

Roisin’smemorialwebsite-http://www.forevermissed.com/

findmemorial?q=roisin

Roisin with mom Becky

20 B-Me VOICES

AWillisalegaldocumentthattakescareofyourfinancialissueswhenyoudie,itallowsyoutoleavemoneyandthingstootherpeople,decidewhatyouwanttohappentoyourremains,andstatewhoyouwanttomakesuretheWilliscarriedout(yourexecutor).

YoucanwriteaWillyourself,butitisbesttohavesomeoneelselookatit,suchasasolicitororsomeoneatCitizen’sAdviceBureau.ForyourWilltobevalid,youmustbe18yearsorover.TherearelotsoffreeorcheapWillwritingservicesprovided

bydifferentorganisationsincludingunions,insuranceschemesandbanks.Anolderpeople’sprojectcouldalsobeagoodplacetofindoutfrom.

• YourWillmustbeinwriting,signedbyyou,and2witnessesmustsignitwhileyouarethere.Yournominatedexecutorcannotbeawitness.ThedateofsignaturesmustberecordedontheWill.

• TheWillshouldnotbesignedbysomeonewhoisabeneficiaryorspouse/civilpartnerofabeneficiary.

• ForaWilltobevalid,thepersonwritingitmustdosovoluntarily,withouthindranceorpressure.Thepersonmustbeawareofwhats/heisdoing.

• IfyouaremakingsomecomplicatedchangestoyourWill,itisbettertowriteanewone.

Below is an example of a simple Will.WILL of ………………………….……………………………………….… (write your name here)

1.ThisisthelastWill&testamentof

……………………….………………………….…(your full name)

of……………………….………………………….……………… (your full address)

2. I hereby revoke all former Wills and codicils made by meanddeclarethistobemylastWillandTestament.

3.IAPPOINT …….……………….……………… full name of executor (s/he/they cannot be a witness as well as executor) of………...……………….……………….……………….………… (full address of executor)

to be the Executor of this my Will provided s/he shall survive me by 30 days but if s/he shall predecease me or otherwise fail to survive me by 30 days or otherwise be unable or unwilling to act then I appoint

.……………….……………….……………….……………….…… (full name of another executor – s/he cannot be a witness) of………...……………….……………….……………….…..….… (2nd executor’s full address) to be Executors of my Will and Trustees of my Estate (hereinafter called “my Trustees”).

4.LEGACIESI GIVE the following Legacies subject to any tax being payable by the person/organisation receiving the legacies:(name of person/organisation, how much/what they are getting)(name of person/organisation, how much they are getting)Or: NO Legacies are to be given under this Will.

5.PersonalPropertyI leave all my real and personal property to …(insert the name and relationship of the person here) after payment of all my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, for her own use and benefit absolutely.(If you wish instead to leave specific items to particular people, section 5 might look like this):I wish to leave the following items, free from all charges and duties, as follows:

1. To my daughter/s – e.g. all of my….……………….……….….

2. To my neighbour Mr/Mrs – all of my….……………….……..…

3. To my friend (full name here) ….……………….……… – my car

4. To my sister/brother….……………….………….……………..

I leave the residue of my estate to my husband/partner….….….. (their full name here).

6.IREQUEST that my body be buried/cremated and (ashes buried/scattered…………………………………………… only include this section if you need it) the expenses relating to my funeral shall be a first charge on my estate.

SIGNED by the above named in our presence and by us in his Testator (you sign here) Date:….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….….

1.FirstWitnessSigned: Name:Address:Occupation:

Note: Make sure you destroy any previous Will once this one is signed

What is a WILL?

2.SecondWitnessSigned: Name:Address:Occupation:

This article is inspired by the sudden death of people from BME communities within the last 12 months. Some of the surviving families were left with very expensive funeral bill. In some cases a Will would have made a difference. Funeral cost is still a big issue for many foreign nationals, and in the rush to bury loved ones, it is not clear where to get cheaper funeral services or financial support, leaving some people with huge debts. On behalf of the surviving families, we are aware of three incidents where community contributions have made a big difference, so we say thanks to all those who continue to contribute to the costs.

21B-Me VOICES

Wise words, wits & Humours

22 B-Me VOICES

23B-Me VOICES

Asof6thApril2015,non-EUmigrantswillnowbesubjectto a ‘health surcharge’ aspart of their immigrationapplication.Thismeansifanimmigrant is coming to the

UKforlongerthan6monthsorextendingtheir stay in theUK theywill be chargedan extra amount. The scheme is but aninsurance premium that has to be paidtowards the cost of any potential healthcarecostoftheimmigrant.Priortothechanges,migrantscoming

towork,studyorjoinfamilymembersintheUKwereentitledtofreeNHStreatmentinthesamewayaspermanentresidentsandcitizens.Thechargeswillbe£200perannum

forallthoseonshortvisitslastingover6monthsand£150perannumforstudents.Thechargewillbepayablewhentheimmigrationapplicationismadeandwill

becalculatedonthebasisofthetimethatthemigrantwillbeallowedtostayintheUKandthenumberofdependentstheyhave.SomecategoryofmigrantscomingtotheUKwithfamilymembers,forexample,aspouseandachild,couldenduppayingupto£1800inadditiontotheHomeOfficeapplicationfees.However,iftheindividual’sapplication

isrefused,theywillberefundedthesurchargepaymentautomatically.Individualswithprivatehealthcareinsurancewillstillneedtopaythesurcharge.Thesurchargedoesnotapplytoapplicationssubmittedbefore5thApril2015.SomeEUnationalsmaybecaughtup

bythelawiftheydonotmeetthereviseddefinitionofaqualifyingresidence.Seekproperadviceifindoubt.Aplantoextendthesurchargetoprimaryandcommunityhealthcarehasbeencancelled.

