Our Vision
For Asylum seekers and refugees to be safe, respected, supported and empowered to rebuild their lives free of persecution.
To achieve this, LASSN
runs projects that address the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants at risk of harm or exploitation in Leeds, and
raises awareness of issues facing people seeking refuge and other migrants in Leeds.
Our Vision
For Asylum seekers and refugees to be safe, respected, supported and empowered to rebuild their lives free of persecution.
To achieve this, LASSN
runs projects that address the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants at risk of harm or exploitation in Leeds, and
raises awareness of issues facing people seeking refuge and other migrants in Leeds.
What We Do
All our projects are about sharing a welcome and extending kindness and care to people seeking refuge, or recent migrants who are having a tough time.
We create opportunities for people in Leeds
to show friendship and solidarity,
to learn more about the reality of seeking asylum, and refuge,
to hold on to the hope that tomorrow can be different from today.
What We Do
All our projects are about sharing a welcome and extending kindness and care to people seeking refuge, or recent migrants who are having a tough time.
We create opportunities for people in Leeds
to show friendship and solidarity,
to learn more about the reality of seeking asylum, and refuge,
to hold on to the hope that tomorrow can be different from today.
Get Involved
LASSN is all about finding ways for people in Leeds to help folks from far away.
We are always on the look out for volunteers, fundraisers and donors, or people who want to show their support in other ways – running gigs and fundraisers, holding coffee mornings, rattling tins, running marathons, riding bikes…
We’re always keen to tap into the energy, skills, and resources of the people who share our vision.
Get Involved
LASSN is all about finding ways for people in Leeds to help folks from far away.
We are always on the look out for volunteers, fundraisers and donors, or people who want to show their support in other ways – running gigs and fundraisers, holding coffee mornings, rattling tins, running marathons, riding bikes…
We’re always keen to tap into the energy, skills, and resources of the people who share our vision.
LASSN Projects
Many refugees and asylum seekers will experience homelessness at some point.
Hosting volunteers offer a hot meal and a safe place to sleep for people who have nowhere else to turn.
Grace House and Eva House – each house four asylum seeking men who have no income, no right to work, and nowhere else to stay. During their time with us, we encourage people to use this respite from destitution to focus on improving their health, and to access casework support to resolve their immigration difficulties.
Many refugees and asylum seekers will experience homelessness at some point.
Hosting volunteers offer a hot meal and a safe place to sleep for people who have nowhere else to turn.
Grace House and Eva House – each house four asylum seeking men who have no income, no right to work, and nowhere else to stay. During their time with us, we encourage people to use this respite from destitution to focus on improving their health, and to access casework support to resolve their immigration difficulties.
Welcome and Connect
Welcome and Connect matches refugees with volunteers who support them to access specialist support, education and leisure opportunities in Leeds.
With a regular support, we hope refugees will build their confidence, and their ability to access the opportunities available to them in their new city.
Welcome and Connect
Welcome and Connect matches refugees with volunteers who support them to access specialist support, education and leisure opportunities in Leeds.
With a regular support, we hope refugees will build their confidence, and their ability to access the opportunities available to them in their new city.
English at Home
English at Home helps people learn a skill that is vital for their everyday life.
Our volunteer tutors support people seeking asylum seekers and also refugees who can’t access mainstream ESOL classes because of caring responsibilities, difficulties with physical or mental health or a variety of other reasons.
Tutors provide regular one to one lessons so that students can become more independent and confident on paper and in person.
English at Home
English at Home helps people learn a skill that is vital for their everyday life.
Our volunteer tutors support people seeking asylum seekers and also refugees who can’t access mainstream ESOL classes because of caring responsibilities, difficulties with physical or mental health or a variety of other reasons.
Tutors provide regular one to one lessons so that students can become more independent and confident on paper and in person.
Updates and New Resources
Friends of LASSN – Autumn 2024
As we enter the closing months of 2024 we are delighted to bring you this edition of Friends of LASSN, [...]
LASSN is now a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
We're delighted to announce that LASSN has successfully converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Association style), or CIO for short [...]
New to Leeds has been revised and updated
New to Leeds is the definitive guide to life in Leeds for New Migrants. We’ve updated and expanded it with [...]
LASSN AGM, 20th January 2024
Where is it happening? Saturday 20th January 2024 11.30-12:00, followed by a celebration of LASSN in 2023, food and [...]
Friends of LASSN – Winter 2023
As we enter the winter season and closing months of 2023 we are thrilled to bring you this edition [...]
