Refugee community organisations: Working in partnership to improve access to housing services

Housing services for refugees are better targeted and delivered when refugee community organisations (RCOs) are involved as partners: this means involving them at an early stage and providing ongoing support. Recruiting and training refugee community researchers can also empower community members, by allowing them to take ownership of the research agenda

Key messages:

• Housing services for refugees are better targeted and delivered when refugee community organisations (RCOs) are involved as partners in knowledge sharing and co-production: this means involving them at an early stage
• RCOs vary in size, resources and experience and all have a part to play, but in order to participate fully, voluntary representatives need ongoing support
• ‘Network management’ is required to ensure that all partners learn from one another and synergies are maximised
• Recruiting and training refugee community researchers empowers community members to take ownership of the research agenda
• Partnership initiatives that impact locally can also influence national policy.

Sections:

• The benefits of active inclusion of RCOs in partnerships
• Ongoing support
• A network management approach
• Community researchers
• From local practice to national policy influence