Thefollowingpeoplewillbeexemptfromthesurcharge:

• visitors and those granted entry clearance for 6 months or less (but if these people use the NHS while on a short visit to the cost of £1000 plus, it will go against their immigration record)

• Tier 2 intra – company transfer migrants

• migrants making an application for asylum, humanitarian protection or Article 3 claims

• victims of human trafficking

• a migrant applying under the ‘destitute domestic violence concession’

• Her Majesty’s Forces family members

• a dependent of another country’s armed forces member who is exempt from immigration control

• those making immigration applications under the Turkish European Communities Association Agreement

• a British Overseas Territory Citizen who is resident of the Falkland Islands

• nationals of Australia and New Zealand

Source: Collated from different source on the internet

The Government introduces an NHS insurance charge to be paid by

immigrants who are not EU nationals

24 B-Me VOICES

If I askedyouwhat the roleandpurposeof thepolice is, youcouldprobablytellme.ButifIwentontoaskwhatyouunderstandaboutmyroleasNorfolk’sPoliceandCrimeCommissioner(PCC),whatwouldyousay?Wouldyouhaveheardofmebefore?Wouldyouknowwhatmyresponsibilitiesare?Forthoseofyouwhowouldanswer‘no’or‘I’mnotsure’,I’d

liketointroducemyself.MynameisStephenBett,andIwaselectedinNovember2012bythepeopleofNorfolktobeyourfirsteverPCC.TheroleIwaselectedintoisanewone,introducedbytheGovernmenttomakesurethelocalareahasanefficientandeffectivepoliceforceandprovideleadershipforalloftheorganisationsinvolvedinreducingcrimeandmakingcommunitiessafer.TheworkIandmydeputyJennyMcKibbendoisbasedonwhat

you,asthepeopleofNorfolk,andorganisationsacrossthecountytellmeareyourcrimeandpolicingconcerns.ThatinformationshapesmyplanforkeepingNorfolkasafeplaceforeveryonewholives,worksandvisitshere.ItalsoinformstheobjectivesIsetforourcountyand,morespecifically,ourpoliceforce,andhelpsmesetthepolicingbudgetforNorfolk(includinghowmuchyoupaythroughyourCouncilTax).Tokeepourcountyasafeplace,IhaveaskedNorfolk’sorganisations

tofocuson:

• Reducing anti-social behaviour and the crime types which have the biggest impact on our communities, and taking action to stop those committing crime doing it again and again.

• Reducing vulnerability, promoting equality and supporting victims.

• Working more closely together to prevent crime and repair harm, with the aim of reducing demand on police and protecting the availability of our frontline resources at a time of Government funding cuts.

Thereareanumberofprioritiesforthispartofourwork,includingtacklingdomesticabuseandsexualviolenceandimprovingsupportforvictims,andlookingathowwehelppeoplewhomightcommitcrimeorbecomeavictimbecauseofdrugoralcoholproblemsorbecausetheyhavementalhealthissues.

IhaveaskedtheChiefConstabletoconcentratespecificallyon:

• Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour

• Tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence

• Reducing the number of people killed or injured on our roads

• And making improvements to the service received by communities so that more people are satisfied with their police force.

ImeetwiththeChiefConstableatpublicmeetingssixtimesayeartoaskquestionsandchallengehowthepolicearemeetingtheseobjectivesandhowthepolicingbudgetisbeingused.Ihopethisbriefintroductiontomyroleasyour

PCChashelpedyoufeelalittlemoreinformedaboutwhatI’mworkingtoachieveonyourbehalf.Ifyou’dliketoknowmore,pleasetakealookat

myPoliceandCrimePlan,comealongtooneofthepublicmeetingsIhaveeveryothermonthwiththeChiefConstable,orgetinvolvedwiththecommunityforumswhoseviewsandexperiencehelpshapetheworkIdo.Allofthatinformationisonmywebsite–www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk-oryoucangetintouchwithmyofficebytelephoneon(01953) 424455 oremail [email protected]

Meet Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner - STEPHEN BETTS

Stephen talking with young people at sports project

Deputy PCC Jenny McKibben

Stephen and Chief Constable Simon Bailey

ready to change?

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

3697_wellbeing_Card.pdf 1 12/03/2015 16:53

Our Trust has started to engage with its local diverse communities through a project called Open Mind. The aim of the Open Mind Project is to create an opportunity for localBME communities to be heard and for them to engage with our Trust in addressing the social and cultural inequalities in regards to accessing and using mental health services. If your community is interested in being involved please email our Equalities and Engagement Manager [email protected] or contact us on 01473329145. At our Trust we want to make sure that everyone is well informed about the services we provide.

Did you know for example that we have a Wellbeing Service www.readytochange.org.uk which offers access to a range of workshops and other psychological interventions to anyone experiencing problems with mental wellbeing including mild to moderate anxiety, depression, stress, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For more information regarding what Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer, our website provides a guide to what is available where. http://www.nsft.nhs.uk

Engaging with Black and Ethnic Minority communities to improve mental health services in Norfolk

Research has repeatedly shown that people from a black and ethnic minority community can have more adverse experiences and negative outcomes within mental health care. This is why Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is keen to engage and work with its diverse communities. It is important that our Trust provides fair and personal services for everyone and this can only be done by us engaging with our local community.

(BME)

GFX

370

9

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Untitled-5.pdf 1 18/03/2015 14:44

25B-Me VOICES

WhenIstartedworkindiversityandmentalhealthbackin2004,Ihadnoideahowmylife,–personalandprofessional,wouldbeforeveralteredthroughthepeoplethatIwouldencounter.

Inthisre-tellingofstoriesbothinspiringandharrowing,Ilookbackonseveralpeoplewhohaveinevitablyleftanimprintonmyheartandmind,manyofthemIconsiderpersonalheroeswhohaveenduredandsurvivedwhatIcanonlyimagineasthefrontierbetweenhumanityandcruelty.First,letmetellyouthestoryofawomanfrom

SoutheastAsia,Adele(Nottheirrealnames).WhenshedecidedtoleaveherfamilyandfriendstomarryaBritishman,itwasbecauseshethoughtshehasfinallyfoundheronechanceathappiness.Soonaftertheweddingherhorrorsbegan.Apartfromherhusbandtreatingherlikeamaid,

Adelesoondiscoveredhowevilhetrulywaswhenhestartedprostitutingher.Herdreamsofahappy

