We are the Brent chapter of the national Refugee Welcome campaign. We believe that a warm welcome is possible.
We are taking practical steps to welcome refugees
Brent Action for Refugees is trying to build a powerful broad-based movement, to change the narrative on Refugee Welcome for the better. However, we know that it is through creating strong-connections between a broad base of institutions and organisations, that we can make our welcome a success. Being broad-based means building on the power of chu
rches, schools, mosques, synagogues, associations and organisations in our local areas. Our Campaign is based upon the following core principles
•That the best people to offer a positive, long-lasting sustainable welcome to refugees who arrive in a community are the local civil society and community organisations and the residents of that area.
•That the plan, run by Brent Action for Refugees, will focus on voluntary contributions of welcome that complement the activities of the local statutory agencies and any of their contracted partners. Its focus is on the coproduction of refugee welcome between Brent Council, any contracted providers, and the host community.
•That the emphasis should be on what civil society does well, and the importance of relationships and neighbourliness rather than bureaucratic programmes.
•That the plan should be for the long term, in recognition that many of the most useful activities may take place well beyond the initial reception and orientation period.