Friends of LASSN – Summer 2023
It's been far too long since you last heard from us, and we hope you enjoy reading this bumper [...]
Updates and New Resources
Friends of LASSN – Autumn 2024
As we enter the closing months of 2024 we are delighted to bring you this edition of Friends of LASSN, [...]
LASSN is now a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
We're delighted to announce that LASSN has successfully converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Association style), or CIO for short [...]
New to Leeds has been revised and updated
New to Leeds is the definitive guide to life in Leeds for New Migrants. We’ve updated and expanded it with [...]
“I also like feeling confident that LASSN is genuinely driven by its values and that decisions are taken on this basis.”
“[I can] show them that there are many people who do welcome them here and want to help them feel a part of our society”
“I have been very impressed with LASSN as a company, and my english at home partner, who is fantastic.”
“I find befriending really enjoyable, sometimes a bit challenging and I learn a great deal.”
“Meet interesting people from different countries and with different experiences to us enjoy welcoming people into our house and making use of the available space we have to share.”
“I have been working with LAASN for15 or 16 years and find it very interesting and rewarding.”
“Really great volunteer support and coordination.”
“The staff are absolutely great and give me the confidence and resources I need.”
“We have learned more about people of other countries and their plight which has underlined just how fortunate we are.”
“Very supportive organisation. Excellent online resources. Good to feel you’re doing something of value.”
“I really enjoy supporting and helping my befriendee. It has been an enrichment to my life and am so pleased that we have such a positive relationship.”
“Making a difference to an individual’s life, caring and helpful staff.”
“I only want to say how grateful I am to be able to visit Suhad from Iraq, to listen to her, bring her flowers and to be called sister by her.”
“I have learned a lot from my guests and been inspired by them.”
“Feeling useful; helping people in need; supporting a really important frontline area of work; meeting amazing people.”
“Since first contacting LASSN with a view to volunteering I have been struck by the helpful and supportive approach of all the people who work there and how quickly you are made to feel a part of the organisation.”
“The opportunity to build a relationship with and support my befriendee has been invaluable for me. I have learnt so much and grown as a person as a result. Everyone at LASSN is so supportive too.”
“I feel honored to be part of such a fabulous charity.”
“The chance to meet people from different backgrounds and the opportunity to expand my teaching skills.”
“The opportunity to provide practical and immediate help to destitute asylum seekers who are being unjustly victimised by Government policies that I believe to be heinous.”
“The strong feeling of support and excellent quality of training received from LASSN to enable me to carry out my volunteer role.”
“EAH is very well organised. The training is regular and of a high standard. I feel well supported. The resources are regularly added to.”
“Meeting people from different parts of the world and cultures is always interesting and rewarding, so we get back far more than we give.”
“My befriendees and I have a great time together and it is a superb feeling to help some one make a new life in our city.”
“I also enjoy meeting other members and the social events.I am also very pleased to have such wonderful support from Tina and the LASSN team.”
“I feel like I’m making a real difference to people, and all of the work is so well informed and ethical.”
“LASSN provides an extremely important service to some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds.”
“I have found Befriending (to be) an incredibly rewarding experience as it gave me the opportunity to build a relationship with someone who comes from a completely different background from my own and share our experiences with one another.”
“Being able to support, offer something valuable to my Befriendee… Time, knowledge and friendship.”
“I feel that there is an organisation behind me that knows what it is doing.”
“Meeting the people involved and knowing I am able to help guests as they cope with the system. I know it has made a difference to their lives.”
“Helping someone to learn English has the potential to make a difference to an asylum seeker or refugee’s life. Thinking of ways to do this is creative and challenging, which (selfishly) as a retired person, I need!”
“The support given. The thorough workshops and tutorials offered. I like a lot of things!”
“I’ve loved getting to know the person I’m befriending and her family. I feel like we’ve become genuine friends which has been really nice.”
“I was a teacher and very much enjoy teaching still. I have liked working for LASSN for 17 years.”
“I feel LASSN is doing immensely valuable work and I want to be able to contribute to that work.”
“Meeting new families from different parts of the world and feeling that I might help to make them establish their lives in the UK.”
“Helping others learn English and making good connections with people from other nations.”
“The opportunity of meeting people from different backgrounds and helping them in whatever capacity you can guided by LASSN.”
“Making friends with people from countries like Iraq and Somalia, listening to them, their way of seeing the world, their accent, holding one of their children on my knees while chatting to the mother.”