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A wide range of information on services is available at:www.nidirect.gov.uk
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Contents Page
Chapter 1 Living in Belfast 2Access to services including: • Health• Housing• Education• Banking• Transport• Leisure• RecyclingandCommunitysafety• Individualrights• Voting
Chapter 2 WorkinginBelfast 68• WorkinginNorthernIreland• Workersandindividualrightsand
responsibilities• IntroductiontotheroleofTradeUnions• Introductiontothebenefitsystem• Gainingemploymentsupport
Chapter 3 IntegrationintoBelfastCommunity 109• UnderstandingtheHistoryof‘TheTroubles’
anditsimpactonBelfast• Governanceissuesincludinglocal
Government• Howtogetinvolvedinthelocalcommunity
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Chapter 1
living inbelfast
Access to services including: • Health• Housing• Education• Banking• Transport• Leisure• RecyclingandCommunitysafety• Individualrights• Voting
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Health
1. NHS service
MostNHSservicesarefreetomostpeoplelivinghere.Therearesomeexceptionsincluding;
• temporaryvisitors
• studentsresidentforlessthan6months
• thosewhoenteredUKformedicaltreatment
All accident and emergency services are free to everyone. Depending on where you are from you may need to pay for your prescription.
2. Get a medical card
YouwillneedaMedicalcardtoregisterwithafamilydoctororadentist.Medicalcardsarefree.TogetaMedicalcard,youneedtofillintheHS22Xform,whichcanbeobtainedfromanyHealthCentreorfromtheBusinessServiceOrganisation-www.hsc.business.hscni.net.Youshouldfillitinandtakeittoregisterwithadoctor.
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3. Register with a doctor
AlistofGP’s(GeneralPractitioner-familydoctor)isavailablefromCitizensAdviceBureau,CentralServiceAgencyandtheGeneralMedicalCouncil.YoumustregistertouseaGP.YouwillneedtofindaGPwhowillacceptyouasapatient.TheGPserviceisfreetoallresidents.YoucanchooseafemaleGPifyouwish.IftheGPacceptsyou,he/shewillsignyourHS22Xformandyouwillreceiveyourmedicalcard.Youwillneedtobringyourpassport,visaandIDdocumentsasyouhavetoproveyouareentitledtoliveintheUK.RegisterwithaGPassoonaspossible,don’twaituntilyouareill.
4. When you need to see your GP
Inmostcases,youneedtomakeanappointmenttoseeyourGP.Sometimesyouwillneedtowaitforafewdaysbeforeyoucanseethedoctor.Ifyouneedimmediatetreatmentaskforanurgentappointment.AllGP’shaveanemergencynumbershouldyouneedtoseethemoutsidenormalhours.Generallydoctorsonlyvisitpatientsathomewhoareseriously
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ill.IfyoustillfeelyouaredealingwithanemergencyyoucanvisittheAccident&EmergencyUnitatyournearesthospital.
5. Pharmacy services
Manymedicinescanonlybeprescribedbyadoctor.Ifyouneedanymedicine,yourdoctorwillgiveyouaprescription,givingyoupermissiontogetthemedicine.From 1st April 2010, the charges are free for everyone.
6. Dentist
Youmusthaveamedicalcardtobeabletoregisterwithadentist.
Emergency dental treatment
Ifyouexperiencesuddentoothache,youcanattendthedentalclinicinBelfastCityHospital.Thisoperatesasanaccidentandemergencydentalfacility,treatingpainorotheroraltrauma.
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Patientsareseenaccordingtotheurgencyofdentalsymptoms.Longwaitingtimesarelikelybutyouwillbeseenandtreatedbyadentist. Findoutmoreaboutemergencydentalclinicsavailableintheeveningandatweekends.
www.belfastcityonline.net/emergencydentaltreatment
7. Optician service
Ifyouneedtohaveyoureyestestedcontactaregisteredoptician.Youmayalsogethelpwithpayingforeyetestsorwiththecostofglasses.
8. Family planning services
Ifyouneedanyadviceonplannedorunplannedpregnancy,contraceptionorsexualhealth,youcancontactyourGPortheFamilyPlanningAssociation(FPA).Theserviceisfreeandconfidential.TofindoutwhereyournearestFPAisTel: 0845 1228687.
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9. If you cannot speak English?
Youcanaskforaninterpreterwhenaccessinghealthservices.YourGPoranyotherhealthserviceproviderhastoarrangeaninterpreterifyouneedone.TheRegisteredInterpretingserviceisfreeandconfidential.IfyouarerefusedaninterpretercontacttheEqualityCommissionNIortheLawCentreNI.
10. Roles within the health service - What they do?
Midwife-Speciallytrainednursetocareforwomenandbabiesduringpregnancy,labourandintheearlydaysafterthebabyisborn.
Health visitor-Everyfamilywithchildrenunderfivehasanamedhealthvisitor.Theirroleistooffersupportandencouragementtofamiliesthroughtheearlyyearsfrompregnancyandbirthtoprimaryschoolandbeyond.
District nurse-Theyvisitpeopleintheirownhomesorinresidentialcarehomes,providingcareforpatientsandsupportingfamilymembers.
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11. Help with NHS charges
PeoplewhohavetopayNHSchargesmaybeabletogethelpundertheNHSLowIncomeScheme.Theamountofhelpisbasedonacomparisonbetweenaperson'sincomeandrequirementsatthetimethataclaimismadeorachargewaspaid.Tomakealow-incomeclaim,youwillneedtofillintheHC1formwhichyoucangetfromyourdoctor’ssurgery.
12. Emergency Services
Anemergencyisaseriousorlifethreateningsituationwhichmayincludelossofconsciousness,severechestpainorlossofblood.Call999 from anytelephoneor112fromyourmobiletelephonetocontactthePoliceServiceforNorthernIreland(PSNI),NIFire&RescueService,oranAmbulanceinanemergency.Telltheoperatorwhichemergencyserviceyouneed.Theoperatorwillthenconnectyoutotheemergencyservicewhowillaskyou:-
Yourname,theaddressorlocationandtelephonenumberofwhereyouare?Whatishappening?Youmaythenbeaskedforfurtherinformation.
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YouwillneedtoreplytotheoperatorandemergencyservicesinEnglish.OtheremergencyservicessuchastheCoastguard,MountainRescueandCaveRescuecanalsobecontactedthroughthe999 number.
When a 999/112 non-English speaker is connected to the PSNItheywillbeplacedonholdwhilethecontrolroomcontacttheInterpreterServiceandduringthisshortperiodthecallerwillhear"PleaseHold"in14differentlanguages.Thisistopreventthemfromabandoningthe999callanddiallingagain.Assoonasthecontrolroomhaveaninterpreteravailabletheemergencycallisbroughtoffholdandallthreepartiescantalk.The999servicesareforemergenciesonly.Misuseofthenumbercouldresultinprosecution.
13. Non-Emergency Services
IfyouwishtocontactthePolice,NIFireandRescueService,orneedmedicalattentionbutyourproblemisnotanemergencyyoucancallyourGPorthefollowingnumbersinBelfast.
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NI Fire and Rescue Service Tel:- 028 9266 4221
Police Tel:- 0845 6008000tocontactyourneareststation.
InformationaboutthePoliceServiceofNorthernIreland(PSNI)-ThePSNIiscommittedtomakingNorthernIrelandsaferthroughprogressive,professionalpolicing.Theyaimtomaketheirservicesaccessibletothewholecommunity.IfyouneedanyfurtherinformationinyourlanguagepleasecontactthePSNI.
The role of the police (PSNI)-inthiscountrymaybedifferentfromthatinyourowncountry.Theirroleistoupholdandenforcethelawandtoprotectpublic.AsaforeignnationalyouhavethesamerighttoprotectionasaBritishnational.Thepolicehavearesponsibilityforpublicsafetyandyoushouldbeconfidentinaskingthemforassistance
Contact PSNI-YoucancontactthePoliceServicebytelephone,email,inwritingandinperson.IfyoudonotspeakEnglishyouwillbetransferredtoaninterpreter.
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Reporting race hate crime
ThePSNIhasappointedMinority Liaison Officers ineachareatorespondtotheincreaseinracistincidentsandhavepublishedHate Crime, Racial Incidents: Protecting your Rights.ThisisavailableinUrdu,Hindi,Arabic,Italian,Portuguese,TraditionalChinese,andSimplifiedChinese. Freephone: 0800 0132290
Youcanreportahatecrimeonlineatwww.urzone.com/hatecrime/hatecrime
butinanemergencyyoushoulddial999, and for non-emergencycallsphone0845 6008000.The Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM) hasanOnlineIncidentReportForm.
www.nicem.org.uk/services/support-to-victims-of-racial-harassment-and-discrimination/report-an-incident
Bilingual Community Safety Advocacy SchemeTosupportminorityethniccommunitiesinBelfasttoreducethefearofcrimeandimprovecommunicationbetweengovernmentservicestohelpyoulivesafely.
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ChineseWelfareAssociationBilingualCommunitySafetyAdvocateTelephone:07888 398630
PolishAssociationBilingualCommunitySafetyAdvocateTelephone:07916 574225
SouthBelfastPartnershipBoardRaceRelationsCo-ordinatorTelephone028 9024 4070
TheNorthernIrelandHousingExecutive(NIHE)encouragesreportingtotheirdistrictoffices.
ThePSNINon-emergencyandgeneralenquiriestelephonenumber0845 6008000.
Theseservicesarenotmonitored24hoursadayandarenotsuitableforreportinganemergency
FormoreinformationaboutthePSNI,lookattheirwebsite-www.psni.police.uk.Orwriteto:
PSNI,PoliceHeadquarters,Brooklyn,65KnockRoad,BelfastBT56LE.
Crimestoppers - 0800 555111
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14. Parental Responsibilities
Whataremyparentalresponsibilities?
• IntheUK,parentsareresponsibleforthecareandcontroloftheirchildren.
Parentsmaydisciplinetheirchildrenbutifthisdisciplineistoosevere,theymaybeprosecutedforassault,orthechildmaybetakenintothecareofthelocalauthority
• Itisdifficulttobeexactabouttheagewhenchildrenareconsideredmatureenoughtobeleftunattendedorgivenresponsibilityforlookingafteryoungerchildren.Asaguideyoushouldmakearrangementsforsomeone,normallyover16,tosuperviseyourchildreniftheyareunder13yearsofage
• AccordingtotheChildren’sAct(law),thelocalauthority(BelfastHealthandSocialCareTrust)hasaresponsibility(adutyofcare)tochildren.Hitting,starvingorneglectingchildrenandpreventingthemfromgoingtoschoolareseenasformsofabuseandtheLocalAuthoritywillinvestigateanyreports
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15. How do I register the birth of a baby?
BelfastCityCouncilwebsiteprovidesinformationon:-
i. whentoregisterthebaby’sbirth
ii. wheretoregisterthebaby’sbirth
iii. whocanregisterthebaby’sbirthand
iv. whatinformationisneededbytheRegistrar
• Ababy’sbirthmustberegisteredwithin42days(6weeks)ofthedateofbirth
• Thebirthshouldberegisteredinthedistrictinwhichthebabywasborn.Ifthebabyisnolongerinthedistrictwheretheywereborn,adeclarationcanbemadeatthenearestRegistrarOffice
• ContacttheRegistrarOfficetoarrangea20to30minuteappointmentwiththeRegistrar
• Itisusualforthemothertoregisterthebirth.Ifthemotherandfatherweremarriedatthetimeofthebirth,thenthefathermayregisterthebirthwithoutthemotherpresent
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Iftheparentswerenotmarriedatthetimeofthebirth:-
• Themotherisnotobligedtohavethefather’sdetailsincludedonthebirthcertificate.Itmaybepossibleforthebirthtobere-registeredatalaterdateifnecessary
• Thefather’sdetailscanonlybeenterediftheparentsattendtheregistrationtogether
• Friendsorrelativescannotregisterthebirthonbehalfoftheparents
• IfEnglishisnotthefirstlanguageoftheparent(s)andtheywouldlikesomeonetohelpwiththeregistration,theyshouldaskafriendorrelativetocomewiththemtotheRegisterOffice.TheRegistrarwillenterthedetailsontothecomputerandthenontotheregisterofbirths.Theparentsneedtocheckthisinformationcarefullyandsignthatitiscorrect.Itmaybehelpfultobringthebaby'sandparents'passportsandthebirthcertificatesofanypreviouschildren.Ashortbirthcertificatewillbeissuedfreeofcharge.(Furthercopiesatregistrationwillcost£3.50or£5.00atalater
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date).TheRegistrarwillalsosupplyaformforyoutofillinandgivetoyourGP.
