Movisie partner in EpsiLon project: support for LGBT migrants and refugees
Together with partners in Italy, Greece, UK and Cyprus, Movisie developed the Epsilon project. The consortium, led by the IARS International Institute in the United Kingdom, has been successful in gaining Erasmus+ funding to deliver an innovative, LGBT-led EpsiLon programme. The consortium’s plan focuses on the need for collaborative approaches to address issues of discrimination and abuse within vulnerable groups across Europe.
Dr. Theo Gavrielides, IARS’ Founder and Director, said: 'We focus on the most current needs that Europe faces and thus in partnership with the European Commission and NGOs from abroad we developed EpsiLon as a response to the increasing need for support of LGBT migrants and refugees. We are determined to help tackle persistent inequality and prosecution of one of the most vulnerable groups at home and abroad.'
European partners
EpsiLon will be delivered in partnership with European partners with long standing experience in engaging with marginalized and disadvantaged groups namely: Anziani e Non Solo (Italy), the Family and Childcare Centre (Greece), Movisie, Netherlands Centre for social development, and Center for Advancement of Research and Development in Educational Technology (CARDET) (Cyprus).
More aware of the specific problems
Jolanda Elferink, consultant for inclusion and diversity at Movisie, explains that the first step will consist primarily of desk research. 'First we look at tools that have already been developed to see if they are effective. We focus on all kinds of professionals and volunteers who are involved with refugees and asylum seekers. We need to become more aware of the specific problems that LGBT refugees come across. How can we identify such problems and how can we support LGBT refugees to overcome them?'
Tools and training courses
Over the next 2 years, the EpsiLon consortium will work together to develop a set of highly innovative educational tools and training courses (both face-to-face and online), informed by the real needs of LGBT migrants and refugees. These evidence-based tools will benefit both professionals and volunteers providing services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers enabling them to better address issues of dignity, respect, inclusion and discrimination.
Member of the Independent User Advisory Group?
An Independent User Advisory Group will have a leading role in the project. This advisory group will consist of LGBT migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, professionals, academics and researchers from all over Europe working to scrutinise the quality of the project. The advisory group will be directly involved in its delivery and implementation. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Independent User Advisory Group, contact contact@iars.org.uk.
Visit the project website to keep up to date and subscribe to the newsletter. Read the first Epsilon newsletter including an e-book on supporting and including LGBTI-migrants, stories of LGBTI-refugees and more.