26 B-Me VOICES

everafterwerereplacedbynever-endingnightmares.Andnottoodissimilarastory

wasthatofMarie’s*.Onthelastlegoftheirjourneytofreedom,Marieandherfamilyneededtocrossariver.Theyhadtopaytheboatmanmoney,buthedemandedmorethanthat.HerequiredsexwithMarie’sdaughter.Myheartbrokelisteningtoher,

especiallyafterrealisingthatherdaughtermadethesacrificeandwasundergoingtherapytohelpherheal.AnotherasylumseekerImet

wasSalim*.HeescapedfromprisonintheMiddleEastafterbeingaccusedofacrimehedidn’tcommit,andwassubjectedtodailytorture.Hisfamilyscrapedenoughmoneytobuyhisfreedom.AlorrytookhimawayfromhomeandintoSpain.Thiswaswherehelearnedtosleepinparksandonbenches.ThenhetravelledtoFrance,toGermany,toHollandandeventuallylandedinEssex.NothappyinEssexhemadehiswaytoNorwich,wherehepitchedamakeshifttentdownbytherivernearthetrainstation.Whenhefinallyfoundahome,

hisneighbourswoulddumptrashonhisdoorstepandwrapusedcondomsaroundhisdoorknob.Hesaidthoseweretryingtimes,butcouldnotgiveupbecauseofhis5-yearolddaughter.Althoughtheyspokeonthephoneintermittently,nothingpreparedhimwhenshesaid,“DaddyImissyou.Whenareyoucominghome?”AtthispointIhadtoturnaway,

inordertoinconspicuouslybrushawaymytears.SalimwasalsounforgettablebecausehelearnedEnglishsolelybywatchingEastendersandCoronationStreet!Andthentherewasaclientfrom

sub-continentAsia,Ana*.WhenImetheronthe20thofAugust2004,sheexpressedhowmuchshewantedtomakefriends,butthatshewasveryshy.SoIthought,whynotdoittheFilipinowayandusefoodtomeetnewpeople?Itoldherthatintwoweeks’

timewewouldhaveapartycalledtheFestivalofCultures,whereIwillinvitepeoplefromdifferentcommunitiesandtheywouldbringfoodfromtheirownculture.ThusthefirsteverFestivalofCulturescameonthesceneonthe4thofSeptember2004.AndforthisIwillneverforgetAna.ThesubsequentFestivalof

Culturesgrewbiggerthanthelastandeveryonewhocamemanagedtomakeatleastonefriend!Butit’snotjustclientswho

mademyroleasSocialInclusionManagerinspiring.TherewasawomanImetinFebruary2004whoprovedtomethattherewerenon-BMEpeopleinpositionsofpowerandresponsibilitywhoweresincerelycommittedtocreatingequalityandequityforeveryone.HernamewasJoanEmerson.Iwillforeverbegratefulforeverythingshehastaughtmeandallthesupportalongtheway.However,noneoftheworkI’ve

donewouldhavebeenpossibleifnotforthevisionofPeterGianfrancesco,theformerChiefExecutiveofNorwichMind.Hebelievedindiversity,andhebelievedinme.Workinginthebusinessof

diversityandinclusionwasnotalwayseasy,butitwasneverdull.Itwasrewardingtosaytheleast.InsomewaysIhavebecome

aguardianofthesestories,andIcanhonestlysaythatithasbeenaprivilege!

Some people come

into our lives for a reason, some for a season.

My Not-So Everyday Heroesby Dr Joy Barredo

27B-Me VOICES

It is not surprising that we are confused about migration issues. There is a daily diet of scare stories. In a 31-day period in 2003, the Daily Express ran 22 front page articles on a supposed threat of a flood of refugees.

The pressure to twist the news led Express NUJ journalists to lodge a formal complaint to the Press Complaints Commission against their own newspaper. Reporters on the Daily Star refused to work on a mock-up front page attacking Muslims.

When challenged about a front page story headed “Swan Bake” about asylum seekers stealing swans, The Sun could offer no real evidence to back up the claims.

The hype reached fever pitch around 1 January 2014 when the regulations for Romanians and Bulgarians changed. Scaremongering

turned into farce when very few migrants arrived.

Migrant news

9

Daily MailFlights full £3,000 a ticket

The truth cheap seats

available, demand down

Immigration soars 20%. The true figure was 4%!

EasyJet web site, January 2014

Whose work and at what pay?Most migrants come to the UK to work. But does this mean they are stopping local people getting into work and keeping pay down?

Unemployment levels in the South East and in the East of England are lower than the national average.

In our region many workers have taken jobs below their skill level, or part-time jobs when they really want a full-time one, and the level of pay has been squeezed. But the cause of that hardship is the banking crisis, the recession and the government’s austerity programme.

Some foreign workers take highly-skilled jobs such as computer specialists and health professionals. A few come as senior managers in foreign-owned companies that invest here. In these jobs,

international recruitment pushes up pay – consider footballers for example.

In the less skilled labour market, migrants take jobs locals don’t want to do especially in agriculture and food production. These tend to be low-paid jobs protected by the National Minimum Wage. Past experience has shown that migrants tend to start on low pay but quickly move on to better paid work.

Trade unions have worked hard to protect established pay rates and it has been the recession and bad employers that have squeezed wages, not competition from migrant workers.

Migrants tend to raise productivity levels as they have scarce skills, high motivation and fresh ideas. 17.2% of migrants set up their own firms compared to 10.4% of UK nationals.

A government report that studied the impact on jobs found “little evidence of displacement” caused by migrants.

Some employers will try to rip off migrants and unions will fight exploitation to protect all

workers. The TUC believes effective enforcement of

the Minimum Wage and protection for established pay rates will stop migrants being blamed for the actions of bad employers.

Unions want fair pay for all workers.source: Fiscal Sustainability Report, LFS, Institute for Fiscal Studies

17

Work and payMost migrants come to the UK to work. But does this mean they are stopping local people getting into work and keeping pay down?

Unemployment levels in the South West are lower than the national average but pay has been squeezed and many workers are taking part-time jobs when they want full-time ones.

Some foreign workers take highly-skilled jobs such as computer specialists and health professionals. A few come as senior managers in foreign-owned companies that invest here.

In these jobs, international recruitment pushes up pay – consider footballers for example.

In the less skilled labour market, migrants take jobs locals don’t want to do especially in agriculture and food production. These tend to be low-paid jobs protected by the National Minimum Wage.

Past experience has shown that migrants tend to start on low pay but quickly move on to better paid work.

Trade unions have worked hard

to protect established pay rates and it has been the recession and bad employers that have squeezed wages, not competition from migrant workers.

Migrants tend to raise productivity levels as they have scarce skills, high motivation and fresh ideas. 17.2% of migrants set up their own firms compared to 10.4% of UK nationals.

A government report that studied the impact on jobs, found “little evidence of displacement” caused by migrants.

Some employers will try to rip off migrants and unions will fight exploitation to protect all workers. The TUC believes effective enforcement of

the Minimum Wage and protection for

established pay rates will stop migrants being blamed for the actions of bad employers.

