Press Release

Welcome Pack for newly arrived citizens - free copies available

Tuesday 6th November 2007

Derry City Council’s Community Relations Officers would like to inform newly arrived citizens, and any organizations that may be in contact with ethnic minorities/ migrant workers, that free welcome packs, providing information on local services and how to access them, are available again from the Council offices.

Launched earlier this year, the welcome pack, which has been produced in six different languages, is currently available for download from the Council website by clicking on www.derrycity.gov.uk/goodrelations and is aimed at providing essential basic information to assist with issues such as housing, employment, health and social welfare. The reprint of the hard copies now currently available are in English.

Sue Divin, Community Relations Officer with Derry City Council said,

“The welcome pack initiative has been very positively received since its launch in April. Derry City Council is continuing its work to create a culturally rich and inclusive region in promoting equal opportunities for all and the reprint of the welcome pack will assist this.

“We would encourage any newly arrived citizens or indeed any employers, community groups or other advice, training and statutory organizations who may be in contact with ethnic minorities/ migrant workers to avail of this welcome pack to help ease their transition into our communities.”

In addition Derry City Council has introduced a telephone interpreting facility for people whose first language is not English to ensure they can talk with staff and get information about services.

The welcome pack document was produced with the help of the Western Education and Library Board, the Western Health and Social Services Board, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency. Funding was provided by the Community Relations Unit (OFMDFM) and by the Europe direct programme in the Economic Development Section.

The Welcome Pack online is currently available in six languages - they are English; Punjabi; Latvian; Lithuanian, Cantonese and Polish and can be downloaded by clicking on www.derrycity.gov.uk/goodrelations. Alternatively for free hard copies in English please contact Sue Divin or Carol Stewart in Derry City Council’s Community Relations Office to arrange collection, telephone: (028) 7136 5151.

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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