Maximising the benefits of participation for all

How can we create active and meaningful participation that is beneficial for all? Refugee participation works if it is built reciprocally on the needs of both communities and organisations. Refugee communities are diverse; accessibility and inclusivity are paramount here. 

One of the key accessibility issues is language. During communications, plain and jargon-free English should be used. Activities should also use materials that are easy to understand, rather than simplified, to avoid patronising and/or misleading participants.

And relaying exclusively on communication in the English language alone will inevitably mean the exclusion of many, if not most, refugees. In fact, favouring participants who speak English to a required level will create a significant bias in participation, as they are likely to have a better understanding of the UK systems and policies, and experience fewer barriers to integration, and eventually, they may be less likely to challenge services.

This is of course not a generalisation, but just an acknowledgment of this risk. On the other hand, it makes sense to harness that knowledge refugees who speak the language are quite effective in representing the views and interests of refugee communities. And they can play a crucial role in participation.

In case of providing interpreting and translations, working with interpreters in service provision settings needs a skill, and staff should be supported to learn it. Be aware that, by using interpreting, you will need to allow more time for activities.

One of the big challenges of organisations working with refugees is the large number of languages spoken by refugee communities, and it may not always be possible to provide support for all of them. Migration Yorkshire and some refugee organisations may be able to help you establish a profile of the refugee languages spoken in your area, and it also makes sense collecting and recording that information as part of your administrative data. 

Interpreting and translation can be expensive resources, so you may need to consider alternatives such as volunteer interpreters/translators however, it is important to be mindful of (e.g. choosing the right dialect, or booking female interpreters where needed).

Ensuring accessibility in this case may also include making reasonable adjustments. People who experience mental health issues and survivors of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence may also experience stigma and exclusion within their communities. Participation is even more crucial for these groups.