Befriending and benefiting
Many asylum seekers are fleeing violence, oppression or any other number of horrors in their own countries – they arrive in a strange country unable to communicate and lost as to how to function in an alien culture. Many end up alone, destitute and frightened of the future.
The Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network was set up to tackle these difficulties by giving asylum seekers the skill and support to lead independent, productive lives. Services offered include:
- one-to-one befriending and at home English tuition using trained volunteers and tutors
- community initiatives which involve and benefit refugees and asylum seekers
- a volunteer hosting scheme to support destitute asylum seekers and refugees
The Foundation’s grant went towards the salary of their Office Manager:
“The role of the Office Manager is key to LASSN – not just in terms of administration but also in terms of service delivery to asylum seekers.”
(Gill Gibbons, Manager)
Life here is totally different from mine before. I was surrounded by informational and social vacuum. What’s more I was responsible for my 7 year old son, I had to help him to integrate, to start a new life, but I was not able to do it as I was helpless, alone, desperate on my own… I needed HELP. Kath, a LASSN volunteer, arrived in my life like an angel to rescue me. It’s amazing but my life changed completely… I knew that whatever the problem Kath was coming on Tuesday. I can say it’s hard with my English but I knew that Kath understood me by her heart rather than by mind. I didn’t feel alone and separated any more. All my troubles and wins Kath lived as her own. Most of all I want to thank Kath for the self confidence she helped me gain. She believed in me and passed it to me myself. She encouraged me to fight, to face and solve problems and achieve victory. Thanks to LASSN for the efforts of making immigrants' life easier.
(Yana)
Want to find out more? Visit www.lassn.org.uk