Unions want fair pay for all workers.

sour

ce: F

iscal

Susta

inabil

ity Re

port,

LFS,

Instit

ute f

or Fi

scal S

tudie

s, Ho

me O

ffice

/BIS

Repo

rt 20

14, F

inanc

ial Ti

mes

2014

17

JOB

S 14% of all new jobs are created by migrant start-up firms.source: Financial Times 2014

myths book 2013.indd 17 07/04/2014 19:12

28 B-Me VOICES

29B-Me VOICES

Youwouldhavethoughtthiswasalreadyhappening.Butfrom8April2015,informationonpassengersleavingtheUKwillbecollected

asisdoneforthoseentering.AccordingtotheHomeOffice,exitcheckswillprovidevitalinformationthatconfirmsaperson’sexitfromtheUK.Before1994,limitedexitcheckswere

operatedatthemajorityofairandseaports.Thepaper-basedembarkationcheckswerepiecemealandwerenotcarriedoutonallmodesoftransport,andonlyasmallproportionofpassengerswerecheckedagainstwatchlists.Thepaper-basednatureofthechecksmeantthattherewasonlylimitedabilitytomatchrecordsandthereforenousableinformationaboutoutboundpassengerswascollected.Andthenin1998exitcheckswerescrappedentirely.Since2004theUKhasmovedtoa

moresophisticatedapproachofchecksbystartingtocollectAdvancePassengerInformation(API)forbothinboundandoutboundairpassengers.APIincludesthepassenger’sfullname,nationality,dateofbirth,genderandtraveldocumentnumber,typeandcountryofissue.Thismeantheyarenowcollectingover

80percentofalljourneys–including95percentofflights,providingthemabetterpicturethaneverbeforeaboutwhoisleavingthecountry,butitdoesnotcoverallmodesoftransport.Thenewapproachwillreintroduceexitchecksforallscheduledcommercialinternationalair,seaandrailroutes.

What exit checks will doFrom8April,exitcheckswilltakeplaceatallairportsandportsintheUK.Informationthatisincludedinpassportsortraveldocumentswillbecollectedforpassengersleavingthecountryonscheduledcommercialinternationalair,seaandrailroutes.Thedatacollectedwillbeprovidedto

theHomeOfficetogivethemthemostcomprehensivepictureaboutwhetherthosewhoentertheUKleavewhentheyaresupposedto.TheinformationwillimprovetheBorderForce’sabilitytoidentifyandfurthertightentheimmigrationroutesandvisasthataremostvulnerabletoabuse.Exitchecksdatawillalsobeusedto

targetpeoplewhohaveoverstayedtheirvisasandareintheUKillegally.Forexample,theycanusenewpowersundertheImmigrationAct2014toremovepeople’sdrivinglicencesandpreventillegaloverstayersfromopeningbankaccounts.Thecheckswillalsoimprovesecurity

byhelpingthepoliceandsecurityservicestrackthemovementsofknownorsuspectedcriminalsandterrorists,supportingthewiderworkacrossgovernmentandourlawenforcementagencies.

How exit checks will work?AccordingtotheHomeOffice,thechangeswillhaveminimalornoimpactonpassengers’journeysasmostpassengerswillnotnoticeanysignificantdifferencetotheusualoutboundtravelprocesses.ItisworthnotingthatAirlinesare

alreadyprovidingtheHomeOfficewith

AdvancePassengerInformation(API)whichisprovidedbycustomerswhenbookingtheirflights,henceformostpassengers,nothingwillchangeandtheywillnotnoticethenewsysteminaction.WhereAPIcannotbeprovided–for

exampleonsomerailandferryjourneys–carriersandportswillchecktraveldocumentsandcollectdatabycheckingorscanningpassportsornationalidentitycards.Thecheckswillbecarriedoutbystaffworkingfortheairline,railorferryoperator.

Who will be exempt?Thevastmajorityofpassengersleavingthecountryonscheduledcommercialinternationalair,seaandrailrouteswillgothroughexitchecks.SchoolcoachpartiesofEuropeanUnionchildrenunder16yearsoldwillbeexemptfromchecks.Alternativearrangements,separatefrom

exitchecks,arebeingputinplacetocover:

• journeysmadewithintheCommonTravel Area (journeys between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)

• small,non-scheduledflights (General Aviation)

• non-commercialpleasureboats(General Maritime)

UK Border Force Monitoring Your Movements in & out of Country

Racism Discussion Feedback @ Community Cuisines Lunch of January 2015•Mostoftheparticipantssaidtheywouldnormallycallsomeonetheyknowtoreportaracistincidenteveniftherewasawitnesspresent.Veryrarelywilltheycallthepoliceunlessthereisaninjury,inwhichcaseitisverylikelyitcouldhavebeenreportedbyamemberofthepublic.Manyagreedwiththepointsharedbyonethatthepoliceapproachtendstomakethemfeelmorelikeasuspectthanasavictim.MajoritysaidtheywillmostlikelyinvolvedathirdpartysupportagencysuchastheRedCross,oraBMEsupportworkerfromavoluntaryorganisationsimilartoTheBridgePlus+,thishastodowiththeirlackoftrustofauthority,lackofpersonalconfidenceandlanguagebarrier.

• Andwhenavolunteerasked,sohowdoweknowwhensuchthingsarehappening?Theoverwhelminganswerwaswedon’tbecausepeopledonotreportorsharetheirexperienceofracistincidentsotherthanwithfriendsandfamily.Mostimportantly,becauseitisdifficulttoprove.

• Accordingtoonevolunteer,theyhadtoapproachanemployeronbehalfofacleanerwhowasbeingbulliedbyacolleaguewhichmadeahugedifferenceforthevictim.

• Ihadtoquitmyjob,saidonecontributorbecauseanotherworkerkeepsshoutingandthreateningmeandwhenIcomplainedtothesupervisor,nothingwasdone.Noteventhemanagerwasabletodoanything.Hesaidtherewasnoproof.ThenexttimeheputhisfingerinmyfaceandIcalledthepolice,buttheynevercame.Forthisreason,Ididnotfeelsafe,soIhadtoquit.TheonlyotherpeopleIthoughtofapproachingweretheRedCross,becauseIthoughtsomeonemustrespondtoatrustednameliketheRedCross.

• Onepersonsharedthattheywerewrongfullyarrestedandwereonlyreleasedbecausetheaccuserrecantedtheirstory.Therewerenoapologiesandnothingelsewasdone.