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/births/index
16. Childcare provision
NICMAtheNorthernIrelandChildmindingAssociation,workstosupportanddevelopregisteredhome-basedchildcare.Avoluntaryorganisationwithcharitablestatus,NICMAprovidesarangeofservicestosupportchildminders,parentsandchildren.www.nicma.org
The Early Years Teams
ThetwoEarlyteamswithintheBelfastTrusthavetheresponsibilityforregisteringandinspectingalldaycareprovisionforchildrenaged0-12years.Youcanobtainalistofyourlocalchildmindersandchildcarefacilitiesfromtheteam.www.belfasttrust.hscni.net
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Gateway Services / Child Protection
IfyouareconcernedaboutthesafetyorwellbeingofachildoryoungpersoncontacttheGatewayService.Anyonecancontactthisservicedirectlyinoneofthefollowingways:
By phone:
Duringofficehours(9:00am-5:00pm)contactGatewayon028 9050 7000
Atallothertimes(allthroughthenight,atweekendsandoverBankHolidays)contacttheout-of-hoursEmergencyServiceon028 9056 5444
In person:
SpeaktoaDutySocialWorkerat414OrmeauRoad,BelfastBT73HY
Barnardo’s NI-worksforchildrenfirstandlast.Forover100yearstheyhavehelpedimprovethelivesandopportunitiesoftensofthousandsofchildrenincommunitiesacrossNorthernIreland.www.barnardos.org.uk/northernireland
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Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY)-NICCY’sjobistopromoteandsafeguardtherightsandbestinterestsofchildrenandyoungpeople. www.niccy.org
SureStartprogrammeshavebeendesignedspecificallytoreflectandrespondtolocalneeds.Forthatreason,eachSureStartprogrammeisuniqueintermsoftheservicesitprovidesandthemannerinwhichitprovidesthem.Thereare,however,coreelements,whichmustfeatureinanySureStartprogramme.Thesecoreelementsinclude:
• Outreachandhomevisitingservices,tomakecontactasearlyaspossibleinthechild’slifeanddrawfamiliesintousingotherservices
• Familysupport,includingbefriending,socialsupportandparentinginformation,bothgroupandhome-based
• Goodqualityplay,learningandchildcareexperiencesforchildren,bothgroupandhome-basedprimaryandcommunityhealthcareandadvice
• Supportforallchildreninthecommunity,recognisingtheirdifferingneeds
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WhileSureStartdoesnotitselfprovidespecialistservices,theyneedtoensurethattheirservicesareaccessibletoallfamilies.
South Belfast Sure Start9LowerCrescent,Belfast.BT71NR Tel: 028 9094 2525
East Belfast Sure Start122AlbertbridgeRoad,BelfastBT54GS Tel: 028 9096 3399
Greater Shankill Sure Start60ShankillRoad,BelfastBT132BB Tel: 028 9087 4000
Glenbrook Sure StartWolfhillCentre148LegoneilRoad,BelfastBT148DTTel: 028 9039 1225
Clan MórSureStart,106AlbertSt.,BelfastBT124HL Tel: 028 9032 7755
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Smile Sure Start168-170Duncairn,BelfastBT152GN Tel: 028 9075 6654
Saol Úr Sure StartTopoftheRock,689SpringfieldRoad, BelfastBT127FP Tel: 028 9024 0363
Beechmount Sure StartBlackieRiverCentre, 43BeechmountPass,BelfastBT127NW Tel: 028 9031 9634
TheremaybemoreSureStartsinyourlocalareasoaskyourneighboursorlocalcommunityorganisations.
Ifyou’reavictimofdomesticabuseandyou’reworriedaboutwhatwillhappenifyoureportittothepolice,youshouldcallChildLineonFreephone0800 1111.They’llbeabletoletyouknowwhatwillhappenifyoutellsomeoneaboutyoursituationandhelpyouworkoutwhattodonext.
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ChildLineisopen24hoursadayandsevendaysaweek.CallstoChildLinearefreeandthey’llneverappearonyourphonebill.Youmayalsobeabletofindusefulinformationontheirwebsite. www.childline.org.uk
TheNationalSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoChildren(NSPCC)protectschildrenacrosstheUK.Theyprovideawiderangeofservicesforbothadultsandchildren. www.nspcc.org.uk
TheNationalSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoChildren(NSPCC)operatesahelplinethatoffersconfidentialadviceforpeoplewhoareworriedaboutcasesofpossiblechildabuse.
TheNSPCCcannotinvestigatesuspectedchildabusecases,buttheywillbeabletoprovideyouwiththecontactdetailsoftherelevantlocalsocialservicesteams.Thenumberis0808 800 5000 and it’sopen24hoursaday.
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Housing
Housingcanbeprivatelyowned,privatelyrentedorrentedfromasociallandlordsuchastheHousingExecutiveoraHousingAssociation.Youcangetinformationandadviceondifferenttypesofprivaterentedaccommodation,housingrightsandrules,andtenantandlandlordresponsibilitiesfromtheLawCentreGuide,HousingRightsServiceortheHousingExecutive.
www.lawcentreni.orgwww.housingrights.org.ukwww.nihe.gov.uk
1. Private accommodation, renting from the private landlord:
InNorthernIrelandyoucanrentahouse,apartment,flat,bedsitorroom.Thecheapestoptionmaybetoshareaccommodation.Thisiswhenyourentahousefromaprivatelandlordandsharetherentwithotherpeople.Housinginthecitycentreisusuallymoreexpensive,dependingonthelocation.
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Private rental accommodation can be found:
• Inlocalpapers
• Advertisementsinlocalshopwindowsoronanadvertisement board
• Letting/Estateagents–FindinyellowpagesOron www.yell.com
• Advertisedontheproperties–someprivatelandlordswillputasigninthewindowofthepropertythatisavailabletorent
• IfyouareastudenttheStudentsUnionwillhaveinformationonpropertytorent.EachUniversitywillprovidedetailsofavailabilityintheirHallsofResidence.www.nistudentpad.co.uk
Tenancy agreement
Atthebeginningofatenancy,thereisalegalrequirementforthetenanttobegivena“StatementofTenancyTerms”andarentbook.Youwillusuallybeaskedtopayonemonth’srentinadvanceandadeposit(usuallyonemonth’srent).Thedepositisrequiredtocoverdamagetothepropertyduringthetenancyandwillbereturnedifnodamagehasoccurred.
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Rentisusuallypaidmonthlyandmayincludeelectric,gas,rates,oilorthesemaybepaidseparately.Checkwithyourlandlord.SomelandlordsandEstateAgentsmayrequireguarantors.Aguarantorisapersonwhosignsanagreementtopayyourrentincaseyouareunabletopayityourself.
Ending a tenancy
Youhavetherighttoaminimumof28dayswrittennoticetoendthetenancy.TheHousingRightshelplinecanprovideyouwithadviceandinformation.Tel: 028 9024 5640.
2. Public Social Housing (HousingExecutiveorHousingAssociationAccommodation)
Socialhousingisaccommodationprovidedtopeopleinhousingneed.ThesehousesareownedandmanagedbytheNorthernIrelandHousingExecutiveorHousingAssociations.Noteveryoneisentitledtothishousing.
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Rentforthesepropertiesisusuallylessthanyoupaytoprivatelandlords.Duetothehighdemand,socialhousingismadeavailableonapointssystem.FormoredetailscontacttheNorthernIrelandHousingExecutive.www.nihe.gov.uk
Eligibility
Toapplyforsocialhousingyoumustcompleteanapplicationform,whichyoucangetfromanyHousingExecutiveorHousingAssociationoffice.
General enquiries Tel: 0344 8920900
Housing Benefit Tel: 0344 8920902
3. Hostel Accommodation
EmergencyaccommodationcanbeprovidedbytheSalvationArmy,SimonCommunity,NorthernIrelandHousingExecutive,orbycontactingtheCouncilfortheHomelessforNorthernIreland.
Salvation Army Tel: 028 9067 5000
Simon Community Tel: 028 9023 2882
The Welcome Centre Tel: 028 9023 4387
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ForafulllistofproviderscontacttheCouncilfortheHomeless.Tel: 028 9031 7000 www.chni.org.uk
Homeless?
Homelessnessdoesnotjustdescribepeoplesleepingonthestreets.Itcanhappentoanyone,foranynumberofreasons.Evenifyouhavearoofoveryourheadyoumaystillbehomeless.IfyouhavenohomeorareindangeroflosingyourhomeyoushouldcontactyourlocalHousingExecutiveDistrictOfficeortheHomelessnessServicesUnit.32-36GreatVictoriaStreet,Belfast.BT27BA.ortelephoneus on:
Main Tel: 0344 8920900
Out-of-hours Tel: 028 9056 5444
Housing Rights Service
providesspecialisthousinginformationinNorthernIreland.Theyaimtohelppeoplefindthebestpossiblesolutiontotheirhousingproblemsbyprovidingfree,confidentialadviceandrepresentationonawiderangeofhousingissues.www.housingadviceNI.orgisawebsiteprovidingfree,
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reliableandpracticalinformationtothepubliconhousingandhomelessnessissues.ThereisasectiondedicatedtothehousingrightsandconcernsofmigrantworkersinNorthernIrelandandinformationisavailableinarangeoflanguages.
Support organisations
Northern Ireland Housing Executive-32-36GreatVictoriaStreet,Belfast.BT27BAwww.nihe.gov.uk
Housing Rights Service-adviceonhousinginNorthernIreland,pleasecallTel: 028 9024 5640 Monday-Friday9.30amto1.30pm4thFloorMiddletonBuildings.10-12HighStreet,Belfast.BT12BA.www.housingadviceni.org/migrant-workers
Council for the Homeless for Northern Ireland-CHNI4thFloorAndrasHouse,60GreatVictoriaSt,Belfast.BT27BB.www.chni.org.uk
Housing Benefit Tel: 0344 8920902
The Welcome organisation Homelessness and Support Service. Tel: 028 9024 0424www.homelessbelfast.org
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4. Private accommodation, buying your own property
AnEstateAgentisapersonwhocanadviseyouonpropertysales.Contactdetailscanbefoundinlocalpapers,theyellowpagesorontheInternet.
Itisadvisabletosecureamortgagebeforeyoulookforaproperty.ContacttheMortgageAdviceShoporyourbank/buildingsociety.IfyouwanttobecomeahomeowneryouhavetheoptionofbuyingunderNorthernIrelandCo-ownershipHousingAssociation.Youcanbuypartofthepropertyandrentpart.
Mortgage Advice Shop www.themortgageshop.net
Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association www.co-ownership.org
For Hostel informationwww.yell.com
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Education• Nursery
• PrimaryandSecondary
• FurtherandHigherEducation
• Englishclasses
1. Nursery education
Providedonafulltimeandpart-timestatusandisrecommendedforchildrenfromage3aspreparationforPrimaryschool.
Nursery schools-canbefoundontheBelfastEducationandLibraryBoard(BELB)website,localschoolsorthroughvoluntaryandcommunityorganisations.
Playgroups-providepart-timeplaces.Placesneedtobeappliedfor.FurtherinformationavailablefromBELB.www.belb.org.ukHeadquarters40AcademyStreetBelfast.BT12NQ.Tel: 028 9056 4000.
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Reception classes-SomePrimarySchoolsprovidereceptionclasses.Thesenurseryclassesareonlyforchildrenwhohavereachedtheir4thbirthdaybutarenotatPrimarySchoolage.
2. Primary School
PrimarySchooliscompulsoryforallchildrenfromage4-5to11.Youmaybeprosecutedifyouhaveachildofthatagewhodoesnotattendschool.
Choosing a School and enrolment-DetailedinformationontheregistrationprocesscanbefoundontheBELBwebsite.YouneedtomakeachoiceofthreeSchoolsontheapplication.
School Uniforms-ChildreninPrimaryandSecondarySchoolsinBelfastwearuniforms.
Somepupilsqualifyforuniformgrantsandfreedinners,askyourschoolformoreinformation.
