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What We Do

At RETAS we never stand still and adopt an effective ‘respond and adapt’ strategic delivery model. We constantly listen to our clients to find out about and understand their needs and aspirations. Continuously appraised and amended, over many years, RETAS uses its wealth of experience and practice to adapt itself to create the greatest possible positive outcomes.

Individuals and families have a wide range of needs from basic to multiple and complex. Providing effective interventions for a range of issues can be challenging and demanding and as each person’s transitional journey to independence varies the services RETAS offers are holistic, flexible and multi-faceted.

RETAS runs a comprehensive induction and training programme for their staff, Trustees, volunteers, interpreters and mentors and staff are actively encouraged to share knowledge both internally and externally. 

Support RETAS

we provide a’ hub’ where individuals are welcomed and given appropriate support.

We have many services to help you integrate into society.

We can help you learn English, even if you’re just starting out. We run classes from pre-entry level.

If you want to study or work where English is used, we can help you get the internationally IELTS recognized qualification, which measure your language proficiency.

We can help you employability workshops and training to prepare yourself for work. For example we can help you get your SIA (Security Industry Authority) Licence.

If you’re thinking about going to college or university, we can give you advice and support with your applications.

We have lots of pre-employment support to help you with CV writing, Job Search and Interview preparation.

If you need help finding somewhere to live, we provide help with searching for a property and on-going support.

Our ‘Welcome To’ programme is here to help you get settled, find your way around and feel at home.

Our staff are trained and qualified to offer Independent Advice and Guidance.

Our volunteer service is a great way to improve your confidence, gain new skills and prepare for work in a supported environment.

We want to help you take care of yourself and your mental health. Talk to us and we can refer you to local services that provide you with the help you need.

We can provide welfare support to help you access benefits and other financial support.

If you need to open a bank account we can help you get one sorted.

If you have children we can help you find a school or childcare to meets your needs.

If you need someone to help you speak up for or represent yourself our Advocacy staff can help you.

We partner and collaborate with many local organisations and can help you find furniture.

Impact

How RETAS Empowers Refugees to Rebuild Their Lives

Rehan’s vivid recollection of the biting cold and relentless rain upon arriving in the UK over 13 years ago serves as a poignant reminder of his struggle to rebuild his life after fleeing persecution.
When he arrived at RETAS, he was in a state of limbo, devoid of any rights in the UK. He had no possessions and no chance of returning to his former life.
Over the years, he had become separated from his family, his asylum case had been denied, he had no chance of getting a job and his only choice was to find some voluntary work.
Consequently, he had become increasingly weary and disheartened with his struggle to obtain his rights and rebuild his life.

As his advisor, my task was to instil hope in him. Together, we worked on a plan of action and set small achievable goals. Given the restrictions imposed by the Home Office, the only viable option was to pursue a career in care work. Together we drafted his CV and applied for suitable positions online, while also setting targets for speculative letters and interview preparation sessions. Our efforts finally yielded fruit when he secured an interview through a speculative letter, which was a great achievement. We conducted several mock interviews to refine his skills. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he was turned down on account of his English language proficiency. This was a severe blow to his confidence, but we persisted in overcoming every obstacle together.

We arranged for him to enrol in ESOL classes at RETAS to enhance his English skills, while continuing to apply for jobs.
Finally, we managed to secure an interview at a care centre in Leeds, which resulted in him landing the job he had hoped for. However, yet another hurdle stood in his way. The job offer was contingent on Rehan completing a safeguarding course. He reached out again for support, and even on my non-working days, I went to RETAS to help him. He finally managed to take the test and pass with flying colours!

Today, he is employed as a care worker, and I continue to maintain regular contact with him to provide any support. As his advisor, I am immensely proud of his perseverance, and RETAS acknowledges the adversity he has overcome and continues to face. His journey was fraught with obstacles, from being stateless and without any rights, to having limited employment options and struggling with English. However, he never lost hope or gave up.
His words, "You have given me hope," are a testament to the power of hope and the transformative impact of RETAS, which enabled him to commence his life anew after so many years.

Rehan (to respect the client’s privacy Rehan is a pseudonym)

REHAN