30 B-Me VOICES

Webelongtoaprosperouscountry, a place whereprosperity and goodfortune have made uspowerful. Yes, whetherwe feel itornot,weare

exceptionally powerful as individuals andas a community. We have the power ofsafety.We’rericher,moremobile,withmorechoices than most of our fellow citizensworldwide.Notbecausewe’revirtuous,butbecausewe’relucky.Whatsecretarewehiding?Well,it’s

awkward,andkindofembarrassing.Yousee,we’reafraid.Terrified.Thisbig,brashwealthycountry.Wehaveanirrationalphobia.We’reafraidofstrangers.Notrichstrangers.No.Theoneswhofrightenusoutofourwitsarethepoorstrangers.Peopledisplacedbywarandpersecution.We’reevenscaredoftheirtraumatisedchildren.Andiftheyfleetheirwar-torncountriesinboats,well,then,they’retwiceasthreatening.Butthesepeoplearrivewithnothingbutthesweatontheirbacksandacryingneedforsaferefuge.Yet,theyterrifyus.Sogreatandsowildisourfear,wecannolongerseethemaspeople,asfellowhumans.First,wecriminalisedthem.Then,weturnedthemintofacelessobjects.Butforsomeoneseekingasylum,

someonearrivingbyboat,thisspecialspeciesofacreaturecalleda“boatperson”,thepityisn’tthere.Pityisforbidden.Alltheusualstandardsareoverturned.Theirlegalrighttoseekasylumisdenied.They’revilifiedas“illegals”.Andtheirsufferingisdenied.Asifthey’renotourbrothersandsisters.Yes,wehatesuffering.Butapparentlytheirkindofsufferingisnolongerlegitimate.Andtherefore,it’snolongerourproblem.Ourmoralandlegalobligationstohelpthemarenullandvoid.SinceAugust2001,Australianshave

graduallyletthemselvesbeconvincedthatasylumseekershavebroughttheirsufferingandpersecutionandhomelessnessandpovertyonthemselves.Ourleadershavetaughtusweneedtohardenourheartsagainstthem.Andhowobedientwe’ve

been,howcompliantweare,thisfree-thinking,high-mindedegalitarianpeople.We’reafraid.Butthegovernmenthas

madethemgoaway.Theyhavestoppedtheboats.Andspiritedthevictimsaway.Now,wedon’thavetoseetheirsuffering.Infact,we’renotallowedtoseeit.They’reoutofsight,andoutofmind.Andhereathome,alliswell,alliscalmagain.Forthepastfewyears,astraumatisedpeoplehavefledtowardssafety,towardswhattheybelievedwasacivilisedandcompassionatehaven,ournationalpeaceofmindhasbeenbuiltuponthehidden,silentsufferingofothers.Andthat,myfriends,iswhatourelected

representativeshavedone.Usingthemilitary,usingwarships.UsingspinanddeceptioninParliament.Shieldingitsdeedsfrommediascrutiny.Withthecollusionofourpoorerneighbours,theclientstatesofNauruandPNG(PapuaNewGuinea).Thepoliticalsloganshavegroundtheirwayintoourheartsandminds.Themantrasoffearhavebeeninternalised.Wecansleepatnightbecausethesecreaturesaregone.Itwasn’tenoughtoturnthesepeopleaway.Wehadtomakethemdisappear.So.Alliswell.Nothingtobeafraidof

anymore.Untilwefindotherpoorpeopletobeafraidof.Folkswhoareherealready.Australianswhoarepoorandpowerlessand,therefore,somehowtroublesome,embarrassing,evendangerous.Becausethat’sthething.Onceyoustartthecycleoffear,there’salwayssomeonenewanddifferenttobeafraidof,somenewgrouptocrackdownon.Myfriends,weweren’talwaysthis

scared.Weusedtobebetterthanthis.IrememberbecauseIwasayoungmanwhenweopenedourarmsandheartstotensofthousandsofVietnamese.Australianswerepoorerthen,moreawkward,lesswelltravelledasapeople.Andyet,wetookpityonsufferinghumans.Nocages,nosecretgulags.Wehadthesepeopleinourhomesandhostelsandhallsandcommunitycentres.Theybecameourneighbours,ourschoolmates,ourcolleaguesatwork.Iwasproudofmycountry,then,proudofthemanwhomadeithappen,MalcolmFraser,whosegreatnessshamesthosewho’vefollowedhiminthejob.Thosewerethedayswhenaleaderdrewthepeopleupandaskedthebestofthemanddespitetheirmisgivings,

Australiansrosetothechallenge.AndIwanttohonourhismemorytoday.Itbreaksmyhearttosayit,butfearhas

turnedus.Inthepast15years,it’seatenintoourpublicspiritandmadeatravestyofourmostsacredvalues,theverythingswethoughtwestoodforasasociety:oursenseofdecency,fairness,justice,compassion,openness.Inourowntime,wehaveseenwhatisplainlywrong,whatisdemonstrablyimmoral,celebratedasnotsimplypragmaticbutrightandfair.It’snoaccidentthatbothmainstreampoliticalpartieshavepursuedasylumseekerpoliciesbasedoncrueltyandsecrecy.First,panderingtoirrationalpublicfearandthenatthemercyofit.Becausethesepoliciesarepopular.Idon’tdenyit.Ithurtsmetoacknowledgeit.Butit’safact.Ahard-heartedresponsetothesufferingofothershascalcifiedandbecomethecommonsenseofourday.Weusedtobebetterthanthis.Istill

believewe’rebetterthanthis.Inthiscountry,anationbuiltupon

peoplefleeingbrutesandbrutalityfor200years,wehaveatraditionoffairnessanddecencyandopennessofwhichwe’rerightlyproud.We’vealwaysthoughtitlowandcowardlytoavertourgazefromsomeoneintroubleorneed,toturnourfacefromthemasthoughtheydidnotexist.Now,ofcourse,wedon’tseefaces.Andthat’snoaccident.Thegovernmenthidesthemfromus.Incasewefeelthepitythat’sonlynatural.Asylumseekersarerenderedasobjects,creatures,cargo,contraband,andcriminals.Andso,quitedeliberately,theoldcommonsenseofhumandecencyissupplantedbyanewconsensus,builtonhiddensuffering,maintainedbysecrecy.Ifcurrentrefugeepolicyiscommon

sense,thenIrefusetoacceptit.Idissent.Andmanyofmycountrymenandwomendissentalongsideme.Idon’tpretendtohaveageopoliticalanswertotheworldwideproblemofasylumseekers.Fiftymillionpeoplearecurrentlydisplacedbywarandfamineandpersecution.Idon’tenvythosewhomakethedecisionsinthesematters,thosewho’vesoughtandgainedthepowertomakedecisionsinthismatter.I’mnoexpert,nopolitician.ButIknowwhensomething’swrong.Andwhatmycountryisdoingiswrong.

