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RIES

The Refugee Integration and Employment Service (RIES) started in October 2008 and aims to help asylum seekers granted leave to remain to get into employment.

Identifying an issue

There was no universal system of support for new refugees – it was very much based around finding out yourself. Many new single refugees returned to London and many were ill-informed about how they could access services.

The solution

Building on the success of the previous DR LES project, RIES is a one-stop-shop for support and employment advice so that the clients can progress to becoming independent and supporting themselves as soon as possible. The team recognises that each client is unique, so the service is designed to meet their individual needs and aspirations.

The applicant is given:

information and assistance with housing
benefits and JobCentre Plus applications.

Depending on need, guidance and assistance will also be provided on:

accessing English Language Courses (ESOL)
further education
job search and applications
help with CVs and interview techniques.

RIES also provides a mentoring service to support clients.

The location

We are the only organisation in the East Midlands providing this service. The team are all based at Navigation House in Derby, but cover the East Midlands Cities, including the shires plus Northampton and Northamptonshire.

Contact

For more information, please contact Jackie Otley on 01332 334520 or your local office

By giving up some of their time to help us build on the good work we do, volunteers make a real difference to people’s lives.

Both the DR LES and Home Learning Projects were supported by volunteers.

Does volunteering interest you?

People like me

Zyad completed the DR LES project in Derby. Read his story