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3. Secondary Education
SecondaryEducationinNorthernIrelandisforchildrenagedbetween11and16.TransfertestsarenotprovidedbytheDepartmentofEducationforNorthernIreland(DENI)butbyeachSchool.Whenchoosingaschoolandconsideringthebestoptionforyourchild,getinformationandadvicefromtheirPrimarySchoolPrincipal.SchoolprospectuseswillbeavailablefreefromPost–PrimarySchoolsandcontaindetailedinformationabouteachschool.Parentscanchooseatleast3Schools.ForfurtherinformationgotoDENI’swebsite.www.deni.gov.uk/index/85-schools/6-admission-and-choice/6-transfer-procedure.htm
AdditionalinformationcanbefoundontheNIDirectwebsite: www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/education-and-learning
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4. Further and Higher Education
FurtherEducation-InBelfast,FurtherEducationisprovidedbyBelfastMetropolitanCollege(BMC)andawiderangeoftrainingproviders.Detailscanbefoundinyellowpages.www.yell.com
Career Service for NI
CareersAdvisersprovideanallageadviceandguidanceservice,tohelpyoungpeopleandadultsmakeinformedchoicesabouttheirfuturecareerpaths.BelfastCareersResourceCentre.56,AnnStreet,Belfast.BT14EG.Tel: 028 9072 8418 www.careersserviceni.com
Higher education
Isprovidedbythe3UniversitiesinNIandaselectionofcoursesareavailableinpartnershipwithBelfastMetropolitanCollege.AspartoftheentryrequirementyoumayberequiredtocompleteanEnglishLanguageAssessment.
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OpenUniversitywww.open.ac.uk
QueensUniversityBelfastwww.qub.ac.uk
UniversityofUlsterwww.ulster.ac.uk
Community Education
CommunityEducationisavailablethroughawiderangeofcommunitycentresandorganisations.For more information and contact details, www.communityni.org/orgs
5. English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)
AwiderangeoforganisationsprovideclassesandinformationcanbeobtainedfromtheEducationGuidanceServiceforAdults(EGSA).TrainingprovidersofferawiderangeofESOLclassesatalllevels.AfulllistcanbegotfromEGSA.e.g.Internationalhouse,BelfastMetropolitanCollegeandawiderangeofcommunityorganisationsincludingGEMSNI.
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Learning Language For Work-providedbyGEMSNI,isanintensiveEnglishLanguagetrainingprogrammedesignedtohelpyouacquiretheEnglishLanguageSkillsyouneedtoworkinNorthernIreland.Thecourselasts12-weeks.Ifyouwouldlikemoreinformationthencontact–GEMSNIonTel: 028 9033 2313
InternationalEnglishLanguageTestingScheme(IELTS)isavailablethroughBelfastMetropolitanCollege(BMC)andothertrainingproviders.
For more information:
www.yell.com www.egsa.org.uk
www.ihbelfast.com www.belfastmet.ac.uk
www.gemsni.org.uk
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Banking
1. How do I open a bank account?
TherearemanybanksintheUKandtheyofferdifferentarrangementsandlevelsofservice.Youshouldspendsometimefindingthebankwhichoffersthebestserviceforyou.Askfriendsandcommunitymemberswhichbankstheyhavefoundmosthelpful.Whenchoosingabank,youneedtoconsider:-
• Theservicesthebankwillofferyouandwhatchargesitwillmake
• Thedocumentsthatarerequiredbythebankinordertoopenanaccount
• ManyUKbankswillasktoseeanidentificationdocumentandadocumentconfirmingyouraddressintheUK(forexampleacontractforaccommodation)
• IfyouexperienceproblemsopeningabankaccountcontacttheCitizensAdviceBureau(seepage62forcontactdetails)
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2. What I will need to open an account?
Proof of Identity –AnIDcardsuchaspassport,nationalIDissuedinEnglishandyournativelanguageoryourdrivinglicence.
Proof of address – Thiscanbeprovidedbyautilitybill(gas,electricity,telephonebilletc)aletteroracontractfromyourlandlordoranyofficialmailwithyournameonit.
Proof of employment –Aletterfromyouremployeroncompanypapermayalsoberequired.
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Transport• Publictransport
• Privatehiretaxis
• DrivinginNorthernIreland
1. Public transport
How do I use the bus services?
Busstopscanbefoundontheroadsideonallbusroutes.Mainbusstopswillhaveatimetable.Thereareanumberofdifferenttickettypes.Askthedriveraboutthecheapestticketforyourtypeofjourneyandpaytheexactfareincashifpossible.Manybuseshavespecialareasforbuggiesandshoppingtrolleys.Ifthebusisveryfullyoumayhavetostand/orinextremecaseswaitforthenextbus.Pressthebellonceforthebustostop.Checkwherethebusleavesfromforyourreturnjourney.Furtherinformation can be found on www.translink.co.uk.BelfastisservedbyTranslink’sMetroservice.YouhaveachoiceofticketsfortheMetroservicethat
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canbegotfromtheTicketKioskinwww.translink.co.uk.ForbusesgoingtolocationsoutsideBelfasttherearetwomainbusstations.North and East boundservicesfromBelfastdeparttheLaganside Buscentre inDonegallQuay-South and West departfromtheEuropa BuscentreinGreatVictoriaStreet.TheseincludeservicestoBelfast’stwoairportsGeorgeBestAirportandBelfastInternationalAirport.
How do I use the train services?
Buyyourticketbeforeboardingthetrainfromthemainstationsoronthetrainforsmallerstations.IfyouusethetrainregularlyyoucanbuyweeklyormonthlyticketsonlineoratoneofthemainstationsfoundatBotanic,Europa,CentralorYorkStreet.TheTranslink websiteisveryusefulinplanningyourjourney.www.translink.co.uk Tel: 028 90 66 66 30
2. Taxis
Youcanhailataxiinthestreetororderonebytelephone.Alltaxisneedtoberegisteredandhaveanofficialbadgedisplayed.www.yell.com.
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3. Driving in Northern Ireland
How am I expected to drive in the UK?
IfyouwishtodriveacarintheUK,youmustbeover17yearsofageandhaveavaliddrivinglicence.WhenyouaredrivingorareapassengerinaprivatevehicleintheUK,youarerequiredbylawtowearaseatbelt.Currently,childrenundertheageof12yearsor135cminheightmustbesecuredintoanapprovedchildseat.
Everytimeyoudriveyourcar,makesureitisroadworthyandtheessentials,suchasbrakes,alllightsetcarefullyfunctional.
Itisagainstthelawtouseamobiletelephonewhilstdriving.Thereareseriouspenaltiesfordoingso,youcanreceiveafine,pointsonyourlicenceorcouldcauseanaccident.
Familiariseyourselfwiththe‘Highwaycode’.ThisprovidestherulesforroadusersintheUK.ObtainacopyfromBelfastCentralLibraryorbuyacopyinanygoodbookshop.
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4. What driving licence do I need to drive in the UK?
Full information on valid driving licences and fees can beobtainedbyvisitingtheDVLNI www.dvlni.gov.uk.
European Community/European Economic Area
LicencesissuedintheEuropeanCommunityandthreeothercountriesintheEuropeanEconomicAreamakeuptwogroupsthataretreatedequally.ThefulllistofECCOUNTRIESare:-
Austria LithuaniaBelgium LuxembourgBulgaria Malta CzechRepublic NetherlandsDenmark PolandEstonia PortugalFinland RepublicofCyprusFrance RomaniaGermany SloveniaGreece SlovakiaHungary SpainIreland SwedenItaly UnitedKingdomLatvia
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EEA COUNTRIES- All EC countries
Iceland,Liechtenstein,Norway.
Visitors-IfyouholdavalidEuropeanCommunitylicenceandyouarevisitingNorthernIreland,youcandriveanyvehicleforaslongasyourlicenceremainsvalid.Theappropriatefullentitlementforthevehicleyouwishtodrivemustbeshownonyourlicence.
Residents-IfyouhaveavalidEuropeanCommunitylicence,thiswillauthoriseyoutodriveinthiscountryfortheperiodssetoutbelow.Alternatively,youcanapplytoexchangeyourlicenceforaNorthernIrelandoneprovidingyoumeetthespecifiedconditionsforexchange.ProvidedyourlicenceremainsvalidyoumaydriveinNI:
• OrdinaryLicenceHolders-Untilaged70orfor3yearsafterbecomingresidentwhicheveristhelongerperiod
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• VocationalLicenceHolders-Until aged 45 or for 5 years after becoming resident whicheveristhelongerperiod.Ifyouareagedover45(butunder65)untilyour66thbirthdayorfor5yearsafterbecomingresidentwhicheveristheshorterperiod
• If you are aged 65 or over for 12 months after becoming resident–Inordertocontinuedrivingaftertheseperiods,aNorthernIrelanddriving licence must be obtained
• ProvisionalLicence-Beforeyoucanlearntodriveacar,mopedormotorcycleyoumustapplyforaprovisionaldrivinglicence.Ifyoualreadyholdavalidfulldrivinglicenceandyouwanttolearntodrivelargevehicles,minibusesorbusesyouwillneedtoapplyforaprovisionalentitlementforthesevehicles
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5. How do I get car insurance, an MOT certificate, a tax disc?
Car Insurance
TodriveintheUK,youmusthaveavalidinsurancecertificate.Itisadvisedthatyougatherseveralquotationsforinsurancebeforeyoudecideontheappropriateinsurancetopurchase.Thesecanbegathereddirectfrominsurancecompaniesorfrominsurancebrokerswhosearchforthebestquotesforyou.YoucanfindinsurancecompaniesandbrokersintheYellowPagesorontheInternet.www.yell.com
Vehicle Test Certificate - MOT
Everyonewhousesavehicleontheroadisrequiredtokeepitinaroadworthycondition.TheMOTtestisrequiredbylawforvehiclesoverthreeyearsold.Itspurposeistoensurethatvehiclesarecheckedatleastonceayeartoensurethattheycomplywithkeyroadworthinessandenvironmentalrequirements.IfyourcarfailstheMOT,itisillegaltodriveitawayuntilthefaultsarecorrected.
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Tax Disc
Itisalegalrequirementforallvehiclesontheroadtohaveavalidtaxdiscdisplayedonthewindscreen.TaxdiscsarepurchasedforeithersixortwelvemonthsattheTaxOfficeinGasworksoronlinewithDVLNI.
If you are keeping your vehicle off of the road for a period of time you need to declare SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). To declare SORN you need to complete a V890 application form available from Post Offices or the DVLNI website. All information on vehicle and drivers licences can be found on the www.dvani.gov.uk.
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Leisure
1. What sport and leisure facilities are there available in Belfast?
VisittheBelfast City Council Website (Leisureandsport)tosearchfor:-
ArtsandEntertainment
Libraries
MuseumsandGalleries
Parksandopenspaces
Sports,ClubsandCentres
TourismandTravel
What’sonGuideinBelfast?
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/leisure
www.gotobelfast.com
Art Galleries
ThereareawiderangeofartgallerieslocatedacrossBelfast.TofindoutmoregototheBCCwebsite.www.belfastcity.gov.uk/PublicArt
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The Arts Council for Northern Ireland
TheleaddevelopmentagencyfortheartsinNorthernIreland.Theyarethemainsupportforartists and arts organisations, offering a broad range offundingopportunitiesthroughtheirExchequerandNationalLotteryfunds.ArtsCouncilofNorthernIreland 77MaloneRoad,Belfast.BT96AQ Tel: 028 9038 5200E:[email protected] www.artscouncil-ni.org
ArtsEkta
NorthernIreland'sleadingorganisationforthepromotionofethnicarts.Theyareanorganisationthatproudlypromotesallcultures. www.artsekta.org.uk
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Libraries
ThereareanumberofLibrariesfoundacrossBelfast.Itisfreetojointhelibrary,whichyoucandowithaformofID.TofindyournearestLibrarygototheNorthernIrelandLibrarywebsite.www.ni-libraries.net
Museums
TheareanumberofmuseumsinBelfastwiththeUlsterMuseum,locatedinBotanicGardens,beingthelargest.FormoreinformationaboutallthemuseumsgototheNIMuseumCouncilWebsite.www.nimc.co.uk
Sports Clubs and Centres
ThereareawiderangeofclubsandcentresacrossBelfast.FordetailsofwhatisavailablechecktheSportsCouncilwebsiteforinformationorcallthemon Tel: 028 9038 1222.www.sportni.net
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Community Centres
arelocatedacrossBelfastandprovideawiderangeofservicesandactivities.www.belfastcity.gov.uk/communitycentres
Outside Belfast
TofindoutabouttripsandwhatishappeningoutsideBelfastgototheVisitor&ConventionBureau.47DonegallPlace,Belfast.BT15AD. Tel: 028 9023 9026.