(Abridged version of a speech made by a famous Australian writer, Tim Winton which also reminds us of what’s happening here in Europe too)

A call for Australia to stop turning back the boats and locking up refugees

31B-Me VOICES

BME VOICES

• Dear Bridge Plus, I was finally granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK and received all my documents. I want to thank you for helping me in this matter and the support I received from The Bridge Plus was absolutely indescribable. I am grateful that there is such an organisation out there to assist people like me with various issues. I appreciated your input to my personal statement which was a crucial document to my case. I also appreciated the service and the support rendered to me by your staff particularly the follow up phone calls to check on my well-beingand how I was coping with the daily life routine.

It’s not always easy to get such support, but you managed to do a great job for me. Again, thank you and feel free to publish this note of appreciation in the B-Me Voices and I will definitely recommend The Bridge Plus to anyone who is in a similar situation I was in. Yours Sincerely, Lourence.

• According to my UK Residence Permit, I am several years younger than what should have been my actual age. Can you help me figure out how old I am, because I don’t know? As the oldest male child of my family, I have not been to school and I don’t know my actual age. One thing I do know is people from my village that I am older than. Age may just be a number, but while here I discovered that someone who was several years the high school junior of my kid brother is, according to our UK residence permits, a year older than me. And can you believe that I was already married with a child when my brother first went to high school. When I was being brought by the Home Office as a refugee to the UK, my age was what was written on a piece of paper against my name by a complete stranger who was just doing his job to get me to a safe country. How do I rectify this?

• I am from an African country where English is the official language. But when I was first interviewed by the Home Office, I could not understand most of the questions due to the accent of the interviewer. I knew beforehand that I could have requested an interpreter but with my level of English, I did not expect to need one.. After all, I have been waiting for over a year for the interview that would determine my right to stay in the UK, and to ask for an interpreter at the interview might have meant another long wait.

• I am not fine. I know some people from my country may be are very happy here, but life has not been good to me. I thank God for saving my life from the war I left back home, but to be honest, that was when

my happy life ended. Life in the UK has been an

ongoing struggle for me. However it is not the end because I know that is how life is. That is why

I said I am not fine…maybe someday soon!

• I am a minority in my own community of BME people. Although there are many people from my country, I am from a different tribe and region to everyone else. It is a known fact amongst my countrymen that my family was politically prominent in the previous government before the

war. That alone could attract a lot of enemies for me.

32 B-Me VOICES

Bulgarian Voices of Nostalgia by Galya Clark

TheBulgariansocietyinNorwichandNorfolkissmall,butwellknownthroughtheirregularparticipationintheannualFestivalofCultureorganisedbyNorwichMindandfortheir

Nationaldaycelebrationswhichtendtoattractlotsofpeople.Thesocietywasfoundedin2008with

theambitiontohaveaBulgarianclub,toteachtheirchildrenBulgarianlanguage,folkloredanceandpossiblyhaveaBulgarianchurchinthefuture.Ithasamembershipofover100withanaverageof10-15volunteerseachyear.Intheperiod2009–2012allofthese

werepossiblewhenthegroupwasbeinghostedforfreeatTheBridgePlus’sNICECentre,whichwastrulyaBMEcommunities’hub.Atthecentretheywereabletorunaschool,hostedthefirstBulgariannationalelectionpollingstationin2012,threwprivateandnationalitydayparties,whichalladdstothenostalgiaforanopportunitytocometogetherasacommunityandshare.Withtheclosureofthecentredueto

lackoffunding,theyarenowleftwithnochoicebuthiringdifferenthallsthroughoutthecitytocelebratetheirnationalitydays–whicharefourinnumberperyear-;3rdMarch–thedayofLiberationfromtheOttomanEmpire,24May–thedayofBulgarianalphabetandculture,22September–theDayofIndependence;.TheBulgarianlanguagelessonsforBulgarianchildrenandthefolkloredancelessonsforadultshadcontinuedfornearlytwoyearsbutthenstoppedbecauseofthelackofvenue.Anotherquiteinterestingactivity

isorganisingtheelectionvotingpollinNorwichfortwoconsecutiveyears2013and14hostedbyNorwichCityCouncil.Morethan100peopleregisteredandvoted.Mostofthemareworkingmigrantswhovaluedtheirrighttovoteandinfluencechangeinthepoliticalandeconomicconditionsintheircountryofbirth.WhoiscomingherefromBulgaria,and

why,youmayask.Generallyitispeopleofworkingage,whowishtowork,paytaxesandcontributetoBritain’sfuture.People,whoarelookingforabetterlifeandwho

wishtointegratebutalso,tokeeptheirhistoricalidentity.WhatyoucouldexpectataBulgarian

eventcelebratingoneoftheirnationalitydaysislotsofdelicioushomemadefoodcomprisingamixofBulgariannationaldishes.Theeventsarealwaysopentoall

nationalities.ThereisalwaystheopportunitytoseethetraditionalBulgariandance,called‘horo’

What they do to integrate?WhatdotheBulgariansdofortheirintegrationinUK?Ofcourse,therearemanythingstheydootherthanjustwork,suchasattendingEnglishlanguagecourses,attendingcollege,andattendingotherlocalsocialactivities.However,therearealotofchallengesthatpeoplefromBulgariafacehereresultingfromtheinsecurityofthepoliticalenvironmentandattitudetowardsimmigrants.MostBulgarianstendtohavefriendsfromtheirowncommunitiesbutseveralhavealsomadeBritishfriendsfromtheirplacesofwork.Belowarestoriesandvoicesofnostalgia.

According to Neli Mihaylova, a cleaner-IarrivedintheUKtwoandhalfyearsagotofindworkhavinglivedinBulgariafor44years.MyfirstimpressionoftheUK

wasthatitwasnotthatdifferentbythelookofthehousesandtheemptystreetsIleftbackhome.Ittooktimeformetomakessomeuseful

localconnectionsandfriends.IwasreallyexcitedtodiscovertheBulgariansocietybecauseIwaslongingtomeetpeoplethatIcanspeaktoinmyownlanguage..Unfortunately,atthemoment,wehaven’tgotadedicatedvenueforouractivitiesandwereallyneedsupportforthis.NowIfeelmuchhappierbecauseIget

alongverywellwithmycolleagues.EvenwithmylimitedEnglish,fourmonthsintothejob,Iwasawarded“employeeofthemonth”.

