Nottingham Refugee Forum's Response to the Eviction Crisis

The Nottingham Refugee Forum, like many in the sector, faced the challenge of the Home Office rapidly evicting new refugees from their asylum support accommodations upon receiving leave in the UK. The resulting homelessness crisis among new refugees prompted the Organisation to adapt and redesign their services to address this pressing issue.

Service Redesign

Previously, the Forum assigned a named caseworker to each client for intensive support during the transition period. However, with a surge in demand, this approach became untenable, leading to delays of up to 2 to 3 weeks for clients to see a caseworker. To better assist clients in preventing homelessness or mitigating it, they established a new refugee drop-in service twice a week, staffed by two caseworkers each day. During these sessions, caseworkers conducted comprehensive assessments, covering aspects like the type of leave granted, eviction dates, support networks, and well-being. They provided information on the UK welfare system, entitlements, and housing options, then created support plans, made referrals, or scheduled follow-up appointments. Clients were categorised into low, medium, or high need groups, allowing for tailored support. This proactive approach aimed to help clients understand their new circumstances early and navigate the transition effectively.

Impact on Clients

• Reduced waiting times for clients to see an adviser.
• Enhanced knowledge and empowerment for clients.
• Improved resilience in facing crisis points.
• Accurate initial assessments by caseworkers.
• Identification of vulnerable clients for emergency accommodation.  
• Better acceptance of limited accommodation options.
• Improved understanding of rights when approaching statutory Organisations.
• Reduced delays in housing applications.

Impact for the Team

• Reduced individual caseloads.
• Eased pressure on caseworkers.
• Enhanced team collaboration and client sharing.

Challenges

• Limited Organisational capacity to accommodate all clients.
• Time-consuming short-term follow-ups.
• Difficulty in monitoring client progress and outcomes.
• Scaling up required if Home Office cessations persist.
• Recruitment of additional volunteers and staff.
• Strengthening the Ecosystem:
• The Forum recognized that effective early intervention required strengthening the local ecosystem. They built partnerships with local shelters, housing providers, homelessness prevention teams, and Organisations facing similar challenges.

Recommendations

• Have confidence in your team to find solutions together.
• Design and communicate service changes within the Organisation.
• Invest in volunteer training. Be open to experimentation.
• Collaborate with other Organisations facing similar challenges.

Nottingham Refugee Forum’s response to the eviction crisis illustrates the importance of adaptability and proactive support in the face of evolving challenges in the refugee sector.