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The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
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Northern Ireland Community of Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Documents 496 days overdue

Overdue: 496 days

Charity no. 103701 Date registered. 07/09/2015

Public benefits

Public benefit The relief of poverty and life improvement The benefits arising from this purpose are raised expectations and aspirations for refugees and asylum seekers and wider stakeholders; increased employability skills, confidence and aspirations, leading to increased opportunities and enabling members and their families to see that benefit

dependency is not the only option open to them; raised aspirations for a better life by creating a can do/self-help mentality. The advancement of education The benefits arising from this purpose are increased knowledge on educational programmes and events, increased access to education, qualifications and accredited learning to refugees regardless of their literacy or numeracy; stimulating thirst for achievement; demonstration that everyone can learn and achieve regardless of starting point and that obstacles can be overcome to enable learning, for parents, children, individuals, stakeholders and employers; demonstration of achievement and potential in individuals regardless of perceived ability, for wider society. The promotion of social inclusion and integration The benefit arising from this purpose is individuals are enabled to be seen as active participants in their local communities, contributing to society and thereby breaking down preconceived notions and prejudices around refugees and asylum seekers and associated factors; increased confidence to active participation in the community; increased opportunities for friendship, support, mutual understanding and future employability. The development of the refugee community The benefits arising from this purpose are increased recognition of individual skills and talents in public, voluntary sector and community life leading to a widely recognised positive contribution of the refugees into Northern Ireland society; an increased self-awareness of individual potential to be shared and maximised into Northern society. The promotion of wellbeing and mental health of refugees and asylum seekers The benefit arising from this purpose is validation of their roles in society as active participants and contributors, by enabling individuals to play an important role in our organisation, and providing opportunities to actively take part in training, social and leisure activities, community projects, activities and festivals (amongst others); provision of an identity within a safe and supportive environment, thereby increasing their sense of mental and emotional wellbeing and belonging. The beneficiaries of all our purposes are asylum seekers and refugees living in Northern Ireland. There are no harms resulting from any of the purposes. No person connected with the organisation gains a private benefit which is more than incidental to carrying out the purposes.

What your organisation does

NICRAS is the only refugee and asylum seeker-led organisation committed to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland society since 2002, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We are extremely proud of our organisation as it has remained member-led and managed, independent, progressive and proactive. We provide advice and support

to refugees and asylum seekers and challenge the many barriers they face. Our services include: Advice, support and advocacy to refugees and asylum seekers; the provision of emergency food for destitute members; English classes; social activities to reduce isolation and the impact of traumatic experiences; youth group activities; and input to public policy development. We are about enhancing the social welfare and wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers and creating positive live experience for asylum seekers and refugees in Northern Ireland.

The charity’s classifications

  • The prevention or relief of poverty
  • The advancement of citizenship or community development

Who the charity helps

  • Adult training
  • Asylum seekers/refugees
  • Men
  • Mental health
  • Unemployed/low income
  • Volunteers
  • Women
  • Youth (14-25 year olds)

How the charity works

  • Advice/advocacy/information
  • Community development
  • Cultural
  • Education/training
  • Human rights/equality
  • Relief of poverty
  • Volunteer development
  • Youth development

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 March 2019

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 March 2018

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 March 2017

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charitable purposes

The Charity’s objects (‘the Objects’) are to support and represent asylum seekers and refugees in Northern Ireland by: (a) providing services, activities and advocacy to relieve poverty and improve life of refugees and asylum seekers; (b) furthering the educational opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees through the provision of information and the organisation of educational programmes and events; (c) supporting the process of integration through the provision of services and activities; (d) developing and assisting the community of asylum seekers and refugees; (e) supporting and enabling refugees and asylum seekers to achieve their full potential; (f) Addressing poverty, isolation and the impact of traumatic experiences through enabling social opportunities.

Governing document

Memorandum and Articles

Other name

NICRAS
  • 6 Trustees
  • 3 Employees
  • 6 Volunteers

Contact details

Public address

  • Nicras, 143A University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HP

Trustee board

Trustee
Mrs Debra Leso
Mr Issa Altom
Mr Anselme Shima
Mr Ronald Vellem
Abusamra
Ms Damaris Muchendu

List of regions

  • In Northern Ireland