The Northeast Drop-In Reflective Session brought together practitioners from 11 various organisations in the asylum and refugee sectors.
The Northeast Drop-In Reflective Session brought together practitioners from 11 various organisations in the asylum and refugee sectors. This case study highlights the key issues discussed during the session, emphasising the collaborative approach taken to identify common activities, share concerns, and propose solutions.
Participants shared detailed insights into their service delivery, creating a comprehensive understanding of the various activities carried out by each organisation. This facilitated an immediate identification of commonalities and differences in approaches. Everyone was encouraged to ask questions and share insights in real-time. This immediate exchange of information enabled participants to seek clarification and leverage each other’s experiences for improved service delivery. We have been able to explore potential areas of collaboration. This proactive approach allowed practitioners to pinpoint shared goals and services while recognizing gaps that needed attention.
Concerns related to homelessness among new refugees and limited options of interventions were openly discussed. We acknowledged that we may not have an immediate solution for homelessness. The collaborative setting allowed for a deeper sharing of challenges faced by practitioners in a safe space, fostering empathy and a shared commitment to finding solutions.
Participants actively brainstormed solutions, emphasising the importance of data sharing to avoid duplication of work. The discussion centred on practical ways such as assessing clients in a manner to explore if duplication of work may occur. The discussion highlighted the significance of staying connected through regular updates. This commitment ensures that practitioners are informed about ongoing activities, challenges, and potential opportunities for finding solutions.
The reflective session resulted in a series of recommendations for improving collaboration among practitioners, including:
Previously, each organisation operated in isolation, with limited interaction. This session has facilitated collective engagement, allowing practitioners to meet in person, especially with organisations that have undergone directional changes.
The collaborative spirit has strengthened as organisations now recognize the importance of staying connected. Building closer relationships has become a collective goal to address the challenges in service provision. The commitment to our pathway ecosystem and the values upheld by Refugee Action have played a pivotal role in ensuring the success and continuity of our drop-in reflective sessions, despite facing time constraints. While organising these events demands significant effort, including multiple follow ups and coordination with various organisations, the sense of duty has enabled us to execute our mission proactively.
Fostering a culture that emphasises the crucial nature of these meetings has been a top down process, with senior management actively supporting and engaging in the initiative. Our head of client services and head of Business Development and fundraising have been instrumental in conveying the purpose of these gatherings to participants. This commitment extends to our staff team, who willingly share their practices with other organisations, contributing to a collaborative atmosphere that dispels misconceptions about the lack of support from various entities. The sessions not only serve as a platform for sharing operational activities but also highlight the collective responsibility of providing comprehensive assistance to our shared client base.
The Northeast Drop-In Reflective Session demonstrated the power of collaborative discussions among practitioners in the asylum and refugee sectors. By openly sharing experiences, identifying common ground, and proposing solutions, the session laid the foundation for a more connected and supportive community working towards positive change. We will continue to review the progress of this work and invite all participants to return for our next meeting.
