Speaking out for refugees and asylum seekers at local Refugee Week event

On 24 June, Jon spoke at Wakefield’s Refugee and Asylum Seekers Advocacy’s (RASA) annual Refugee Week about how to maintain integration with refugees and asylum seekers in the face of financial cuts. RASA is a multicultural organisation offering a free and confidential advice and support service for asylum seekers and refugees in a range of specialist topics including: immigration, assistance with National Asylum Support Service (NASS), welfare benefits, employment, health and housing.  The events varied from street celebrations for all, conferences engaging people with topics addressing immigration, awe inspiring events from Ice & Fire, and a picnic at Wakefield Sculpture park.

In his presentation Jon spoke about the Labour party’s official views on the topic and connected with the audience by giving personal stories about his experiences with refugees and asylum seekers. These ranged from stories of Jon’s grandmother, who was a refugee from Eastern Europe, to the story of Artum, a boy from his constituency that he helped come back into the UK after he was unfairly deported back to his war-torn country.  Artum is an engaged citizen who is very active in the community helping others who are in need and organising sporting activities for young people.

For more information about RASA, the Refugee Week celebration, and the services they provide, please visit their website: http://www.rasa-advocacy.org.uk/