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Helping refugee Azz to build a new life in the UK
"My key worker Linda has looked after me and resolved all my problems."
Asylum seeker Azz Zouhri was referred to Blue Triangle by the Refugee Support Team from Glasgow City Council. He was located in Glasgow to await a determination on whether he could remain in the UK. When he was given leave to remain in the UK his status changed from Asylum Seeker to Refugee. The immediate effect of this was that he had to leave the NAS accommodation and declare himself as homeless to the local authority.
THE ISSUES
The key areas which Linda, Azz's support worker had to address were:
- To assist in gaining his own tenancy.
- To facilitate getting entrance into appropriate education.
- To assist the service user when he dealt with agencies that would require him to fill in forms.
- To work with agencies that affected the service user’s financial situation. These included the DWP and the Housing Benefit Office.
- To assist the service user to apply for a Community Care Grant when he got a tenancy and to monitor the progress.
SUPPORT PLAN
The service user was allocated a key worker who helped him to fulfill his goals and needs as identified in his support plan using SMART principles. The key worker also co-ordinated the support provided by other agencies such as Glasgow City council’s Refugee Support Team and the Scottish Refugee Council.
PROGRESS MADE
The support led to Azz being offered his tenancy within four months of joining us and also arranging to start a college course to gain access to a degree path. This was internally evaluated with positive feedback from external agencies.
THE FUTURE
The support will continue on a daily basis until the service user moves to his own tenancy. Thereafter we will continue to give him housing support as required for a limited period.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Azz says: "I moved into Sauchiehall Street project on 18th Feb 2010. I was made extremely welcome by staff and they explained everything to me. During my stay I have met many people from different countries and cultures and this has been a very good sharing experience. I have made friends with quite a few who are supporting me with my move to my own house and I will keep in touch with them. My key worker Linda has looked after me and resolved all my problems. Management and staff have all been very nice and helpful and I have enjoyed my time here."