Nostalgia still worries me says Pavlina Boralieva, an accountant -Ourgroupisnotbigandweareveryspreadacrossthecounty.Regardlessofwhatwedoasindividuals,wealwaysliketosocialisewithfriendsandpeopleweknow.Maybeifwehaveaplacetomeetmonthlythiswillmakeabigdifferencetoourwellbeing.Wewillalwaysbeimmigrantsintheeyesofthelocalpeople.Myfamilyisestablishedhere,not

perfectly,butok,becausewehavegoodeducationanddemandforourprofessions.Theproblemis,mostofusstillhavelanguagebarriers,sowesometimesfeelnostalgicforourowncountry.

“This is the county where I would like to establish myself for the future” says Tsveti Koleva, farm worker-Fornearly5yearsIhavelivedintheUKandIamproudtosay

thatthisisthecountrywhereIwanttoestablishmyselfforthefuture.IlikeeverythinghereandtheStatecaresaboutitspeople.Yes,therearealsosomenegatives,forexampleaccesstothehealthsystemhereisslow,butstillitworkswell.Ihavebeenworkingformanyyearsat

thesamesmallfamilyfarminthe?whereinNorfolk.Theconditionsarenotperfect,butstilltheyaregood.MyemployerisaveryunderstandingEnglishman.IamhappywiththeBulgariansociety.

ButunfortunatelyourFacebookPagehasnotbeenabletosubstituteforgroupmeetings.Ithinkifwehadavenuewherewecouldgettogethertomeetregularly,wewouldbeabletosharemoreandlearnfromeachother.Forexample,ifpeoplesendmessageslookingforaroom,workoradvice/opinion,theyusuallyreceive1-2commentsorinthemajorityofthecases,noanswer.Iwouldliketoseeusbecomemoreproactiveandunited.Weshouldn’tforgetthatweareBulgariansinaforeigncountryandneedtohelpeachother.

33B-Me VOICES

Changes to how to prove your knowledge of English for Citizenship and settling in the UK

Changes to English Language tests goes live-YoumayalreadybefamiliarwiththefactthattheHomeOfficeisalwayschangingitsrules,forms,feesandhowtomeet

therequirementsforimmigrants.WithregardstopeoplewhowanttoliveintheUK,since28October2013,therehasbeentwopartstoprovingone’sKnowledgeofLanguageandLifeintheUK(KoLLrequirement),bothofwhichmustbemetbyallimmigrantsapplyingforsettlement(permanentresidenceorindefiniteleavetoremain)andfornaturalisation(citizenshipapplications)unlesstheindividualisexemptundertherules.Henceeveryapplicanthastopassthe

LifeintheUKtest(acomputerbasedtest)andhaveaspeakingandlisteningqualificationinEnglishatalevelofqualificationwhichusedtobesatisfiedbyESOLEntryLevel3andabove.Priortothechanges,thesetestswerebeingofferedbydifferentprovidersthroughoutthecountry.Howeverasof6thApril2015,theHome

Officehasyetagainintroducednewruleswithrespecttowhichtestscanbeaccepted.ThismeansthatmanyteststhatwerepreviouslyacceptedhavebeenremovedincludingthePearsonTest,someCambridge

3.AnaccreditedcollegesuchasNorwichCityCollegeorAdultEducationESOLisstillacceptedforBritish CitizenshipaccordingtotheHomeofficewebsite,butcheckwiththeprovidertomakesurethisisthecase.

Transitionalarrangements:Inthemeantime,applicantswhoalreadyhaveanin-date/validIETLsqualificationcanusethistoapplyfortheirvisauntil5thNovember2015.

TheHomeOfficerealisedthattherewillbesomemigrantswhohavetakentheirtestsinadvanceoftheirapplicationsandthesetestsprovidersmayhavenowbeenremoved;henceatransitionalperiodhasbeenintroduced.Ifamigrantpassedtheirtestbefore6April2015,thentheycancontinuetousethetestresultsfortheirimmigrationapplicationupuntil5thNovember2015.

Who may be exempt from the rules: Thereisalistofexemptedpersons,sopleaseseekproperlegaladvice.Theexemptionlistincludespeopleaged65orover,peoplewithadisability,peoplefromalistofcountriesrecognisedbytheHomeOfficeasmajorityEnglishspeaking,andalistofothercategoriessuchasvictimsofdomesticviolence,etc.

What if?ThequestioniswhatifapersoncannotmeettheknowledgeandlifeinUKrequirements.ProvisionshavebeenmadeforpeoplewhocannotmeettherequirementsandneedmoretimetoproveyourknowledgeofEnglish,toinsteadextendtheirpermissiontostayintheUKuntilsuchtimewhentheycanprovetheirknowledgeofEnglishifyou’realreadyintheUK.Seeklegaladvice.

tests,ESOLtestsandIESOLtests.ThesearebeingreplacedwithSecure

EnglishLanguageTest.WhatwenowhaveisafewnewtestproviderswhichincludeTrinityCollegeLondon,fortheUKonlyandIELTSSELTConsortiafortheUKandtherestoftheworld.

So what is really new? Followingtheimmigrationchangesof6thApriltherearenow3typesofIELTstest.

1.Secure IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for immigration purposes:InternationalstudentsneedtotakeIELTsfortheirUKVisaapplications,seethislinkhttp://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-ukvi

2.In-countryapplicantsforSettlementorBritishCitizenshipneedtotaketheSkillsforLifeoptionprovidedbythesecureIELTstestlocationslink:http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/locations/united-kingdom

Or Through the Trinity College tests:TheHomeofficealsoacceptTrinityCollegetestsandthenearestcentretoNorfolkisinPeterborough:http://www.trinitycollege.com/site/?id=3286

TheeducationsystemintheUKisdividedintofourmainparts:primary,secondary,furtherandhighereducation.ChildrenintheUKarebylawrequiredtoattendprimaryand

secondaryeducationwhichmeansifyouhaveachildbetweentheagesof5to16yearsoldtheymustbeinschool(thishasbeenextendedto18yearsforthosebornafter1stSeptember1997).Educationmayincludehomeschooling.Allprimaryandsecondaryschoolsrunbythegovernmentarefreeofcharge.