2. Do I need a television licence?• Ifyouhaveatelevision,avideorecorder,aset
topbox,aDVDrecorderoracomputerwhichcanreceivebroadcastprogrammes,thenyouarerequiredbylawtohaveavalidtelevisionlicence
• AtelevisionlicencecanbeboughtfromashopdisplayingPayPalorfromtheTVLicensingwebsite.Itcosts£145.50forcolourand£49.00(asatApril2010)forablackandwhiteTVLicence.www.tvlicensing.co.ukCash
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EasyEntryschemeallowsyoutospreadthepaymentsofyourtelevisionlicenceweekly,fortnightlyormonthly
• Atelevisionlicencemustberenewedeveryyearandre-registeredifyoumovehouse
• Ifyouliveinarentedpropertywithatelevision,youneedtomakesurethepropertyhasalicence.Thelandlordmayberesponsible,butthepropertyleaseshouldbecheckedincaseitistheresponsibilityofthetenant.Ifthereisnolicenceforthepropertythenbothlandlordandtenantareresponsibleandcouldbefined
• Ifyoushareahouse,buthaveaseparatetenancyagreementandhaveatelevisioninyourroom,thenyouneedalicence
• Ifyoushareahouseandthereisonlyonetelevisioninacommunalareathenonlyonelicence is needed
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Recycling and Community safety
Recycling
1. What is recycling? Recycling istheconversionofwasteproductsintonewmaterials,suchaswastepaperthatcanbeconvertedintonewpapergoods.Toorderabinorget more information contact Tel: 0800 0328100
2. How do I recycle?• Recycleaerosols,cartons,foodanddrinkcans,
mixedpaperandcard,plasticbottlesusingyourBlueBin
• Recyclegardenwastesuchasgrasscuttings,leaves,shrubs,weeds,beddingplants,deadflowers,shreddedpaperetcusingyourBrownBin.
• Ifyoudonotputthecorrectmaterialinyourgreenorbrownbin,itwillnotbeemptieduntiltheincorrectitemsareremoved
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• DisposeofallotherhouseholdwasteinyourBlackBin
• Onlywastecontainedwithinyourbinswillbecollectedandbinlidsmustbeshut.Ifyouplacewastesuchasrubbishbagsandbulkyitemsonthepavement,youmayriskenforcementactionsandprosecution
• Onlyplacethecorrectbin(s)outonyourdesignatedcollectiondayby7am
• Binsshouldbestoredonyourownpropertyatallothertimes
This information relates to households within the Belfast City Council area
• Recycleyourglassbytakingallglassbottlesandjarstoyournearestrecyclingcentre.Manylargersupermarketshavecollectionbinsforglass.SeeBelfastCityCouncilforafulllistofglassrecyclingbinlocations
• Torecycleyourlargeitemssuchaswashingmachines,TVs,freezersetccontactthecouncilwhocancollectthem.Tel: 0800 0328100.www.belfastcity.gov.uk/recycling
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3. Community Safety
Aimstoreducecrime,thefearofcrimeandantisocialbehaviour.
Community safety wardens
CarryouthighvisibilityfootpatrolsacrossBelfast,helpingtocreateasafercity.Theirdutiesinclude:
• tacklingantisocialbehaviour,forexample,streetdrinkingandrowdybehaviour
• reducingcrimeandfearofcrime
• workingwithlocalcommunityandvoluntarygroupstogivefeedbackonenvironmentalissues,suchaslitter,fly-tippinganddogfouling
• respondingtoissuesincertainareas
Thewardenscarryoutpatrolsthroughoutthecityandspenduptothreemonthsinanareabeforemovingon.
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Bogus callers
ABoguscallerissomeonepretendingtobeanofficialfromanorganisation.Mostpeoplewhocallatyourhomearegenuinebutdon’tbeafraidtoaskforidentification(ID).Sometimeshowever,so-called‘boguscallers’canturnupunannouncedwiththeintentionoftrickingtheirwayintoyourhome.Theiraimistodistractyou,oftenasawayofstealingmoneyorvaluables,andtheyarelikelytostrikewhenyouarebusyormaybecaughtoffguard.
• Thisisparticularlycommonatcertaintimesoftheyear,especiallyatChristmaswhenthereisanincreasedriskofburglary.
• Thesetypesofburglariesusuallytakeplaceonweekdaysbetween8amand6pm,thenormalworkinghoursofgenuinecallers.
Freephone No: 0800 0132290
Hate crime
Whenpeopleabuseorattackothersbecauseofsectarianism,race,disability,faithorsexualorientation.
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Safe shopping
Whenyou'reoutshopping,thievesmayalsobelookingforanopportunitytocommitacrime.ThisisespeciallycommonduringbusyperiodssuchasChristmas.Youshouldalwaysbeawareofyourpersonalsafetywhenshopping.Herearesomeusefultipstohelpyoustaysafe:
• alwaysbeonyourguard-robberiescanhappenanywhere,atanytime
• keepyourvaluableshiddenfromview• keepbagszippedandmakesurethatyour
purseorwalletcannotbeseen.Ifpossible,wearasmallbagacrossyourbodyorunderyourcoat
• keepallyourreceiptsandstorethemcarefullyathomeastheymaycontainyourcreditordebitcarddetails.
Alley-gates
Arehelpingtoreduceantisocialbehaviour,burglariesandfearofcrimeinareasofBelfastwheretheyhavebeeninstalled.Aswellasmakingneighbourhoodsfeelsafer,theyarealsohelpingtobuildacleanerenvironment.
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Antisocial behaviour (ASB)
Intheparksandleisurepropertiescostsbetween£500,000and£1millioneachyear.ASBcantakemanyforms,suchasdrinkinginpublicplaces,damagecausedbyquadbikesandscramblers, graffiti,vandalismandthreateningbehaviour.
Alcohol bye laws
BelfastCityCouncilworkwiththePoliceServiceofNorthernIreland(PSNI)andothergroupstoenforcealcoholbye-lawsinpublicareas.Whenyou'reoutandabout,pleasebeawarethat:
• anyoneovertheageof18caughtdrinkinginaspecifiednon-drinkingareawillbeprosecuted
• anyoneundertheageof18caughtdrinkingwillhavetheirdetailspassedontothePSNIYouthDiversionOfficerandhavealettersenttotheirparents.Anacceptablebehaviourcontractmayalsobeusedasanearlyinterventionmethodtoencouragepositivebehaviour
• alcoholatparadeswillbeconfiscated(thismaybeextendedtoincludeothereventssuchasfestivals).
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Neighbourhood watch
ThisschemeoperatesacrossNorthernIrelandreducingcrimeandthefearofcrimeandantisocialbehaviour.Itisrunbylocalvolunteerstohelpmakelocalareassafer.Itinvolves:
• appointingalocalschemecoordinator
• encouragingotherneighbourstoparticipate
• meetingwiththelocalpoliceteam,and
• keepingotherlocalresidentsup-to-datewithcrimepreventionadvice.
Safety for Senior Citizens
Communitysafetyisaboutworkingtogethertoreducecrime,thefearofcrimeandantisocialbehaviour.Fromtimetotime,BelfastCityCouncilorganiseSafetyseminarsforolderpeopleaimedatreducingthefearofcrimeandgivingadvicetoolderpeopleonhowtopreventaccidentsandcrime.www.belfastcity.gov.uk/communitysafety
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Individual rights
1. What are my rights in the UK?
EveryoneintheUKisprotectedbytheHumanRightsActpassedbythegovernmentin1998.Everyonehasarightto:-
• Life
• Prohibitionoftorture,slaveryandforcedlabour
• Libertyandsecurity
• Afairtrial
• Nopunishmentwithoutlaw
• Respectfortheirprivateandfamilylife
• Freedomofthought,conscienceandreligion
• Freedomofexpression
• Assemblyandfreedomofassociation
• Freedomtomarry
• Prohibitionofdiscrimination
• Protectionofproperty
• Education
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• Freeelections
• Prohibitionofthedeathpenalty
2. Equal Opportunities
IntheUK,therearelawstoensurethatpeoplearenottreatedunfairlybecauseoftheirsex,race,religionordisability.DiscriminationlawsintheUKprotectpeopleinareaslikework,education,shoppingandleisure.
Ifyoufacediscriminationyoucanobtainmoreinformationfrom(forcontactdetailsseepage62-64):-
• TheCitizensAdviceBureau
• TheEqualityCommissionforNorthernIreland
• LabourRelationsAgency
• HumanRightsCommission
• LawCentre
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3. Racial, Religious and Sexual Harassment
What do I do about racial, religious or sexual harassment?
IntheUK,itisacriminaloffencetouseabusiveorinsultingwordsoractionstowardsanotherpersonbecauseoftheirrace,religionorsex.Ifyouareavictimof,orwitnesssuchanattack,itisimportanttoreportittothePolice,whohaveadutytotakeactionagainstsuchincidents.
ItisanoffenceintheUnitedKingdomtocarryweapons,suchasknivesorguns,eveniftheyareintendedforyourownprotection.
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4. Domestic Violence
What can I do about domestic violence?
DomesticViolencemeans‘violenceorthreatofviolencefromarelative,acurrentorformerspouse,apersonyouarelivingwith,apartnerorotherpeoplewholiveorhavelivedinthesamehousehold’.BrutalityinthehomeisasmuchacrimeunderUKlawasanyotherformofviolence.Thetypeofabusecanbephysical,emotional,mental,sexualorfinancial.TheUKhaslawsthatprotectpeopleagainstdomesticviolence.Ifyouexperiencedomesticviolence,itisimportanttogethelpassoonaspossible.TheCitizensAdviceBureauorasolicitorcanexplaintheoptionsthatareavailabletoyou.
InBelfastthereareplacesofrefuge,orshelters,forwomenwhoexperiencedomesticviolence:-
• BelfastWomen’sAid
www.belfastwomensaid.org.uk
24hr Helpline Freephone 0800 9171414
• ThePolicemaybeabletoassistyoufindsuitableplaces
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• Emergencytelephonenumbersarelistedinthe‘Helpline’sectionatthefrontoftheYellowPages(Businesstelephonedirectory)
Citizens Advice Bureau
www.citizensadvice.co.ukCitizensAdviceCentresBelfastCABBelfastCentralBelfast Merrion Business
Centre,58HowardSt,Belfast.BT16PJ
02890
261970
Falls 8SpringfieldRoad,Belfast.BT127AG
Suffolk&Andersonstown
208AndersonstownRoad,Belfast. BT119EB
02890
301916
NorthBelfast 40-44DuncairnGardens,Belfast.BT152GG
02890
357990
Shankill 268ShankillRoad,Belfast.BT132BL
EastBelfast TheArchesCentre,1aWestminsterAveNorth,Belfast. BT41NS
02890
223747
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The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
AnindependentpublicbodyestablishedundertheNorthernIrelandAct1998. Vision: TheEqualityCommissionhasthevisionofNorthernIrelandasashared,integratedandinclusiveplace,asocietywheredifferenceisrespectedandvalued,basedonequalityandfairnessfortheentirecommunity. Tel: 028 9089 0890. www.equalityni.org
The Law Centre (NI)
Promotessocialjusticeandprovidesspecialistlegalsupporttoadvicegivingorganisationsanddisadvantagedindividuals.Theydeliverlegalservicestomembersincommunitycare,employment,immigration,socialsecurityandmentalhealth.TheLawCentreworkscloselywiththeirmembershipofindependentadvicegivingagenciesandassociatemembersincludingsocialservicesandprobationoffices,solicitors’practices,tradeunionsandcommunitybasedorganisations.TheyworkinpartnershipwithAdviceNIandCitizensAdvice.Forfurtherinformationabouttheirservicesgototheirwebsite.www.lawcentreni.org. Tel: 028 9024 4401.
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LabourRelationsAgency Tel: 028 9032 1442 www.lra.org.uk
NorthernIrelandHumanRightsCommission Tel: 02890243987 www.nihrc.org
WomensAidSupport&ResourceCentre Belfast&LisburnWomen'sAid.Tel: 028 9066 6049 Open9am-5.30pm.
24 hour Helpline Tel: 0800917141
Policenon-emergencyTel: 028 9065 0222 to contactyourneareststationthroughtheexchange.PoliceEmergencynumber999fromanytelephoneand 112fromamobile.
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Voting
1. What is voting?
VotingisyourchancetohelptochoosethepeoplewhorunNorthernIreland,theUK,Europeandyourlocalarea.Thetimetovoteiscalledelection.Itdoesnotcosttovote.
2. Who can vote?
Almostallmenandwomenover18yearsofagecanvote.EUandqualifyingCommonwealthcitizensresidentinNorthernIrelandcanregistertovote.HowevertheymusthavebeenresidentinNorthernIrelandforthepreviousthreemonths.RegisteringtovotemeansEUcitizenscanvoteforNorthernIrelandAssembly,localgovernmentandEuropeanelections.OnlyUK,IrishorqualifyingCommonwealthcitizensontheelectoralregistercanvoteforelectionstotheUKParliament.
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3. Why should I register to vote?
Itgivesyouasayonimportantissuesthataffectyou,everythingfromroadsandrecyclinginyourarea,toeducationandclimatechange–Youmaythinkyoudon’twanttovotenow,butifanissuecomesupthatyouwanttohaveyoursayon,ifyou’reontheregisteryou’llhavethechancetovoteonit.Remember,registeringtovotedoesn’tmeanyouhaveto,itjustmeansyoucanifyouwantto.Ifyoudonotregister,youcan’tvote!TovoteinanyUKelections,youhavetobeontheelectoralregister.
4. How do I vote?
MostpeopleintheUKchoosetocasttheirvoteinpersonatalocalpollingstation.Votingatapollingstationisverystraightforwardandthereisalwaysamemberofstaffavailabletohelpifyouarenotsurewhattodo.Ifyouareontheelectoralregister,youwillreceiveapollcardbeforetheelectiontellingyouwhereandwhentovote.Thepollingstationisoftenaschoolorlocalhallnearwhereyoulive.
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Onelectionday,gotoyourlocalpollingstation.Pollingstationopeninghoursare7am-10pm.Ifyouaredisabledandneedassistancegettingtothepollingstation,contactyourareaelectoralofficetofindoutwhathelpisavailable.Youcanalsoasktohaveacompanionwithyouwhenyouvote,orstaffinthepollingstationmaybeabletohelpyou.Tel: 0800 0323700 to register.
www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
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Chapter 2
Working in belfast
• WorkinginNorthernIreland• Workersandindividualrightsand
responsibilities• IntroductiontotheroleofTradeUnions• Introductiontothebenefitsystem• Gainingemploymentsupport
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1. Working in Northern Ireland
National Insurance Number (NINO).
InordertoworkintheUKyouwillneedanationalinsurancenumber.YoucanapplyforaNationalInsuranceNumberinConorBuildingsJobcentreinGreatVictoriaStreet,Belfast.Whatyouneedtodofirstdependsonyourcategory.Tel 028 9054 5476 / 028 9054 5477
2. Categories of workers
Who can work in the UK?
IfyouwanttocometotheUnitedKingdomtowork,whetheryoucandependsonwhoyouare.IfyouarenotaBritishcitizenoracitizenofoneoftheEuropeanEconomicArea(EEA)countries,youmayneedavisabeforeyoutravelhere.Ifyouhavetogetavisa,you'llneedtobeclearedbyofficialsataBritishOverseasMissioninyourcountryoforigin.Oncecleared,theentryclearancecertificate,orvisa,willbeputintoyourpassportortraveldocument.
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EEAnationals-NearlyallEEAandSwissnationalsarefreetoenter,liveandworkintheUnitedKingdomwithouttheneedtoapplyforpermission.IfyouarefromanewEuropeanUnion(EU)memberstate(called'accessionstates')thenyoumayneedtoregisteroraskpermission.
TheEEAcountriesare:
Austria LatviaBelgium LiechtensteinBulgaria LithuaniaCyprus LuxembourgCzechRepublic Malta Denmark NetherlandsEstonia NorwayFinland PolandFrance PortugalGermany RomaniaGreece SlovakiaHungary SloveniaIceland SpainIreland SwedenItaly UnitedKingdom
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A8 countries
ThecountriesthatjoinedtheEUin2004areknownas'A8countries',theseare:
Estonia,Hungary,Latvia,Lithuania,Poland,Slovenia,SlovakiaandTheCzechRepublic.
IfyouareanationalofoneofthesestatesyouhavetofollowtheWorkerRegistrationScheme(WRS).ThismeansyouhavetoregisterwiththeUKBorderAgencyforpermissiontoworkintheUK.Ifyouareanagencyortemporaryworkeryouwillneedtoregistertoworkwithinamonthofstartingwork.YoudonotneedtoregistertoworkintheUKifyouare:
• self-employed
• fromCyprus
• fromMalta
ForfurtherinformationvisittheHomeOfficewebsite.
www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
www.lawcentreni.org
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After12monthsofcontinuousregisteredemploymentapplicantswillhavefullrightsoffreemovementandwillnolongerneedtoregisterontheWRS,youcanthenobtainaregistrationcertificateconfirmingyourrighttoliveandworkintheUK.
Bulgarian and Romanians A2 countries
ThecountriesthatjoinedtheEUin2007areknownas'A2countries',theseare:
BulgariaandRomania.
Ifyouareanationalofoneofthesecountriesyoumaybesubjecttoworkerauthorisationrequirements.ThismeansthatyouneedauthorisationfromtheUKBorderAgencybeforeacceptingorstartinganyemploymentintheUK.IfyouwanttoworkasanemployeeintheUnitedKingdomyouwillneedHomeOfficepermissionbeforeyoustartwork.DetailsofthetypeofworkyoucantakeandhowtoapplyforpermissiontoworkcanbefoundintheBulgarianandRomaniannationalssection.
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/eea/bulgariaromania/liveworkuk
www.lawcentreni.org
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OnceyouhavebeenworkinglegallyasanemployeeintheUnitedKingdomfor12monthswithoutabreakyouwillhavefullrightsoffreemovementandwillnolongerneedHomeOfficepermissiontotakework.YoucanthengetaregistrationcertificateconfirmingyourrighttoliveandworkintheUnitedKingdom,althoughyouarenotobligedtodoso.
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens/bulgarianandromaniannationals
www.lawcentreni.org
Refugees
IfyouareaRefugeeandhavebeengrantedleavetoremainanyofthefollowingdecisionsthenyouareabletoworkintheUK.Pleaserefertodocumentationonthetimelimitsofyourstatus:-
• ExceptionalLeavetoRemain/Enter(ELR)(nolongerawardedbutyoumaystillbeunderthisdecision)
• IndefiniteLeavetoRemain(ILR)
• DiscretionaryLeave
• HumanitarianProtection
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• RefugeeStatus
• LimitedLeave
(Asof30thAugust2005,refugeeswillbegivenLimitedLeaveof5yearsinitially.AfterthistimethecasewillbereviewedtoseewhetherIndefiniteLeavetoRemainareawarded.
OthercategorieswillrequireaworkvisathathasbeengainedbyanemployerpriortopeoplecomingintotheUK.ThereisacomplextiersystemoutlinedindetailontheUKBordersAgencywebsite.
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/comparisons
3. Deduction from Wages
Somedeductionsareautomaticallytakenfromyourwages.National Insurance,youneedtopaynationalinsurancetoqualifyforcertainbenefitswhenyouneedthem.Taxes,bypayingtaxesyouarecontributingtopayforservicesprovidedbythegovernmentsuchaseducationandhealthservices.
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Ifyoufeelyouarepayingtoomuchtax,youmaybeentitledtoclaimsomeback.YoucanenquireaboutthisbycontactingHerMajesty’sRevenueandCustoms.(HMRC)www.hmrc.gov.uk
4. National Insurance and Income Tax
YoushouldhaveaNationalInsurance(NINO)numbertoworklegallyintheUK.Ifyouearnmorethan£80perweekthenyouandyouremployerpayNationalInsurancecontributions.
Income Tax
Ispaidasapercentageoftheamountofmoneythatyouearn.Thispercentageisidentifiedbyataxcode.Allemployeesareallocatedataxcodewhichdeterminestheamountoftaxthatyoupay.Ifyouarestartingyourfirstjobthenyoumayhavetopay‘emergencytax’untilataxcodehasbeensetup.
IfyouareofferedemploymentwithoutpayingNationalInsuranceorIncomeTax,thenthisisagainstthelaw.Ifyoutakethiswork,youmayfindthatyoucannotenforceyourworkingrights.
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Employersdonothavetherighttoholdyourpassportoridentitydocuments.Theymaymakecopiesonlyfortheirrecords.
5. Minimum Wage
TheNationalMinimumWageistheminimumthatyouareentitledtobepaidforyourworkperhour.Itisdifferentdependingonyourageandiscurrently:
Age16-17£3.57perhour
Age18-21£4.83perhour
Age22andover£5.80perhour
Thenationalminimumwageissettoincreaseon1stOctober2010.Thenewrateswillbe:
Age16–17yearolds£3.64perhour
Age18–20yearolds£4.92perhour
Age21yearsandover£5.93perhour
www.hmrc.gov.uk/nmw
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Workers and individual rights
and responsibilities
1. Worker responsibilities
Everyoneatworkisprotectedbyaseriesofbasiclegalrights.Changesareoccurringallthetime,andpeopleshouldalwaysseekdetailedadviceabouttheirparticularcircumstances.Thebasicrightsthatgiveeveryonesomeprotectionareknownasstatutoryrights.ThesecomefromagovernmentinitiativeorfromtheEU,althoughsuchrightsstillhavetobeturnedintoUKlaw.Youhavetheresponsibilityto:
• Arriveandleaveontime
• Listencarefullytohealthandsafetyrules
• Lookafteryourownhealthandsafetyatwork
• Beawareofthehealthandsafetyofyourco-workers
• Learnasmuchasyoucanduringyourplacement
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• Followyoursupervisor’sinstructions
• Treatotherswithrespect
• Askquestionswhenyoudon’tunderstand
• Workashardasyoucan
• Askforhelpifyouneedit
2. Workers Rights
IfyouareworkinginNorthernIreland,nomatterwhatageorracialgroupyoubelongtoyouareentitledtorightsanddignity.Employmentrightsareastatementofthemaintermsandconditionsofemployment-acontractbetweenyouandtheemployer.Youareentitledtoawrittenstatement,statingthetermsandconditionsofyouremployment.Itshouldincludedetailsofpay,workinghours,holidays,noticeperiod,sickpay,andpensions.(Makesureyouhaveunderstoodeverythingbeforeyousignit.)
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3. Time off Work
Holidays
Yourholidayentitlementwillvaryfromemployertoemployerandshouldbestatedinyourcontract.Checkwithyouremployer.Althoughyouremployermayofferyoumore,theminimumrightsare24daysayear.Youstartbuildingyourholidayentitlementassoonasyoustartwork.Youareentitledtogetpaidduringtheseholidays.Whenyoufinishajobyougetpaidforanyholidaysyouhavenotyettaken.Youremployercancontrolwhenyoutakeyourholidays.Youdonothaveastatutoryrighttopaidleaveonbankandpublicholiday.Ifpaidleaveisgivenonbankandpublicholidays,thiscancounttowardsyour24daysminimumholidayentitlement.
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Bank and public holidays in Northern Ireland:
NewYear’sDay 1stJanuaryStPatrick’sDay 17thMarchGoodFriday VarieseachyearEasterMonday VarieseachyearEarlyMayBankHoliday 1stMondayinMaySpringBankHoliday LastMondayofMayBattleoftheBoyne(12thJuly) TwoclosestweekdaysSummerBankHoliday LastMondayinAugustChristmasDay 25thDecemberBoxingDay 26thDecemberIfChristmasorBoxingdayfallsonSaturdayorSunday,thenextweekdayaftertheweekendisgiven
Illness
Yourcontractmayprovidedetailsofyoursickpayentitlement.Ifnot,youmaybeentitledtoStatutorySickPay(SSP),whichisalegalminimum.Thiscanbepaidforupto28Weeksandstartsonthe4thdayofillness.IfyouremployerdoesnotwanttopayyouSSPyoucancontactHMRCforfurtheradvice.www.hmrc.gov.uk
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Maternity Leave
Allwomenareentitledtopaidtimeoffformedicalappointments.Youcantakeupto26weeksmaternityleaveandyoumaybepaidStatutoryMaternitypayratedependingonhowlongyouhaveworkedforyouremployer.
