Campaigns
The Social Rights Alliance North East (SRANE) campaigns on different social rights issues. Each campaign focuses on at least one element of economic and social rights.
Better ConNEcted
The internet is essential in our lives. It is the main way people access job opportunities, benefits and even prescriptions. This has especially been the case during COVID-19. Libraries, charities and job centres were closed to the public. This left many without internet access.
Unfortunately, people still see access to the internet as a luxury and a privilege. But, it is a necessity. It is a gateway for people to access and enjoy their human rights. During COVID-19 it has been the way for many people to connect with friends and family. Some have used the internet for much needed emotional support or to take part in community life.
We want to improve digital inclusion in the North East. So, we are co-coordinating a campaign called Better ConNEcted. We want people to have the skills, technology and internet access, to close the digital divide.
We are working across 4 key areas to achieve change:
- Culture change
- Practical solutions
- Accessibility
- Local Authorities
To find out more and get involved, visit the Better ConNEcted website www.betterconnected.org.uk or email us at [email protected]
Digital Inclusion Campaign
We're collecting stories!
Are you, or someone you know, unable to access the internet as much as you would like? Have COVID-19 measures made it difficult for you to access information or education online? Maybe you found yourself in this situation long before COVID-19 was an issue…
You can send us a short video (self-filmed or filmed outside at a socially safe distance of 2-3m) or a few sentences telling us:
1. What stops you from being able to access the internet/online information?
2. What would help you to feel more digitally included?
3. Why is digital inclusion important to you?
Please send you story to Anya at [email protected]. If you know someone who might like to share their story but doesn’t have access to the internet, you can share it for them (with their permission).
Some stories and videos might be used in our campaign (and possibly included in a short campaign video), so please indicate if you are happy for your video/story to be publicised.
Manifesto for a Better Normal
COVID-19 has been a difficult time for disabled people in the North East. Disabled people are feeling the impact physically, mentally and financially. But, new ways of working and delivering services are increasing. Many of these are more accessible for disabled people.
As we focus on how to build back from COVID-19, we have the opportunity to improve disabled people’s rights in the UK. In fact, now is the time to create a better ‘normal’ for disabled people.
The ‘Manifesto’ highlights 4 key concerns for disabled people in the North East. These are: access and inclusion, health and social care, employment and welfare benefits. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. We call for changes to local authority and UK Government policy. Additionally, we suggest ways that service providers and employers can improve.
Manifesto – Briefing (Easyread version available here)
Manifesto – Full Report (Easyread version available here)
Contact details for each charity involved are in the full report. Main contact – [email protected].
Sanctuary Scholarships
Asylum seekers are usually unable to study at university in the UK due to the high tuition fees. This is because, firstly, they have to pay the same fees as international students. Secondly, they cannot get student finance loans due to their immigration status.
Some universities are offering Sanctuary Scholarships, waiving tuition fees for applicants. In some cases, they also provide a grant towards learning and/or housing costs. These scholarships make it possible for more adults to have their right to education realised in the UK. Northumbria, Newcastle and Teesside Universities are all offering some form of sanctuary scholarship.
We are encouraging more universities in the region to offer sanctuary scholarships. This will mean that more asylum seekers can enjoy their right to education. SRANE wants to work with universities to improve the support given to asylum seekers.
Other campaign work
SRANE is developing some smaller campaigns with local community groups on topics including:
- Public Transport costs in the North East
- Council Tax Reduction Schemes
- Adult Education provision in rural Northumberland
We are also involved in the Lift the Ban and #1forEquality campaigns.
GET INVOLVED
If you are interested in getting involved in our work in the North East, or want to find out more, contact the North East regional manager, Anya Bonner, at [email protected]