Befriending Team

Asiyeh has been working for RETAS as an Education and Employment Adviser & Welcome to Leeds Coordinator over one year, maintaining the same role she initially began as a client and later as a volunteer. With a deep commitment to assisting newcomers in their pursuit of a better life in the UK, Asiyeh brings a strong sense of fulfilment to her work. Her background in counselling adds an extra dimension to her support. She actively participates in client appointments, providing support on housing and settlement matters, facilitates the registration of new arrivals in hotels, and coordinates outdoor events to enhance the well-being and integration of community members

Ahmed has been working as a Welcome to Leeds project coordinator for RETAS for six months. His primary focus is to provide support and assistance to newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees to help them integrate into the community. Before this, Ahmed volunteered as a support assistant, where he offered aid in interpreting and running workshops. Ahmed is highly driven to help others and is proud to be part of RETAS. He spends his workdays advising and guiding clients, adhering to his schedule and reviewing a drop-in sheet to identify clients who require assistance.