Paternity leave
Asafatherofanewbornchildyouareentitledtotwoweekspaidtimeoffwork,ifyouhaveworkedforyouremployerfor26weeksendingwiththefifteenthweekbeforethebabyisdue.PaternitypayforthetwoweeksispaidattheStatutoryPaternitypay,notfullpay.
Parental rights
Maleandfemaleemployeeshavetherighttorequestflexibleworkinghours.Youarealsoentitledto13weeksunpaidparentalleaveuntilthechild’s5thbirthday,orifthechildisdisabled,18weeksunpaidleaveuntilthechild’s18thbirthday.Youcanalsoqualifyforpaternityleavewhenyouadoptachild.
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Time of for dependants (compassionate leave)
Compassionateleavedescribestimeoffworktodealwithpersonalcircumstances.Thereisastatutoryrightcalled‘timeofffordependants’whichgivesyoutherighttounpaidtimeoffinsomecircumstances.
4. Working Hours
Youshouldnothavetoworkanymorethan48hoursonaverageeachweek.Thisisanaveragelimit.Forexample,youmayworkfewerthan48hoursoneweekandthenmorethan48hoursinanotherweek.Buttheaverageshouldnotbemorethan48hours.Ifyouwish,youcansignanagreementtolosetherightofthisprotection.
Rest Breaks
Ifyouareanadultandyourdailyworkingtimeismorethan6hoursthenyouareentitledtoarestbreak.Thebreakshouldbeduringthesix-hourperiodandnotatthebeginningorendofthattime.Ifthereisnowrittenagreementaboutthelengthofthisbreakthenitshouldbeforaperiodofnotless
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than20minutesanditshouldbeuninterrupted.Youarealsoentitledtospendthetimeawayfromyourworkstation.
5. Health and Safety
HealthandSafetylawisdetailedandbasedontheHealthandSafetyatWorkAct1974.Itrelatesto:
• Ventilation
• Temperature
• Lighting
• Cleanlinessandwastematerials
• Floorspace
• Seating
• Sanitation
• Washingfacilities
• Smoking
• VisualDisplayUnits(VDUsorcomputermonitors)
Ifyouseesomethingat/inyourworkplacewhichisunsafethenyouhaveadutytoreportittoyoursupervisor.
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6. Bullying
Isdefinedasbehaviourofeitheraphysical,psychologicalorverbalnature,whichisunwelcomeandunwanted.e.g.abuse,threats,intimidationsneering,spreadingmaliciousrumours.Theseactionsaredesignedbythebullytomakethepersonfeelupset,threatened,humiliatedorvulnerablewhichoftenleadstoanunderminingoftheirconfidenceandcanoftenleadtostress.
7. Harassment
Isdefinedasanyactorconductwhichisunwantedandunwelcomeandwhichcouldreasonablyberegardedasoffensive,humiliatingorintimidating.
8. Sexual harassment
Isdefinedasunwantedverbal,non-verbalorphysicalconductofasexualnaturewhichviolatesthedignityofapersonorwhichcreatesforthemanintimidatinghostile,degrading,humiliatingoroffensiveenvironment.
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9. Discipline and grievance procedures
Thereareminimumstepsthatmustnormallybeincludedinthedisciplinaryprocedure–theseareknownasthe‘statutoryminimumprocedure’.Youremployermustfollowthisprocedureorthedismissalcouldbedeemed‘automaticallyunfair’.
Grievanceprocedures-Anemployeeisalmostalwaysrequiredtofollowthestatutorygrievanceproceduresifs/heiscomplainingaboutactiontakenbyanemployerorwhichtheemployeriscontemplatingtakinginrelationtoanyissues,exceptthosetowhichthestatutorydisciplinaryanddismissalproceduresapply.Ifthecomplaint(s)arisewhollyfromtheterminationofemployment,thegrievanceproceduresdonotapply.
www.lawcentreni.org/EoR/rights_of_employees
www.hmrc.gov.uk
www.lra.org.uk
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Introduction to the role of Trade Unions
EveryonewhoworksinNorthernIrelandhastherighttojoinatradeunionandworkfreefromdiscriminationandharassment.
1. What is a trade union?
Atradeunionisanorganisation,whichrepresentstheinterestsofworkingpeople.Tradeunionsseektoimprovethepayandworkingconditionsoftheirmembersandcampaignforbetterlivingstandardsforworkingpeople.Tradeunionsareindependentofthestateandemployers.Theyarerunbyandforthemembers.
2. What Trade unions do?• negotiateagreementswithemployersonpay
and conditions
• discussmajorchangestotheworkplacesuchaslargescaleredundancy
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• discusstheirmembers’concernswithemployers
• accompanytheirmembersindisciplinaryandgrievance meetings
• providetheirmemberswithlegalandfinancialadvice
• provideeducationfacilitiesandcertainconsumerbenefitssuchasdiscountedinsurance
3. Why join a trade union?• Toensureyouremploymentrightsareupheld
• Toprotectyourpay,termsandconditions
• Toreceiveadviceandguidanceaboutyourrightsatwork
• Tocreateamoreinclusiveanddiverseworkplacethroughthepromotionofequalityandgood relations
• Tohaveaninfluenceonyourworkenvironment
• Youcannotbediscriminatedagainstforbeingatradeunionmember.
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ICTUNI
TheIrishCongressofTradeUnionsNIisthesingleumbrellaorganisationfortradeunionsinIrelandrepresentingawiderangeofinterestsofalmost750,000workingpeople,bothintheRepublicandinNorthernIreland.In2006,therewere64unionsaffiliatedtoCongress,48unionswith543,882membersintheRepublicofIrelandand36unionswith215,478membersinNorthernIreland.TheirMigrant Worker Unit can be contacted on Tel: 028 9031 9644.
www.ictuni.org
The TUC
IsthevoiceofBritainatwork.With58affiliatedunionsrepresentingnearlysevenmillionworkingpeoplefromallwalksoflife,theycampaignforafairdealatworkandforsocialjusticeathomeandabroad.TheynegotiateinEurope,andathome
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buildlinkswithpoliticalparties,business,localcommunitiesandwidersociety.www.tuc.org.uk
www.unionlearn.org.uk/about/regions_info_northernireland.cfm?backhome
Unison
AtWorkisyourstartingpointtoseehowUNISONrepresentsandhelpsitsmemberswhoarespreadacrosssevenservicegroups,coveringtheenergy,healthcare,highereducation,localgovernment,policestaff,transport,andwaterandenvironmentindustries.Clickonthelinksbelowtofindouthowthesejobgroupsareorganisedandreadthelatestnewsanddocumentsrelatingtotheseemploymentcategories:
• HealthCare
• Localgovernment
• Businessandenvironment
• Communityandvoluntary
• Educationworkforce
• Policestaff
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• Privatecontractors
• Professionalregistration–registrationunit www.unison.org.uk
Other unions
Unionsaresectorspecificandinclude:
UlsterTeachersUnion www.utu.edu
AmalgamatedTransport&GeneralWorkersUnion www.tgwu.org.uk
NorthernIrelandPublicServiceAlliance www.nipsa.org.uk
UnionofShop,DistributiveandAlliedWorkers www.usdaw.org.uk
IrishNationalTeachersOrganisation www.into.ie
Thisisnotacompletelistofunionsavailable. Foramorecomprehensivelistgoto www.4ni.co.uk/0x878x27_trade-unions
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Introduction to the benefit system
1. Get a better understanding of the benefits system
Thebenefitssystemprovidespracticalhelpandfinancialsupportifyouareunemployedandlookingforwork.Italsoprovidesyouwithadditionalincomewhenyourearningsarelow,ifyouarebringingupchildren,areretired,careforsomeone,areillorhaveadisability.
Benefitsandservicesforpeopleofworkingage,forexampleJobseeker'sAllowance,aredealtwithbySocialSecurity/JobsandBenefitsofficesaroundNorthernIreland.Theseofficescanhelpyouwith:
• findingwork
• startingyourownbusiness
• managingonalowincome
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2. Benefits for non-UK nationals
Benefitsyoumaybeabletogetare:
• PensionCredit
• IncomeSupport
• income-basedJobseeker'sAllowance
• HousingBenefit/RateRelief
• DisabilityLivingAllowance
• AttendanceAllowance/CarersAllowance
3. How do I check if I am Eligible?
EligibilityforthesebenefitswilldependonyourimmigrationstatusandifyouarelookingforemploymentandcanapplyforbenefitsinthesamewayasaUKnational.Tofindoutifyouareregisteredorneedtoregistercheckthewebsite:www.nidirect.gov.uk/money-tax-and-benefits or CitizensAdviceBureau.www.citizensadvice.org.uk
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4. Benefits you may be entitled to?
Therearedifferenttypesofnon-UKnationals,thefollowingsectionstellsyouaboutsomeofthegroupsandthebenefitstowhichyoumaybeentitledifyouareinoneofthem.Thisisnotacompletelistandtheremaybesomeexceptionstotheserules.Theserulesalsochangefromtimetotime.
Third country national-(nationalsofanon-EUcountry)withlimitedleaveincludingworkpermitholders,spousesandcivilpartnersduringthe2yearprobationaryperiodyougenerallywon’tbeabletogetanybenefits.
Asylum seeker-whoaredestitute,(i.e.youarehomelessorcan’tbuyfood)financialsupportmaybeprovidedbytheHomeOffice,NICRAS,RAGorBrysonOneStopServiceforAsylumSeekers.(seepage96forfulldetails)
Refugee-orsomeonewhohasbeengrantedHumanitarianProtection/DiscretionaryLeaveyouwillbeabletoapplyforbenefitsinthesamewayasaUKnational.
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Person with indefinite leave to enter/ remain-youwillgenerallyhavethesameaccesstobenefitsasUKcitizensunlessaUKSponsorhasagreedtofundyourstayintheUK,whichmeansyouwon’tbeentitledtoanybenefits.
EEA national-exercisingTreatyrights,forexampleaworkerorself-employedpersonyouareeligibletoaccessbenefitsonthesamebasisasUKcitizens,providedyoumeettherelevanteligibilitycriteriaforthosebenefits.Thosewhoareeconomicallyinactive,includingA8andA2nationalsmaynotgenerallybeentitledtoincome-relatedbenefitsunlesstheymeetthe12monthrule.
A8 national-(nationalsofCzechRepublic,Estonia,Hungary,Latvia,Lithuania,Poland,SlovakiaandSlovenia)andareworkingandregisteredontheWorkerRegistrationScheme(WRS),orifyouareselfemployedyouareeligibletoapplyforSocialHousingorHousingBenefit.Following12monthsofcontinuousemploymentasaregisteredworker,youwillgainfullEEAstatusandwillbeeligibleforbenefitsonthesamebasisasexistingEEAnationals–ifyoumeetthe12monthrule.
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A2 national-(nationalsofBulgariaandRomania)andarealow-skilledworker,youwillneedtoregisterwiththeWorkerAuthorisationScheme(WAS)unlessyouareontheHighlySkilledMigrantProgrammeorhavebeenadmittedtotheUKwithaworkpermitbefore31stDecember2006.
WhileregisteredwiththeWASyouareeligibletoapplyforSocialHousing,HousingBenefit/RateRelief.Following12monthsofcontinuousemploymentasaregisteredworker,youwillgainfullEEAandwillbeeligibleforbenefitsonthesamebasisasexistingEEAnationals-ifyoumeetthe12monthrule.
