#CNIConf Countdown Newsletter 2

#CNIConf Countdow 2 - Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th October at The Fuse, Warburton Lane, Partington, Manchester M31 4BU - see here for more details and to book... This week we focus on the Asylum Seekers and Refugees Workshop:

All of us will have been challenged in some way by the media based on the situation in Calais. Behind the often sensationalist headlines are people - people fleeing situations we will probably never know or understand and who are now vulnerable, frightened and unsure of the future. 
 
The Asylum Seekers and Refugees Workshop will help us to gain understanding around asylum seekers and refugees. The workshop will look at those who find themselves street homeless and what support we, as projects serving our communities at night,  can offer. This workshop will help unpack the ever changing mix of cultures within our communities and give tools to be able to reach these incredibly vulnerable people. There will be opportunity for questions especially around the current situation.  

The workshop is delivered by Vicky Ledwidge (front right) who is project leader for St Augustine's Centre in Halifax who serve the local community including many Asylum Seekers, Refugees and EU Migrants. Vicky has also worked for The Boaz Trust in Manchester and has a real heart and passion to see people equipped to better serve those in our communities who are asylum seekers and refugees.

“St. Augustine’s are carrying out vital work with some of the most vulnerable people. I have heard some harrowing stories at their centre, but also seen, that with the right support, families and young people who have come from the most disadvantaged places, in the most difficult of circumstances, go on to have bright futures. It is essential that their work continues and I will support them wherever possible.” Holly Lynch MP (front left)

We would love to see every project within the CNI Network family at our conference. We have extended the early bird price of £70 per person for the full weekend (including meals) until the end of September. Hotels rooms are available locally for around £70 (this is per room!) or if you have a caravan or camper-van stay on site for free! 

Thanks to Diageo who have very kindly sponsored the conference which means we are able to offer the weekend at cost. 

More details are at www.sa-cni.org.uk/2015-national-conference

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This article was in The Guardian this week and is essential reading for those who volunteer within our local projects:

On a high - why Britain is back on ecstasy

Please do share this email with your volunteers.