VGs’ experiences. 1.4.1 Identification of potential good practices by VGs On a general level, in the accounts of asylum seekers, they most often described problems related to their asylum processes, mental health and poor access to various services. Despite this, also several wellbeing promoting services and other good practices were recognized within the reception system. Quite often the asylum seekers are satisfied with the overall level of reception centre quality in Finland. At least compared to what some have experienced during their journey, housing facilities and other material conditions (such as nutrition and allowance), security and vital health care services were considered relatively satisfactory. In addition to the above, quite elementary qualities of the reception system, several interviewees provided also more detailed descriptions of existing good practices. These practices are listed in the following. Potential Good Practices [Helsinki, 2020] • The possibility to live in own apartments (so-called decentralized housing) or at least in own rooms within an institutional setting • Those living in the reception centres were satisfied with the possibility to buy and cook one’s own food (contrary to institutional kitchens) • The reception centre’s location near services was preferred over peripheral ones. This is not to make a simplistic distinction between small towns and bigger cities. Some of the reception centres might be placed relatively near a city but still in a very hard-to-reach location and, at the same time, a reception centre might be placed in a small town but still very close to grocery stores and other public and private services. • The possibility to receive, for instance, bus tickets and tickets to local gyms and swimming halls • Activities provided either the reception centre, voluntary workers or some other organization which take asylum seekers outside the centre and promote integration to local communities • Having workers within the reception centres who speak the same language as asylum seekers (most often Arabic or Dari/Farsi) • Having a worker responsible for the employment of asylum seekers providing help in finding employers and counselling in issues related to the Finnish labour market and right of asylum seekers in work • Having childcare services in the reception centres since the children of asylum seekers are not entitled to municipal early childhood education. • Having a specialized unit for those asylum seekers suffering from poo...
VGs’ experiences. 1.4.1 Identification of potential good practices by VGs Interviewed VG representatives in most cases could not identify properly (by name, service period, name of the organization) specific programs designed for migrants or refugees. There is a significant gap between what the interview participants could name and what we know from the secondary data or what was collected by the assistance of the Action Research Unit members (see the report on Tailored Attention and Inclusion strategies). In this case, the lack of information is what we can interpret. State-run programs are not visible due to the law changes in June 2016. Since then, the engagement in integration services between state institutions (the Immigration Office or the Family Support Centers) gradually decreased, and in June 2018, it was eliminated. Also, the similar or substitute services financed from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund such as housing programs, language courses, labor market integration support were phased out. At present, widely available financial-type (cash or housing) support is not accessible. In this field, only ad hoc and very limited initiatives pop up from time to time. Interviewees had stronger memories of those programs that directly reduced their vulnerability originated in destitution. Other types of programs have low visibility, and even the organizations’ names were often mixed up. Potential Good Practices [Budapest, 2020]
VGs’ experiences. 1.4.1 Identification of potential good practices by VGs Some of the services provided in Turkey are as follows: Turkish and Arabic language education Psycho-social support Sexual and reproductive health education Primary health care Interpreter support Ticket support for transportation Vocational courses Hobby courses Free education services Free healthcare services Cash-Based Interventions Protection Services Shelter Most of the interviewees stated that their psycho-social support help reduce the effects of their trauma. The center where they registered provides them an environment in which they can socialize. Thus, it provides a social Potential Good Practices [Eskişehir, 2020] environment especially for women who cannot go out of their homes and cannot communicate with people other than their family members. Interviewees state that they want the number of centers where they receive language, health, interpreters and vocational course services to increase. They also expressed the need to increase the number of interpreters in health units. Some of the interviewees expressed their problems finding a house in Turkey. They stated that they need a person / institution to mediate in the process of finding a home. They expressed their demands to improve and increase employment opportunities for refugees. In general terms, they are quite satisfied with the services (eg language, vocational training and hobby courses) in women's health and counseling centers for refugees. With the trainings and activities in these centers, they have the opportunity to meet and socialize with the local people. In addition, they receive psycho-social support in the centers for the treatment of bad experiences in their own country and during their travels. Thanks to the psycho- social support, the processes of adaptation to the new country and the processes of socialization with the local people are accelerated by feeling better. The language barrier, which is the biggest problem, disappears with the language training provided. Thus, they can communicate with the local people.