Forfurtheradvice-Ifyouareindoubtoverwhichcategoryyoufallintoorifyouneedfurtherinformation contact:
• YourlocalSocialSecurity/JobsandBenefitsofficeortheEmploymentSupportAllowancecentre www.jobcentreonline.com
• theDisabilityandCarersservicefordisabilitybenefits www.jobcentreonline.com
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• TheNorthernIrelandHousingExecutiveorLandandPropertyServicesforhelpwithhousingcosts/ratereliefwww.nihe.gov.uk Tel 0344 8920900; www.lpsni.gov.uk Tel 028 90251515
• HerMajestiesRevenueandCustomsforTaxCreditswww.hmrc.gov.uk Tel 0845 3000627
• TheUKBorderAgencytofindoutaboutyourimmigrationstatusoraboutworkingintheUKwww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk;BelfastPublicEnquiryOfficeTel 0870 6067766
• AsylumSupportCustomerContactCentreonTel: 0845 6021739between9am-5pm,MondaytoFriday,excludingbankholidays
• RefugeeActionGroup–RAG www.refugeeactiongroup.com
• NICommunityforRefugeesandAsylumSeekers-NICRASwww.nicras.org.uk Tel 028 9024 6699
• BrysonOneStopServiceforAsylumSeekersTel: 028 9043 922624houremergencycontactTel: 028 9024 2025
• Multi-CulturalResourceCentre-MCRC www.mcrc-ni.org
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5. Illness or disability
Ifyoucannotworkbecauseofanillnessordisabilityvisittheillorinjuredbenefitsinformationpageformoreinformation.IllnessoraccidentscausedbyworkaredealtwithbyIndustrialInjuriesBranch.IndustrialInjuriesBranchoftheDepartmentforSocialDevelopment,9-5Mon-FriTel 028 9033 6000
Pensionersandpeopleplanningfortheirretirement.ThePensionService,whichispartofDepartmentofSocialDevelopment(DSD)providesservicesto:
• Anyoneplanningfortheirretirement
• Peopleapproachingretirement
• Peoplewhohavealreadyretired
• Employers
• Pensionprovidersandadvisers
ThePensionServicelooksafterStatePensionandPensionCredit.www.nidirect.gov.uk/pensions-and-retirement-planning
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6. Families and children
SocialSecurity/JobsandBenefitsofficeslookafterbenefitsandservicesforfamilies,includingthose:
• Bringingupchildren,includingchildrenwithspecialneeds
• Managingonalowincome,includinghelpwithhealthcosts
• TheChildMaintenanceandEnforcementDivisionpartofDSDandisresponsibleforrunningthechildmaintenancesystem-itassesses,collectsandpayschildmaintenance.
7. People with disabilities and carers
TheDisabilityandCarersService,whichispartofDSD,isresponsibleforbenefitsandservicesforpeoplewhoaresickorhaveadisability,andtheircarers.(i.e.DisabilityLivingAllowance,AttendanceAllowanceandCarer’sAllowance)
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8. Housing Benefit
HousingBenefitisasocialsecuritybenefitpaidbytheHousingExecutive.Ithelpspeopleonalowincomepaytheirrentandrates.YoudonotneedtobeunemployedtogetHousingBenefitortobeaHousingExecutivetenant.Anyonewhohastopayrentorratesfortheirhomecanclaim.Ifthisisthecase,theHousingExecutivewillthencompareyourincomewiththeamountthatthegovernmentsaysyouneedtoliveontodecidehowmuchHousingBenefityoumaybeentitledto.(HousingExecutiveTel: 0344 8920902)www.nihe.gov.uk
TrytheBenefitsAdviserService-Getbenefitadvice,foryou/yourfamilyorforsomeoneelse.Simplyanswerquestionsanonymouslyonlineaboutyoursavings,incomeandoutgoings.www.nidirect.gov.uk/money-tax-and-benefits
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Gaining Employment Support
Employment Support Organisations
Askforhelpfromyourlocalemploymentsupportorganisation.
South Belfast and City Centre – GEMS NI, East – Oasis and Stepping Stone, West – Job Assist Centres on the Shankill Road and Springfield Road, North – Ashton Community Trust and North City Training (see page 101).EachorganisationhasMentorsorGuidancePractitionerswhowillbeabletohelpyouwithjobsearch,applicationforms,completingCV’sandinterviewtechnique.
Theseorganisationswillhelpyoupresentandmarketyourselfbothonpaperandthroughouttheinterviewprocess.Inthecurrentemploymentmarketcompetitionforjobshasincreased.
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Forexampleemployersandcompaniesarereceivingmoreapplicationsthanbefore,whichmeanstheyhavemoreofachoiceofpotentialemployees.
SouthBelfastandCityCentre–GEMSNILtd www.gemsni.org.uk
GreaterShankill–ImpactTraining www.shankilljac.org.uk
WestBelfast–UpperSpringfieldDevelopmentCoLtd.,WestBelfastJAC's,TopoftheRock,689SpringfieldRoad,BelfastBT127FP.Tel: 028 9032 2003
EastBelfast–OasisCaringinAction www.oasis-ni.org
EastBelfast–SteppingStone,240NewtownardsRoad,BelfastBT41HB.Tel: 028 9073 8989
NorthBelfast–AshtonCommunityTrust www.ashtoncentre.com
NorthBelfast–NorthCityTraining,503CrumlinRd,BelfastBT147GA.Tel: 028 9071 2408
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1. What you have to offer?
Startbyaskingyourselfhonestlywhatskillsandexperienceyouhave.Thinkabouttheskillsyouhavedevelopedinthejobsyouhavehadbefore,andinyourlifeoutsideofwork.
a. Employment skills and experience
Ask yourself the following questions to think about skills you have developed, including those built up in jobs you have had before:
• Didyoudevelopanyskillsthatwillbeusefulinthejobyou'relookingfor?
• Didyouworkaspartofateam?
• Didyougainexperienceofsharinginformationwithothers?
• Didyoufolloworgiveinstructionswell?
• Didyougetanyqualifications?
• Didyoureceiveforanypartofyourjob?
• DoyouhaveITskills?
• Areyouagoodtimekeeper?
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b. Personal and social skills
Askyourselfthefollowingquestionsaboutlifeoutsidework:
• Doyougetonwellwithpeople?
• Areyouonalocalcommitteeoramemberofacommunityorganisation?
• Areyoupartofateam,(forexample,asportsorquizteam)?
• Doyouhaveskillsfromcaringforyourfamily,(forexample,organisationalskills)?
• Haveyoudoneanyvoluntarywork?
• Haveyoubeentoanyeveningclassesortraining?
2. How to find a job
Employment Support
Job Centre-isabletoprovidealistofcurrentvacanciesandmethodsofapplication.JobCentreisalso available online: www.jobcentreonline.com
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Newspapers-Checkyourlocalnewspapersforjobsinyourarea:e.g.BelfastTelegraphonTuesdaysandFridays.TheIrishNewsJobFinderonThursday.
The Internet-Somecompaniesadvertisecurrentvacanciesontheirwebsite.
Useful Websiteswww.hscrecruit.com www.belfastcity.gov.uk/jobswww.belb.org.uk/jobs www.nicsrecruitment.gov.ukwww.jobcentreonline.com www.nijobfinder.co.ukwww.nijobs.com www.recruitni.com
GEMS NI ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENT OF THESE WEBSITES.
Notice boards/ Windows-Advertisements:onwindows,billboards,inshopsandrestaurants.
Word of Mouth-Itisimportanttotalkwithfriends,colleaguesorcommunitymemberstofindoutiftheyknowofjobvacanciesandtorequestthemtoletpotentialemployersknowthatyouarelookingforwork.
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Employment Agencies-ManyagenciesarelistedonlineandintheYellowPages.Theycanbefound on www.yell.com.Theseagenciesmustnotchargeyoumoneyforfindingyouajob.Itisbettertoregisterwithafewtoincreaseyourchancesoffindingemployment.
4. The application process
ThiscanvaryfromapplyingbyCV,onlineorpaperbasedapplication.
Application Forms-Attentiontodetail-Readthejobdescriptionoradvertisementcarefully.Thiswillgiveyouagoodideaofwhattheemployerislookingfor;youshouldaimtoreflectthisinyourapplicationformandCV.Checkyouaredoingtherightthing,e.g.doyouhavetocallforanapplicationform,writealetterofapplication,sendanemailordownloadanattachment.Followinstructionsexactly,e.g.useblackink,andwriteinBLOCKCAPITALS,iftoldtodoso.
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References-Trytogetawrittenreferencebeforeyouleaveajob,and(or)askyourlinemanagercanyouusethemforareference.
ElectronicApplications-Makesuretheformatstaysthesame.Ensureyouaretypinginthecorrectfield/box.
5. Are my qualifications valid in the UK?
IfyouhaveobtainedqualificationsfromanothercountryandyouwishtofindouthowtheycomparetosimilarqualificationsintheUK,youcandosobycontactingtheNationalAcademicRecognitionInformationCentre.(NARIC)ThisCentrecanissueyouwithadocumentstatingtheequivalentUKqualificationyouhaveobtained.Toreceivethisdocument,youwillneedproofofyourqualificationanditwillneedtoberecognised.Forfurtherdetails,visit.www.naric.org.uk
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What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
ACVisadocumentcommonlyusedintheUKtoquicklyshowyourqualificationsandexperience.Itnormallyisnomorethan2sidesofA4papertoenableanemployertofindoutquicklywhetherapersonissuitableforthejob.YourCVisadraftthatisalwaysbeingupdated.CVscanbechangedtobemorespecifictothejobthatyouareapplyingfor.Howyoupresentyourjobdutiescanbeconstantlytailoredtodirectlylinktothejobyouareapplyingfor.
InterviewPreparation-Itisimportanttomatchyourskills,experienceandintereststothejobyouareapplyingfor.Findoutaboutthepositionyouarebeinginterviewedforandifpossiblecarryoutsomeresearchonthecompany,asitwilldemonstratethatyouareinterestedinthejob,company,andtheinterviewitself.Dresssensiblyandgototheinterviewinclean,well-pressedclothes.Theinterviewershouldbeconcentratingonyouandnotwhatyouarewearing.Contactyouremploymentsupportorganisationtoarrangeapracticeinterview.(seepage101)
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Itisextremelyimportanttobehonestaboutyourself,onyourCV,applicationformandinanyinterviewyoumayhave.Ifyougivefalseinformationandthisislaterdiscovered,youmayloseyourjob.
ForfurtherinformationonseekingemploymentlookattheNIDirectwebsite.www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/employment
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Chapter 3
integration into belfast community • UnderstandingtheHistoryof‘TheTroubles’
anditsimpactonBelfast• Governanceissuesincludinglocal
government• Howtogetinvolvedinthelocalcommunity
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Understanding the History of ‘The Troubles’ and its Impact
on Belfast
1. Why is there a Northern Ireland and a The Republic of Ireland?
Upuntil1922,IrelandandBritainwereasinglepoliticalentity‘TheUnitedKingdomofGreatBritainandIreland’.TheislandofIrelandcontains32administrativecounties.In1922,26ofthesecountiesweregivenindependencefromBritaintobecome‘TheRepublicofIreland’.Theremaining6countiesremainedaspartoftheUnitedKingdom.
ForNationalistsandRepublicans,theissueswereaboutunitingthese6countiesthatremainedpartoftheUnitedKingdom,withtheother26countiesintherestoftheisland.
ForUnionistsandLoyalists,theissueswereaboutretainingthelinkwiththeUnitedKingdom.
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2. The Troubles
Theterm‘TheTroubles’isusedtodescribetherecentconflictinNorthernIreland,whichlastedfrom1969untilthesigningoftheGoodFridayAgreementin1998.Over3,500peoplediedasaresultoftheconflict,androughlyhalfofthosewhodiedwerefromBelfast.
Thetroublesfollowedaperiodofrisingtensionsoverissuestodowithcivilrights.Communitytensions,marchesandprotestshadresultedinrivalgroupsclashingwitheachother.Upuntil1972,NorthernIrelandhaditsownparliament,butbecauseoftheincreasingsecurityproblems,thiswassuspended.In1972,NorthernIrelandwasruleddirectlyfromLondonandtheBritishArmywerebroughtintokeeporder.
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3. Legacies of The Troubles
TheTroubleshadasignificantimpactacrossNorthernIreland,butparticularlyinBelfast.Asaresultofincreasedviolenceacrossthecommunity,manypeoplefledtheirhomestobeinareaswheretheywouldfeelsafe.Eventoday,mostpublicsector/socialhousingcontainsover90%ofeitherCatholicorProtestantcommunities.Manyoftheseareasremainseparatedbyinterfaceor‘peace’walls.
