Council support for non-UK workers

Herefordshire Council is keen to offer support, guidance and signposting to newcomers to the county, be they from other parts of the country or from abroad. A number of initiatives are in place to do this, including:

1. MIRA - (the Migration and Integration in Rural Areas Project)

The aim of the project is to alleviate pressure across public services and ultimately lead to improved community integration.  Funding for the project has come from the Migration Impact Fund - a national pot of money which comes from the levy migrants pay to the government when they enter the country.  The MIRA project is only able to assist foreign nationals who are in the UK legally.  MIRA projects include:

• English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Increasing the capacity of schools to support the needs of students who don't speak English as a first language

• Adult Education
Increasing provision of adult learning including English as a Second Language and basic skills for migrant workers

• Translation & Interpreting
Supporting and training local migrants with language skills as classroom assistants, translators and interpreters

• Emergency Support
Providing emergency re-connect service for foreign nationals

• Community Integration Initiatives
Supporting local voluntary sector organisations, parish councils and local strategic partnership to provide community based activities

• English Conversation Classes
Providing free and informal classes for people aged over 16

For more information about the project contact the MIRA Project Officer on 01432 260633 or email diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk

2. WelcometoHerefordshire.com 

This website is a collaboration between Herefordshire Council and West Mercia Police, and it went live on 1 April 2006. Currently available in English, Polish, Russian and Portuguese, it provides guidance, information and signposting on local services. It aims to give a realistic picture of what life is like in the county for those who are new to Herefordshire, or are thinking of moving here. It includes details of local community groups, places of worship, British culture and law, schools and adult education, housing, leisure, and much more.

3. Languages and Translation

There are now numerous languages spoken in Herefordshire, and sometimes this can be a challenge for public organisations. As an authority, we are committed to providing equitable access to information and services, and we will therefore provide any of our documents or literature in alternative languages upon request, free of charge. We will also provide free interpreting for customers who need to communicate in their own language.

Sometimes it can be difficult for Council staff to even recognise what language is being spoken if a customer can speak no English. So a language identification poster, listing 24 languages, is displayed in every public reception area.

We have established Herefordshire's Language Network to make the best use of the skills of local people, and cut down on the cost to local organisations of providing these essential services.  Contact the Corporate Diversity Team on 01432 260216 for more information, or e-mail diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk.