Bryson Intercultural - Bryson Charitable Group (Northern Ireland)

Bryson Intercultural (formerly the Multi-Cultural Resource Centre) For a growing number of people from across the world, Bryson Intercultural is the welcoming face of Northern Ireland. We make a positive impact on the lives of black and minority people and their families by helping them adjust to and cope with their new lives in Northern Ireland. Since May 2007, Bryson Intercultural’s Asylum Advice team has provided a reception service for newly arrived asylum seekers, as well as an independent advice and advocacy service Our service is for asylum seekers supported by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) as well as successful asylum applicants who need help in accessing mainstream services and accommodation. Our advice work covers a range of specialist topics including access to NASS support, the asylum application process, welfare benefits, employment and housing. We also advise clients facing problems such as racial harassment, domestic violence and destitution. Bryson Intercultural is at the forefront of the response to the emerging needs of the Roma community. We are dedicated to building good relations between the Roma community and the host community. By supporting the development of cross-agency working groups Bryson has highlighted the needs of the Roma community and shaped strategic responses. One Stop Service Bryson One Stop Service for Asylum Seekers provides people with first contact and information for claiming asylum in Northern Ireland. We are a non-governmental agency and support asylum seekers in accessing housing, financial assistance, health care and educational resources.This is a free and confidential service. Below is a list of the main services we provide. Initial assessment Discussion of support options Briefing clients on the NASS process and time scales involved Assessment of urgent needs, e.g. clothing, medical Applying for NASS support Arrangement of emergency accommodation Liaising with NASS regarding progress of application Referral to legal representation for asylum applications Referral and registration with GPs and dentists Arranging access to community groups Roma Service The Roma Health Project will focus on working with the Roma Community (significantly with the Romanian Roma living in South Belfast), to increase the level of involvement and engagement with the wider community, to raise awareness of the needs of this community and to work with the Health and Social Care Service to provide a more tailored and targeted area of services. The specific work with Roma women will adopt a community development approach, to provide advocacy training and a group of Roma women will be trained to act as Health Mediators for the Roma Community in Belfast.