4. The Peace Process
‘ThePeaceProcess’isthetermusedtodescribetheeffortsofpoliticiansandothersovertheyearstoreachanagreementinrelationtothepoliticalfutureofNorthernIreland.Inthemid1990’s,theviolencedecreasedmarkedlywiththeparamilitaryceasefires.TheresultingtalksbetweenthepoliticalpartiesfromNorthernIrelandandtheBritishandIrishGovernments,chairedbySenatorGeorgeMitchell,resultedintheGoodFridayAgreement.TheAgreementresultedinanewdevolvedparliamentforNorthernIreland,aswellasestablishingpolitical
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structuresbetweenNorthernIrelandandtheRepublicofIreland.ACounciloftheIsleswasalsoestablishedtoincludeparliamentarybodiesfromalloftheUKandIreland.
FollowingtheGoodFridayAgreement,responsibilityforseveralareasofgovernmentweretakenoverbylocalpoliticians,suchashealth,education,transportandtheenvironment.Policingwasreformedandparamilitarybodiesdecommissionedtheirweaponsanddisbanded.
5. Equality and Good Relations
AsignificantfocusofthenewNorthernIrelandGovernmentisinthepromotionofequalityandgoodrelations.Allstatutorybodieshaveadutytopromoteequalityandgoodrelationsbetweenpeopleofdifferentreligions,racesandpoliticalopinion.Thisisseenasonekeywayofhealingthedivisionsofthepastandpromotingreconciliationamongstthewidercommunity.
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6. Groups
Unionists: thosewithinthecommunitywhovaluetheunionbetweenNorthernIrelandandGreatBritain,whichmakesuptheUnitedKingdom.
Nationalists: thosewithinthecommunitywhowanttoseeaUnitedIreland.
Loyalists: generallythosewithinthecommunitywhopledgeloyaltytotheCrownandtodefendthepositionofNorthernIrelandwithintheUnitedKingdom.
Republicans:generallythosewithinthecommunityseekingtheabolitionofthemonarchyandseekingthecreationofaUnitedIreland.
Paramilitary groups:groupssuchastheIRA,UDA,UVF,INLAandRedHandCommandowhowereinvolvedinarmedconflictduringTheTroubles.
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Belfast City Council
BelfastCityCouncilisthelargestofthe26councilsinNorthernIreland.Itisthelocaldemocraticinstitutionforthecitywith51electedcouncillorsrepresentingnineelectoralareas.TheconcillorselectaLordMayorandDeputyLordMayorwhoserveaceremonialfunctionforoneyear.
Theroleofacouncilloristorepresenttheinterestsoftheirconstituentsandelectoralareas.TheyaimtoensurethattheinterestsofthepeopleofBelfastarereflectedincouncildecisionsandinthewayservicesaredelivered.
ThecouncilisresponsibleforprovidinganddeliveringanextensicerangeofserviceswhichplayakeyroleinimprovingthequalityoflifeofourcitizensbyhelpingtomakeBelfastabetterplacetolivein,workin,investinandvisit.
For more information Tel 028 9032 0202 or go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk
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Governance issues including local government
1. The Northern Ireland Assembly
WasestablishedasaresultoftheBelfastAgreementon10thApril1998.TheAgreementwastheoutcomeofalongprocessoftalksbetweentheNorthernIrelandpoliticalpartiesandtheBritishandIrishGovernments.TheAgreementwasendorsedthroughareferendumheldon22ndMay1998andsubsequentlygivenlegalforcethroughtheNorthernIrelandAct1998.Itledtothecreationofaseriesofinterrelatedbodies,inparticulartheNorthernIrelandAssembly,whichhasfulllegislativeandexecutiveauthorityforallmattersthataretheresponsibilityoftheNorthernIrelandGovernmentDepartmentsandareknownastransferredmatters.ExceptedmattersremaintheresponsibilityoftheWestminsterParliament.ReservedmattersarealsodealtwithbyWestminsterunlessitisdecidedbytheSecretaryofStatethatsomeoftheseshouldbedevolvedtotheAssembly.
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2. The Work of the Northern Ireland Assembly
TheNorthernIrelandAssemblyisthedevolvedlegislatureforNorthernIreland.ItisresponsibleformakinglawsontransferredmattersinNorthernIrelandandforscrutinisingtheworkofMinistersandGovernmentDepartments.TheAssemblysitsatParliamentBuildingsandStormontEstateandinBelfast.Members(MLAs)meettodebateissues;questionMinisters;andmakelawsforthebenefitofpeopleinNorthernIreland.EachMLArepresentsherorhisconstituency,andthereare6MLAsforeachconstituency.
3. How The Northern Ireland Assembly Operates
TheNorthernIrelandAssemblyconsistsof108electedMembers-sixfromeachofthe18Westminsterconstituencies.ItsroleisprimarilytoscrutiniseandmakedecisionsontheissuesdealtwithbyGovernmentDepartmentsandtoconsiderandmakelegislation.
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AFirstMinisterandaDeputyFirstMinisterareelectedtoleadtheExecutiveCommitteeofMinisters.Theymuststandforelectionjointlyandtobeelectedtheymusthavecross-communitysupportbytheparallelconsentformula,whichmeansthatamajorityofboththeMemberswhohavedesignatedthemselvesNationalistsandthosewhohavedesignatedthemselvesUnionistsandamajorityofthewholeAssembly,mustvoteinfavour.TheFirstMinisterandDeputyFirstMinisterheadtheExecutiveCommitteeofMinistersandactingjointly,determinethetotalnumberofMinistersintheExecutive.
ThepartieselectedtotheAssemblychooseMinisterialportfoliosandselectMinistersinproportiontotheirpartystrength.Eachpartyhasadesignatednominatingofficerandthed’HondtprocedureisusedfortheappointmentofMinisters.
StatutoryDepartmentalCommitteesarealsoestablishedtoadviseandassisteachMinisterintheformulationofpolicyforhis/herDepartmentandtoscrutinisetheworkofthatDepartment.CommitteeChairpersonsandDeputyChairpersonsareelectedusingthed’Hondtprocedure.Thereisalsoa
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numberStandingandAdHocCommittees.www.niassembly.gov.uk
4. First Minister and Deputy First Minister (2009)
TheOfficeoftheFirstMinisteranddeputyFirstMinister(OFMDFM)isafullyfunctioningdepartmentoftheNorthernIrelandadministrationwithawiderangeofresponsibilities.The strategic objectives of the department include:
• supportingMinistersandtheinstitutionsofgovernment
• buildingaprogrammeforgovernmentandmodernisinggovernmentprogramme
• promotingbettercommunityrelations,acultureofequalityandrights
• andtargetingsocialneedandpromotingsocialinclusion
ThetwoJuniorMinisterswillassistthemincarryingouttheworkoftheirdepartment.TheywillbejointlyaccountabletotheFirstMinisteranddeputyFirstMinister.
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How to get involved in the local community
Community
1. Define Community
noun(pl.communities)1agroupofpeoplelivingtogetherinoneplace. 2 (the community)thepeopleofanareaorcountryconsideredcollectively;society. 3agroupofpeoplewithacommonreligion,race,orprofession:the scientific community. 4theholdingofcertainattitudesandinterestsincommon. 5agroupofinterdependentplantsoranimalsgrowingorlivingtogetheroroccupyingaspecifiedhabitat. ORIGINOldFrenchcomunete,fromLatincommunis‘common’.
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2. How do I become involved in a community?
Beingpartofacommunityisanimportantpartofmanypeople’slives.Whenyouarrivefromanothercountryitcanbeverydifficulttofeelpartofacommunity.
Community Groups-ManycommunitygroupsinBelfasthaveformedtheirvisionofhowtheywouldliketoseetheircommunitiesandaremakingthingshappen.Theyprovideawiderangeofactivitiesandeventsopentoeveryonelivingintheirarea.Tofindyourlocalcommunitygroupfollowthelinksbelow:
www.communityrelations.org.uk/services/community-relations-groups
www.communityni.org/orgs/listing?keys=Belfast
Inaddition,yourlocallibrarieswillhaveinformationaboutcommunitygroupsandlocalactivities.Faithorganisationsorplacesofworshipwillalsohaveinformationaboutcommunitygroupsandlocalactivities.
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Minority Ethnic Groups in Belfast-WhilenotascosmopolitanasmanylargeUKcities,asaregionalcapitalandheadquartersformanyregionaland international organisations and businesses, BelfasthasattractedahigherproportionofresidentethnicminoritygroupsthanotherlocalauthoritiesinNI.Thereareawiderangeofcountryandlanguagespecificorganisationsthatprovidea range of information, advice and cultural and socialevents.www.belfastcity.gov.uk/migrants/MigrantsSupport
Community Centres-InBelfastthereareawiderangeofcommunityorganisationsandBelfastcitycouncilhas23communitycentresacrossBelfast.Activitiesatcentresincludeplaygroups,homeworkclubs,after-schoolgroups,keep-fitsessions,parentandtoddlerclubs,dramaorganisationsandyoungpeople'sgroups.www.belfastcity.gov.uk/communitycentres/index
Furtherinformationaboutwhateventsoractivitiesarehappeninginyourlocalcommunityareusuallyadvertisedinyourlocallibrary.
www.librariesni.org.uk/libraries/copyof-libraries
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ThereareawiderangeofNationalAssociationsandyoucanfindthesethroughthefollowingwebsites:
www.community- relations.org.uk/services/community-relations-groups
www.communityni.org/orgs/listing?keys=Belfast
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/migrants/docs/SupportServicesMigrantWorkers.doc
www.nicem.org.uk
Belfast Friendship Club-'asocialpegtohangaconversationon'.SinceitslaunchinApril2009,theBelfastFriendshipClubhasattractedmorethan200peoplefrom35+differentnationalitieswithinwhicharegularmembershipisdeveloping.Itattractspeoplefrommanydifferentwalksoflifeandawiderangeofagesarerepresented.Italsoattractsthosewhohavelivedhereformanyyearsandmaybeindigenous.
Thosewhoattend,whetheroccasionallyorregularly,benefitinnumerouswaysfromtheconnectionsmadepossiblebyitsexistence.Asadirectresult,conversations are often conducted in different languagesaroundthetables,rangingacross
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fascinatingtopicsandalsoprovidinganexcellentopportunitytopracticeconversationallanguageskills!Othereventsandactivitiesarealsoorganisedfromtimetotime.
Whetheryouarenewtothecityorhavelivedhereallyourlife,whynotcomealongandmeetsomebodydifferent?AllwelcomefromacrossBelfast.
7-9pm every Thursday at Common Grounds Cafe, 12-24 University Street, Belfast. BT7 1GY
Places of Worship and Faith Organisations-ThereareawiderangeofPlacesofWorshipandFaithOrganisationsinBelfastforfurtherdetailspleasecontact:
TheIrishCouncilofChurches48ElmwoodAvenue,BelfastBT96AZ. Tel: 028 9066 3145 www.irishchurches.org/about/icc
TheNorthernIrelandInter-FaithForum 41aRosemaryStreet,BelfastBT11QBwww.niinterfaithforum.org
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Volunteering
Define Volunteer?
Volunteeringandvolunteersreferstoindividualsandtheworkoractiontheyundertakeforthebenefitofothersorthecommunity(outsideone’simmediatefamily),undertakenfreelyandbychoiceandnotdirectlyinreturnforwages.(sourceVolunteerNow) Volunteer Now. www.volunteernow.co.uk
How do I volunteer?
You can volunteer in a wide range of organisations inarangeofways.ContacttheorganisationyouareinterestedinworkingwithortheVolunteerServiceBoard(VSB).www.vsb.org.uk
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Otherorganisationsthatcanfacilitatevolunteersinclude:
• TheWelcomeOrganisationHomelessness andSupportService.Tel: 028 9024 0424 www.homelessbelfast.org
• ChineseWelfareAssociation(CWA) www.cwa-ni.org
• Corrymeelawww.corrymeela.org
• EMBRACEwww.embraceni.org
• MCRCwww.mcrc-ni.org
• NICRASwww.nicras.org.uk
• RefugeeActionGroup(RAG) www.refugeeactiongroup.com
• SimonCommunity www.simoncommunity.org
Thisisnotacompletelistbutarepresentativesampleofthetypesoforganisationswithvolunteeringopportunities.
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What are the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteeringcanenableyouto:-
• Learnnewskills
• Boostcareeroptions
• ImproveyourCV
• Meetnewpeople
• Buildselfconfidence
• ImproveEnglishLanguageskills