1. Primary EducationbeginsintheUKatage5andcontinuesuntilage11.

2. Secondary EducationinEnglandisfromage11to16.Attheageof16allpupilstakeaseriesofexamscalledtheGeneralCertificateofSecondaryEducation(GCSE),usuallyinabout

eighttotensubjects,whichmustincludeEnglishandMathematics.

3. Further Education-Onceastudentfinishessecondaryeducationtheyhavetheoptiontoextendintofurthereducation,usuallythroughacollege,totaketheirA-Levels,GNVQ’s,BTEC’sorothersuchqualifications.AtthisstagemoststudentstakeAdvancedLevelexams(ALevel)afteratwo-yearcourse.UKstudentsplanningtogotouniversitymustcompletefurthereducation.

4. Higher Education -Moststudentsenterhighereducationattheageof18tostudyanundergraduatedegree.ItusuallytakesthreeyearsforstudentsintheUKtogaintheirbachelor’sdegree(fouryearsinScotland).MostinternationalstudentswillenterdirectlyintotheUKhighereducationsystemaftercompletingtheirhomecountry’s

equivalenttotheUK’sfurthereducation.

YoumaycomealsoacrosssomeotherterminologyusedwithintheUKnationalcurriculumsuchasKeyStageandSchoolYear.TheNationalCurriculumisconstructedinfiveKeyStageswitheachstagedefiningtheSchoolYearandagegroupasshownbelow.

• Key Stage 1-FoundationSchoolYears1to2-forpupilsagedbetween5and7yearsold

• Key Stage 2-SchoolYears3to6-forpupilsaged8to11yearsold



• Key Stage 5-SchoolYears12to13-forpupilsaged17to18yearsold.

Understanding the UK Education System

34 B-Me VOICES

Music is the way to talk to people. It is an international kind of thing. Did you know that Blues, soul and jazz, the South American cumbia and samba all came from Africa? They are all related to the African drum beat.

They all go by the beat of the drum.

Years later I restarted my music career right here in Norwich as a backup singer for Paul Cullen. He

introduced me to a genre of new jazz chill out. From there I went on to record my own song which was

played on a radio station in Germany.

I am mix race. My mom is from Mauritius with links to France, and my father is a Zulu. Growing up in South

Africa during apartheid time was not an easy thing.

While playing for Mr. Ward, I was recruited by the Drakensburg Boys

Choir, which is the biggest choir in the whole of

South Africa.

Right now the UK is the biggest player

of the Ganesh Band music. Three years ago it was the USA.

I came over to the UK in 1995 on a journey of pure discovery. By then my interest in music

had taken a back seat. I am a family man with two children born in Norfolk. Norfolk is my new

home, but I am not a fan of the cold. When I first arrived, things were very different. It took me long time to understand life around here,

coming from apartheid South Africa. I think for all the years I have lived in Norfolk from 1995

to 2015, I preferred it in 2015. Norfolk has become a fairly tolerant society.

After the collapse of the apartheid regime, I found a job working as a custom and excise officer at the port of Durban in South Africa. I was one of its first non-white employees,

but being supervised by white people who still had the men-tality of a segregated society meant serious business. Just

when you think apartheid was over, in reality, discrimination was still going on at work. We couldn’t do much because the

black government was still in transition.

Presently, I am collaborating on a song with Henriques Pirai a Brazilian to release an extended version of a new jazz mix, which we are calling “When Brazil met Italia via Africa”. I will be writing and singing and he will be producing.

This should be out sometime this year. I am also doing a side project with Enzo Ponzon, an Italian producer and

Carmelo Di Grande, a keyboard player. Then I am hoping to record with a couple of tropical artists in South America.

As a 40 year old born in Durban, music is what I do from when I

wake up to when I go to bed. I am a born singer song writer. I have been doing this for over 30 years. I didn’t choose it, it choose me. The love of music has overcome me. I started

music at age six and by seven, I was being paid for my work.

I got involved in music through an Irish catholic back in South Africa, Mr. Barry Ward. He was the only white person

I can remember who was allowed in the black neighbourhoods. I am talking about apartheid time in the mid 1980s. He was a good catholic guy who wanted to involve young people into something meaningful. There

was so much violence going on then.

It was in 2003 that I had my first proper release when I was the lead singer of an

Italian based band called Ganesh. Our music was played in Italy and we toured with MTv Italia. This took me to places I never believe I would go to, min-gling and mixing with stars and models. The group still exists and I sometime do some solo records with their backing.

Mr Ward later took me on and taught me more music. I eventually joined a band as its leader.

We did tours around South

Africa.

I am from a family of musicians. My sister, Kerry Lee-Cherry is a big name in the South African music industry, where she was once at the top of the charts.

She is all over the internet if you check

her out.

I was also a one time lead singer for a big Norwich band called the Casino Groove which plays uplifting positive songs. We played all over Norwich

you can find us on line. We did shows with BBC and Look East.

At best, the end of apartheid brought in freedom to vote, to

express yourself, to go anywhere you want to go, to attend university.

We never had those kinds of freedom.

Musician Marlon Cherry Voices Out

Links to some of Marion Cherry’s work:•[email protected] •AsongsbyMarlonhttps://soundcloud.com/marloncherry • IsingandwriteforanItalianBandherehttps://soundcloud.com/ganeshmusik •Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Ganesh/197760770241960 •MyrecordingfromBrazil

https://soundcloud.com/henrique-pira/rio-de-janeiro-blues-feat-marlon-cherry-soundcloud-vocal-mix •U.S.Ainterviewsheretoohttps://soundcloud.com/ganeshmusik/sets/u-s-a-and-italia-intervista

and here in Maryland, U.S.A https://soundcloud.com/ganesh-intervista/wdgp-radio-washington-d-c •OurMusicfromSicilyisNujazzandwehaveperformedforBruceWillis,ColonelGadaffiandFlavio

Briatorri and a few others in Sardinia for Mtv Europe!!!

The Ethnic Minority Association of Norfolk in Great Yarmouth annual diversity event celebrated 13th September 2014. There was a display of several musical and dance groups including masquerade dancers from West Africa.

35B-Me VOICES

Organise repeat prescriptions with your local pharmacy. It saves valuable time at your GP Practice and will often be more convenient for you.

Tell us if you do not need your appointment. We can offer that time to someone else.

Think before you ask for an appointment - sometimes there are better options, such as your local pharmacy, 111 or www.nhs.uk.

... because it isYourNorwich

The 22 GP practices in Norwich are proud to look after our 214,000 patients

So that patients continue to get a good service, can you help us? Please: