ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - 2023 ., ity'i, j Mi8ranfr Eorvfv7 ## **ADMINISTRATION DETAILS** ## **North West Migrants Forum** **Charity Number:** 103178 **Principal Address:** 3rd Floor, Embassy Building, 3 Strand Road, Derry, BT48 7BH **Auditor:** Laurie Duffy; FCA L Duffy & Co Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors, 12 Queen Street, Derry, BT48 7EG **Bank:** Danske Bank **Chairperson:** Marija Stuke **Treasurer:** Irina Chernichenko **Board Members:** Charlie Dillon, Kristina Kozak, Monadel Bazzara, Idris Mahmud Mohammed, Ibrahim Dandousha **Policy and strategic planning advisors:** Hannah Davies, Beverly Simpson, Mike Waldron, Dr Philip McDermott ## **ABOUT US** With over 50 volunteers and six full-time staff, the North West Migrants Forum (NWMF) is the leading anti-racism charity in the north west. In the ten years of its existence, the organisation has developed a wide range of programs to assist people seeking safety and those granted international protection, students, and indeed anyone from a minority ethnic background who has come to live and work in the Derry City and Strabane District and beyond. ## **OUR VISION** Our vision is to change lives and transform the narrative around black and minoritised communities. We do this through tackling prejudice and stereotypes, normalising access to services and promoting respect, fairness, equality and success. ## **OUR MISSION** Our key mission is to promote the benefit of migrants, international students, people seeking international protection, people granted international protection and their families. ## **CHAIRPERSON** ## Marija Stuke It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I present to you the annual report for the North West Migrants Forum. This past financial year has been another remarkable chapter in our organisation's history. Despite the setbacks since Covid, the financial year 22/23 was one filled with achievements that underscore our collective commitment to fostering positive change. Our ongoing support for migrant and minority communities remained at the forefront of our work as we returned to in-person services and support. This included initiatives developed through our National Lottery New Beginnings: Building Pathways to a Shared Future and Better Health: Stronger Communities projects sponsored by Western Health & Social Care Trust. Supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council, our tenweek asylum support programme concluded with a lively celebration on Culture Night at our Fountain Street centre. The Social Café became a vital outlet for connection, activities and language skill improvement throughout the 12-month period, addressing the isolation caused by the Covid pandemic. The second Advancing Racial Equality Awards this year was another highlight. It is heartening to witness the positive impact these awards have had in inspiring others to join the cause and contribute to building a more inclusive future. In October 2022, we also launched the Black Heritage in NI: The Hidden History Project at the Black History Summit in St Cecilia's College. Our campaign for free movement rights for third country nationals within the Common Travel Area (CTA) was also an important aspect of our advocacy work this year. We also promoted inclusivity through our Let’s Talk Race and Racism workshops in nine schools in the Derry and Strabane district area. As Chairperson, I extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated team, partners and supporters. Your commitment and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind these accomplishments. Together, we are creating a positive and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities across the North West and beyond. ## **DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMES** ## Lilian Seenoi Barr As we reflect on the incredible journey of the Northern West Migrants Forum over the past financial year, I am thrilled to share with you our outstanding achievements in fostering positive change within our communities. As the Director of Programmes, I am immensely proud of the impactful initiatives and projects that we have developed in NWMF as we continue to go from strength to strength. One of the highlights of this year was the second annual Advancing Racial Equality Awards, a fantastic night that celebrated those committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity. This event not only celebrated the achievements of individuals and organisations but also served as a platform to inspire others to join the cause. Our five-year National Lottery Fund New Beginnings: Building Pathways to a Shared Future project is designed to empower individuals to access community services, enhance their conversational English skills, receive vital mental health support and foster new connections through a dedicated befriending café. It is heartening to witness the positive impact this project has already had on the lives of those we aim to serve. Additionally, we took a bold step towards reshaping the narrative of Northern Ireland's history with the initiation of the Black Heritage in NI: The Hidden History Project. Launched at the inspiring Black History Summit in St Cecilia's College in October 2022, this project aims to uncover and celebrate the rich Black history and heritage in Northern Ireland. We hosted our traditional Christmas party on December 23, 2022, at the Waterfoot Hotel, our first holiday gathering since the onset of the Covid pandemic. More than 40 attendees, including individuals, children and families enjoyed food, music and dancing, with the special opportunity to meet Santa and receive a gift. With funding from Derry City and Strabane District Council, we launched a ten-week programme to assist those seeking asylum in the north-west. The programme concluded with a lively celebration on Culture Night, 23rd September 2022, at our Fountain Street centre, featuring diverse foods, music and dance, creating a festive atmosphere. The organisation also played a crucial role in fostering inclusivity by delivering Let’s Talk Race and Racism workshops in nine schools across Derry and Strabane from October 2022 to March 2023. Additionally, the Social Café remained a valuable outlet, providing a space for connection, activities, classes, and language skill improvement for individuals and families throughout the 12-month period, especially considering the isolation induced by the Covid pandemic. Throughout the year, our unwavering commitment to supporting migrant and minority communities remained a top priority. We continued our advocacy efforts for free movement rights within the Common Travel Area (CTA) with our townhall meeting in the Museum of Free Derry in June 2022 in partnership with CAJ and Bloody Sunday Trust. As we celebrate these milestones, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters. Your enthusiasm and support have been instrumental in making these accomplishments possible. Together, we are making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Thank you for being a part of the NWMF journey. ## **OUR FUNDERS** **----- Start of picture text -----**
National Lottery
Joseph Rowntree St Stephens
Community
Charitable Trust Green Trust
Fund
National Lottery The Executive
Bank Of Ireland
Heritage Fund Office
Derry City &
The Housing
Strabane District
Executive
Council
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## **KEY HIGHLIGHTS 2022-2023** WE returned to providing advice and services in-person to our members and service users and to engaging face-to-face with our ally agencies following the lifting of Covid restrictions. ## **DERRY TOWNHALL MEETING** On June 27 2022 we held a townhall meeting in the Museum of Free Derry as part of our ‘Common Travel Area, Rights, Limitations and Opportunities’ The was in campaign. meeting organised partnership with CAJ and Bloody Sunday Trust with Dr Anthony Soares of the Centre for Cross Border Studies, professor Colin Harvey of Queen’s University, Ciara O'Connor-Pozo of The Bloody Sunday Trust and Fianna Fáil Senator Niall Blaney among the guest speakers. The meeting examined the limitations of CTA rules and what they mean for non-Irish and non-UK citizens; the CTA and the proposed Electronic Travel Authorisation and the impact of Brexit on EU Nationals and NI in general. ## **BLACK HISTORY SUMMIT** On October 22 2022 we held our second annual Black History Summit in St Cecilia’s College. Among the guest speakers we had writer and activist Chantelle Lunt and author and barrister Marie Claire Amuah. The focus was on ‘Decolonising Heritage: Building a Shared Future’ where we explored what it means to decolonise heritage and history and why it is so important. We also used the well-attended event to launch our new five-year ‘Black Heritage in NI: Hidden History’ project and we talked about the UN Decade for People of African Descent. The various contributions were followed by cuisines from Africa and the Caribbean. ## **CHRISTMAS PARTY** We held our annual Christmas party on December 23 2022 in the Waterfoot Hotel, our first such gathering since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. Over 40 people – individuals, children and families - enjoyed a full Christmas meal while the little ones got to visit Santa who handed out gifts. For some of those in attendance it was their first experience of Christmas, Irish style. ## **ADVANCING RACE EQUALITY AWARDS** Our Advancing Race Equality Awards took place on September 22 2022 in the Waterfoot Hotel. Thirteen awards were given out: - Anti-Racism Ambassador – Primary School Anti-Bullying Ambassador -Primary School Anti-Racism Ambassador – Secondary School Anti-Bullying Ambassador -Secondary School Young Leader - Community Champion of the Year - Anti-Racism School of the Year - Anti-Racism Teacher of the Year - Anti-Bullying Teacher of the Year Anti-Racism Leader of the Year Anti-Racism Media Award - Advancing Racial Justice and Fairness Award Lifetime Achievement Award ## **CULTURE NIGHT** Following a funding allocation from Derry City and Strabane District Council, we held a ten-week programme aimed at supporting those seeking asylum in the north west. One of the key dates within the ten weeks was Culture Night, September 23 2022. To mark Culture Night we invited members to our Fountain Street centre where they enjoyed foods, music and dance from their various countries. ## **SOCIAL CAFÉ** Our Social Café continued and provided a muchneeded outlet for members following the isolation brought about the Covid pandemic. Over the 12month period countless individuals and families dropped in to meet up, enjoy an activity, participate in a class and to improve their language skills. ## **LET’S TALK RACE AND RACISM** Between October 2022 and March 2023, we delivered Let’s Talk Race and Racism workshops to nine schools across Derry City and Strabane District. ## **REVIEW OF PROGRAMMES & ACTIVITIES** A review of our main activities and projects to provide insights into the effectiveness and impact of our initiatives ## **CONNECTING COMMUNITIES, CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE & EFFECTIVE ACTIVISM, SUPPORTING INTERCOMMUNITY PRACTICE** We worked with a dynamic cohort of 30 active citizens, each bringing diverse skills and experiences to the table, who have continually been actively involved in different aspects of the campaign. Their collective efforts have not only resulted in exceptional progress but also marked significant growth and development in their campaigning skills, confidence, knowledge and dedication to activism. ## **Meeting Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin:** On April 1 2022 we had the privilege of meeting the then Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the Building Common Ground event hosted by the John and Pat Hume Foundation. We raised critical issues related to the Common Travel Area (CTA), highlighting its limitations for visa nationals, including concerns about racial profiling. ## **Raising Awareness:** We conducted impactful grassroots activities in Derry during the month of April. Through dedicated community initiatives, our volunteers engaged in leafleting and door-to-door outreach to foster direct connection with the local community. ## **Community Engagement** Our team took a proactive step in community engagement by travelling to Dubin to meet with the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) and the Muslim Council of Ireland. Both organisations endorsed our campaign for racial equality on an all-Ireland basis and we secured their commitment to collaborative lobbying efforts. ## **CONNECTING COMMUNITIES, CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE & EFFECTIVE ACTIVISM, SUPPORTING INTERCOMMUNITY PRACTICE** ## **Rights, Limitations and Opportunities townhall event:** We hosted a townhall meeting in Derry in collaboration with CAJ and the Museum of Free Derry which was very well attended with the DCSDC mayor making an opening speech. The event covered the following topics: The limitations of the CTA rules, what CTA limitations mean for visa nationals living in Ireland both north and south, the proposed Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the impact of Brexit on EU nationals and NI in general. It was very impactful to hear from those whose lives and freedoms are restricted as residents who are not UK or Irish citizens. The townhall meeting was covered by BBC Radio Foyle , thus increasing awareness of the issues addressed in this project and bringing it to the wider public across NI and beyond. ## **Meeting with Irish G overnment:** In November 2022 a delegation of NWMF active citizens met with the Departments of Justice, Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs to share their experiences and highlight the differences in how non-nationals experience the Common Travel Area (CTA) compared with British and Irish nationals. The meeting highlighted our views on current policies regarding the CTA. This was the first time the three departments had ever met in one room to discuss policy areas affecting the integration of minoritised communities on the island of Ireland. The three departments committed to continue engaging with us, with a determination to make real progress on making the whole island accessible to all who live here. ## **NEW BEGINNINGS: BUILDING PATHWAYS TO INTEGRATION** In May 2022, with the influx of individuals seeking protection in Derry, The Befriending Social Café emerged as a pivotal component of the New Beginnings: Building Pathways to a Shared Future project. The primary aim of this project was to foster inclusivity and community engagement among a diverse range of individuals and to bridge cultural gaps. Through a well-structured program, we successfully established a safe place where new residents and the local community could come together and build connections. We organised weekly events including Culture Night, picnic, barbecue, city tour, and pottery. ## **COMMUNITIES UNITED PROMOTING INCLUSION & DIVERSITY** An information session at NWMF with the presence of the Mayor of DCSDC and political representatives to welcome the newly arrived residents. Legal advice sessions with Sinead Marmion from Phoenix Law Solicitors. Lunch with interpreters and solicitors from Phoenix Law who were offering legal advice and support to newly arrived residents seeking protection in Derry. In response to the significant arrival of new of residents groups seeking protection, we face an increased demand for advice and support services. Our dedicated staff adapted their communication methods and utilised various channels including WhatsApp text to facilitate easier messages communication and ensure that crucial information reaches those in need. Asylum seekers were helped by providing legal representation for everyone and arranging appointments, assisting them in filling out forms, registering for GP practices and English classes, referring them to food banks and conversational English workshops and providing any other type of assistance to help them settle in their new environment. Due to the increased number of people demanding English classes, we reached out to the North West Regional College for English classes and FE/HE courses. We were successful in securing funding for free ESOL classes for asylum seekers. We were able to hold an information day on courses and continue to offer support for delivering the appropriate classes in partnership with NWRC. ## **NEW BEGINNINGS: BUILDING PATHWAYS TO A SHARED FUTURE** We officially launched New Beginnings: Building Pathways to a Shared Future, a five-year project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund on December 13 2022. We kicked off our programme with a presentation of its objectives, followed by a delicious spread of cuisines from Sudan, Iran and Syria. ## **SOCIAL CAFÉ, CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE SESSIONS TWICE A WEEK:** Our Social Café maintained its commitment to hosting conversational English language sessions twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday). These sessions played a crucial role in providing a welcoming and safe environment for social interaction. Our distinctive feature of the Café was the active participation of individuals from different countries who prepared food each Tuesday. This added a rich multicultural dimension to the sessions. ## **CHRISTMAS PARTY** Here are some photos to reflect on our Christmas party which was held on December 23 2022 in the Waterfoot Hotel. For some of those in attendance, this Christmas party was more than just a seasonal gathering, it was their inaugural experience of Christmas, Irish style. The event served as a cultural bridge, introducing new residents to the unique traditions and warmth that characterise Irish holiday celebrations. ## **LET’S TALK ABOUT RACE AND RACISM IN NORTHERN IRELAND** We are proud to highlight the successful delivery of our 'Let's Talk Race and Racism' workshops, which reached students at Foyle College, Chapel School, Model School, St Cecilia’s School, St Columb’s College, St Joseph’s School, Strabane Academy, Lisneal College and St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s College. These workshops were designed to sensitise and educate students on the crucial issues surrounding race and racism. The sessions encompassed a variety of engaging elements including presentations, open dialogues, interactive activities and a segment on culture and identity, expertly facilitated by individuals from diverse minority backgrounds. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering understanding, promoting inclusivity and empowering the younger generation to contribute positively to a more harmonious and equitable society. ## **ADVANCING RACE EQUALITY AWARDS** The second annual Advancing Racial Equality Awards ceremony was successfully delivered on September 22 2022 in the Waterfoot Hotel with 274 people attending. Eighteen individuals and organisations were recognised and awarded for taking positive action to promote and advance race equality in NI. Attendees included nominees for the Race Equality Awards, teachers and their colleagues, political leaders, award sponsors, judges, community and statutory organisations and members of the public. ## **List of winners:** - Anti-Racism Ambassador of the Year: _Sean Sweeney (St Anne’s PS)_ - Anti-Racism Ambassador of the Year: _Abigail Diver & Joanna McCombe (Strabane Academy)_ Anti-Bullying Ambassador of the Year: _Abigail Sharkey (St Anne’s PS)_ - Anti-Bullying Ambassador of the Year: _Joshua Doherty (Foyle College)_ Young Leader: _Hassan Al Khawam & Mahmoud Khaled_ - Community Champion of the Year: _Eddie Breslin & Belfast Trust Ethnic Minority Staff Network_ Anti-Racism School of the Year: _Mallusk Integrated Primary School & Strabane Academy_ Anti-Racism Teacher of the Year: _Joanne Nicholl (St Cecilia's College)_ - Anti-Bullying Teacher of the Year: _Gary Hetherington (Strabane Academy)_ - Advancing Racial Justice and Fairness Award: _Multi-Ethnic Sports & Culture NI (MSCNI)_ Anti-Racism Leader of the Year: _Alderman Graham Warke & Joseph Rickets_ Anti-Racism Media Award: _Elaine McGee_ - Lifetime Achievement Awards: _Ronald Vellem_ ## **To watch the short video of the Advancing Race Equality Awards: Click Here** ## **ADVANCING RACE EQUALITY AWARDS** Nominees of the Advancing Race Equality Awards were judged by a distinguished panel of independent judges with a proven commitment to advancing race equality: Dr Raymond Russell, Goretti Horgan, Tshamano Mushapho, Patrick Corrigan, Coumilah Manjoo, Dr Manal Mahdi, Eliza Browning, Naomi Green, Brian Dougherty MBE, Andy George, Dr Philip McDermott and Hannah Davies. School categories (Anti-Racism Ambassador of the Year and Anti-Bullying Ambassador of the Year) were also judged by a group of young people based on amazing art works sent by nominees. We extend our gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support. ## **BLACK HERITAGE IN NI: THE HIDDEN HISTORY PROJECT** **Black History Month Summit: 'Decolonising Heritage, Building a Shared Future'** The second annual Black History Summit was held on October 22 2022 and was hosted at St Cecilia's College in Derry. Approximately 80 participants attended the event which was hosted by our very own TJ Mushapho. We had a trio of distinguished keynote speakers, each bringing their unique perspective to the theme of 'Decolonising Heritage for a Shared Future’. Dr Livingstone Thompson, representing ACSONI, Maire-Claire Amuah from the Black Cultural Archives and Chantelle Lunt of the Black Curriculum. The discussions were complemented by Donna Namukasa, Belfast-based Ugandan musician with an extensive knowledge of African music and culture from Uganda. The rhythm continued with dance performances by NWMF volunteers Nixon, Ken and Yakoub who got everyone up on to their feet. Attendees were also treated to a diverse array of cultural foods, reflecting the culinary richness of Africa with dishes from Guyana, Nigeria, Somalia and Ethiopia for lunch. The summit not only served as a forum for discussion but also marked the formal launch of the Black Heritage in NI: The Hidden History Project. ## **BLACK HERITAGE IN NI: THE HIDDEN HISTORY PROJECT** Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, our transformative five-year initiative, the Black Heritage in NI: The Hidden History Project, was formally launched in October 2022 at the second annual Black History Summit hosted at St Cecilia's College in Derry. The Project was informally launched at Foyle College, with media (BBC, UTV) coverage and social media. This project is dedicated to reshaping our perception of Northern Ireland's history by acknowledging and celebrating the rich tradition of cultural and ethnic diversity beyond stereotypical ‘two community’ narratives. Planned activities for the project include hosting Annual Black History Month Summits, conducting workshops on racial literacy along with efforts to reform the school curriculum to include minority heritage and creating valuable resources for collaborative work with schools. The main focus of the project will be an exhibition highlighting Black heritage and history which will be accompanied by a black history map and book. In the initial stages of this development year, the focus of the work has been on extensive research, the collection of oral histories and the creation of resources for schools. It is hoped that the Black Heritage in NI project will make a lasting impact and create a lasting record of Black history and influences in NI, challenging historical assumptions and fostering a more inclusive understanding of history within NI. ## **ST PATRICK'S SCHOOL, DUNGANNON** We conducted a series of workshops at St Patrick’s PS Dungannon, engaging with students on various topics. Day one focused on discussions about race and racism, followed by culture and identity workshops featuring four different countries (Colombia, Iran, Guyana and Iraq) on day two. The festivities reached their peak with a cultural celebration event on day three, featuring diverse traditional food, music and a fashion show. This contributed to an overall experience that was both enlightening and enjoyable. ## **BETTER HEALTH STRONGER COMMUNITIES** **CULTURALLY SENSITIVE WOMEN'S HEALTH WORKSHOPS** A workshop on women's health was held at the NWMF centre and proved to be an engaging and informative event. It significantly enhanced the participants' understanding of the relationship between reproductive health and mental and emotional wellness. The programme included personalised consultations with an expert gynaecologist consultant, offering a safe and confidential space for women to address their unique reproductive health concerns. The involvement of a highly skilled gynaecologist consultant from a minority background was a highlight of the workshop, as they brought an essential understanding of the cultural nuances relevant to the attendees. We also held some art workshops and sessions of daily conversational English for women only. North West Migrants Forum AGM 25 January 2023 Auditor's Report to Members Flnancial Statements For Year Ended 31 March 2023 L Duffy & Co Chartered Accountants 12 Queen Street, Derry North West Mlgrants Fonlln Income and Expendlture For y•ar to 31 Mirth 2023 In¢om• Natlnal Lortery Lottery Heiita4e Fund TEO St Stephen's Green Tntst Joseph Rowntree Trusi STEP EUSS NIHE Communlty Foundalln Defry Clty Coundl Red Cross . Crlsls Fund rltlsh Councll Nl Community Relatlons wHscr Fundralsln8 and donatlons 2023 2022 i(x),otM) 25,902 27,186 76.124 5,333 4.999 4,847 3.012 19,073 16,793 41.250 2,667 5.050 1.200 8,270 6,970 264.373 361 173J08 EXp•fid1￿r• Pfo8ram Costs Wages and Penslons 49.894 150.992 16,835 1.219 5.454 2,267 6.803 950 5,189 70,128 99.382 16,669 1,431 3,069 Insurance Heat •nd L*ht Telehone aftd Intemet Trnvel Prfntlng, postsge •nd ststlonery Webslie and solftware costs 4,947 1,645 3,499 Audlt and a¢eountanry Repalrs and deanlng costs Bank charges Depredation 2,028 S5 6.075 81 2,973 Trtal Exp•nthur• 252,657 213223 Exc•ss In￿me 0￿r ExpendI￿￿/(ExPQThdltuTe (knr kncom•) 11,716 (39,915} Funds Brwtht Fo￿•rd 105,958 145A73 117 674 Charlty Funds UTrrestrlcted Restrlcted 10.508 107.166 4,335 101,623 117.674 105,958 NORTH WEST MIGRANTS FORUM FINANCIAL SUMMARY FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202J INCOMIIIG RESOURCES Oth•v.9% IIICOIIING RESOURCES 2023 NatsC￿* Lott￿/ Hentaoe FuThl eth R(yAnlree Sl Stephen's Gteen T￿￿t TEO (Jh 110,0 76,124 27,186 25,902 10% 25,161 42% Total ￿￿(￿nI￿a r￿(￿r£eA 264,3n 100% RESOURCES EXPENDED RESOURCE5 EXPENDED 2023 prC￿ran￿ costs