Welcome
HARK ... a brief introduction
The Hark (Health Action Richmond and Kingston) Project began life
in November 1998. The project's focus is the developing status of
Primary Care Groups (PCGs), in relation to the voluntary sector. You
may be familiar with the programme, and with the work of Marc Moss,
HARK's first project officer.
Having taken up the role of HARK project officer towards the end of
March this year, my primary aim for the first few weeks has been to
familiarise myself with Voluntary Organisations and Primary Care
providers across the two boroughs (as well as trying to master the
Kingston one-way system, which as yet requires plenty of further
practice!).
What is AFSS?
African Families Support Services is a registered charity
established in 1999 based at 53 Well-Case House, Canbury Park Road,
KT2 6LQ, tel: 020 8541 2668 to work with refugees and asylum seekers
from sub-Saharan Africa. AFSS addresses issues relating to poverty,
sickness, education, guidance, support and advice on social and health
issues to African Communities living in South West London, Surrey, in
particular young people and those affected with HIV/AIDS.
Staffing
African Families Support Services projects and activities are
co-ordinated by Sophie Kafeero who until very recently was working at
London Lighthouse. She has qualifications in various disciplines of
Community Care and wide experience in working with people affected
with HIV/AIDS, young people and other client groups. AFSS has four
full time volunteers as well as over 30 others both adults and youths.
Major activities
Health promotion and social care
AFSS is carrying out Primary Health Promotion work in Kingston,
Richmond and surrounding areas in Surrey. Great emphasis has been
placed on HIV prevention and sexual health promotion to a growing
number of refugees and asylum seekers from sub-Saharan Africa living
locally. AFSS assists people with advocacy on housing, benefits,
immigration issues, fostering etc and referring people to other
agencies.
Kingston Ethnic Youth - KEY promotions
AFSS organises in-house and residential training for African Youth
to address sexual health issues: HIV prevention, teenage pregnancies,
etc, social issues: drugs, alcohol, education and employment. As a
result of continuous work with African Youths - Kingston Ethnic Youth
- KEY Promotions has been formed by them with their own Steering
Committee to address issues and concerns affecting young people
locally. KEY Promotions organises regular social events which are well
attended by youths from South London.
"Job-club" meetings
This project promotes education, training and skill enhancing
programs particularly among African Youth. The aim is to give people
opportunities, guidance and support to acquire training, confidence
and skills to get into voluntary and paid work. Four computers have
been secured to assist people with IT skills. Through consistent
support, mentoring and advice six people have found full-time work in
the last six months, four of them young people.
Respite and holiday project
Since 1999 50 young people have been provided with holidays to
Centre Parcs so as to give parents a break and youth a chance to go
away. All these children are from African communities spread out all
over London. This project has been properly funded by Family Holiday
Association, Capital Radio - Help A London Child and The Galleon Trust
and it is hoped 80 children and young people will go on holiday this
year.
Networking
AFSS works with many local providers both voluntary and statutory.
Kingston Racial Equality Council has been instrumental in AFSS
success.
Funding
This is still a major problem. "Awards for All" of the
National Lottery donated £4000 in February 2000. Kingston and
Richmond Health Authority has given financial support for office rent,
equipment and running costs. More support is needed if AFSS is to
sustain its present growth and activities. The Management Committee
has embarked on a vigorous Fund Raising Programme and Oak Park
consultancy has been appointed to assist the organisation in this.
Last updated 09-Oct-00
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