jonbeech

About Jon Beech

I joined LASSN as the Director in December 2013. I've a particular interest in mental health, ethnicity, and helping people make sense of their world and their community.

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Fundraising: A message from LASSN Trustees to all LASSN volunteers

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2024-08-20T14:20:46+01:003rd December, 2018|

Please can you help us raise funds at no cost and very little effort to yourselves? We know how hard you work, and how much effort you put into supporting asylum seekers and other migrants from across the world. And generally LASSN make a point of not asking our volunteers for any more than they already offer.  However, as we look ahead into the period 2019 to 2021, we see some funding gaps opening up, and we're trying to plan for these. So, with these in mind, we wanted to ask you to consider the following very simple and not-labour intensive possibilities:- Do you know of any small, local, or specialised grant awarding bodies or Trust Funds who maybe don't have an internet presence? If you do, then please let us have their contact details. We're always on the look out for possible sources of income - but we rely heavily on the internet for our research. One of our supporters introduced us to a specialist grant giver called Sharegift after they got talking to someone at a party. Sharegift's generous sponsorship of LASSN has been a real help over the last 3 years, and has ensured we've kept sufficient admin to process volunteer expenses and basic background checks. Do you know of any businesses or organisations that you think may be sympathetic to our cause? It would be great if you could help us to establish a link with them. We love supporting local businesses and we have established some great connections with excellent caterers. They provide us with excellent food at a reasonable - sometimes discounted price - and we make sure we tell people all about them. Oronaise, and Kerala are just two. LUSH cosmetics regularly donate some of their surplus stock to Guests in Grace Hosting.   Do you shop in supermarkets or drink in local pubs? Local branches sometimes donate to charities on the basis of a request from customers. Eg. Co-op members and customers can nominate local charities. Similarly Asda Foundation, Waitrose , even Greggs offer support to local groups, based on recommendations. The Chemic Tavern held a Star-Wars themed quiz night in aid of LASSN, and raised several hundred pounds for us. We were extremely grateful, and sent them a certificate of appreciation.    Do you work for a large business which offers to match funds raised by employees for good causes? HSBC run a scheme where they offer support to employees who also volunteer or fundraise for charities. If this appeals to you, then please go to https://lassn.org.uk/fundraise/ to find out more about how we might support you in your efforts. Do you occasionally do fundraisers at work? Leeds Beckett University ran a cake stall that raised £300, and was split across two Leeds charities. We were delighted when they emailed us to tell us. If we'd known in advance we would have promoted the sale on social media and sent them some of our lovely posters and badges ;o) If you are thinking of holding such an event - please let us [...]

Job: Project Support and Admin Officer, 16 hrs/wk – NJC Scale 4 – £8k actual

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2020-01-30T12:54:13+00:003rd December, 2018|

This post has been filled, but we've left the post up, as a reminder of what we've done. We are looking for a Project Support and Administration Officer to help our four Volunteers Managers with admin tasks, and to support the wider admin needs of LASSN. You can download a job pack from here: lassn.org.uk/jobs Salary: Scale 4 SCP 18-21 £18,870 – £20,541 (pro rata – actual £8,160 – £8,883) depending on experience Hours: 16 hours a week Location: LASSN office Closing date for applications: 9am, Wednesday 2nd January 2019 This post is initially offered on a 12 month fixed-term contract, however it is our intention to seek ongoing funding for this role. The person we choose will enjoy working flexibly in a small, friendly team, and will see this role as an opportunity to gain experience and understanding of work with asylum seekers and refugees, and volunteer management. They will be confident working with IT (including Microsoft Office – and willing to learn WordPress, CiviCRM and Quickbooks)  and will have at least 12 months experience of working in an office environment, and performing administrative tasks to a high level of quality and accuracy. Their can-do approach, ability to see and solve problems and their ability to complete tasks to agreed deadlines will play a key role in the smooth running of a team that values diversity, kindness, and high standards of support. For an an informal conversation about the role, please phone Jon Beech on 07845 298047 We are holding an open evening for prospective candidates 18:00 – 19:00 on Wednesday 19th December 2018 at our offices in Oak House. For details, and to book your place, please click on this link The closing date for applications is 9am, Wednesday 2nd January 2019 Shortlisted candidates will be informed by Wednesday 9th January 2019 Interviews will be held on Monday 14th January 2019 Refugees with relevant skills and experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

What did you miss at the LASSN AGM 2018?

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2024-10-04T11:12:41+01:001st November, 2018|

This event has already happened, but we've left the post up, as a reminder of what we've done. We're really sorry if you weren't able to make it to the AGM on Thursday night. Here are all the documents that were given out: The agenda, minutes of 2017 AGM and Annual Accounts 2017/18 The presentations The Annual Review 2017/18 The Grace Hosting video that we didn't show The English at Home Video we didn't show And the food was provided by Haftsin Restaurant - just round the corner from the LASSN offices on Burley Road  

LASSN’s Annual General Meeting, 1st November 2018

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2020-01-30T12:55:29+00:0019th October, 2018|

This event has already happened, but we've left the post up, as a reminder of what we've done. Where? St Matthias Church Centre, Burley (next door to St Matthias Church) - Directions here When? Thursday 1st November 2018 18:00 - 20:30 Join us to celebrate what we can achieve when we work together Doors will open at 17:30, when coffee and tea will be available. The AGM will start promptly at 18:00, and the formal business will last no longer than 30 minutes. After this, we'll spend a bit of time sharing some of the things we've been doing over the last year, and the things we've achieved together. Then, at about 19:15 we'll sit down together and share a Persian feast, supplied by the fabulous folk at Haftsin Persian Restaurant.  If you would like to volunteer on the evening, please click here to see, to see the kind of help we're after

Transition Guide for new Refugees – a step by step guide

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2018-11-09T14:37:19+00:001st October, 2018|

At last, we can announce the launch of the Transition Guide: http://transitionguide.org.uk a step-by step-guide to settling in Leeds, once you've received leave to remain. It's been 3 years in the making, designed in collaboration with people who've sought refuge, featuring photos take by asylum seekers and refugees. You can read more about the process and the people involved here. It covers lots of topics from housing, work, education, banks in a simple straightforward style and is translated into loads of different community languages.  If you'd like to order some flyers or posters, please contact [email protected] and he'll put some in the post It's been produced by LASSN, in collaboration with Touchstone's Migrant Access Project Plus, with funding from Leeds City Council, via the Controlling Migration Fund, and the National Lottery

Friends of LASSN – Summer 2018

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2024-01-16T11:34:05+00:005th September, 2018|

We published our Summer Edition of Friends of LASSN a month ago and forgot to link to it on here! Anyway, better late than never, it’s packed with all sorts of stories about the difference we’re making to the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants at risk. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy compiling it. As usual it features the voices of asylum seekers, volunteers and staff at LASSN. Please click on the link below to find out more. Friends of LASSN  

Our #hostileenvironment badges

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2018-11-09T14:46:03+00:0015th June, 2018|

It's Refugee Week next week, so we've made some badges. They are inspired by the words of the new Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who has said of the previous #hostileenvironment policy towards "failed" asylum seekers and other irregular migrants: “I don’t like the phrase hostile...I think it is a phrase that is unhelpful and it doesn’t represent our values as country. It is about a compliant environment and it is right that we have a compliant environment.” Our badges are not political, and certainly not party political. But we do hope they provoke discussion and debate about the kind of environment and place we create together, for everyone, as well as the kind of immigration policies we might want. So next time you see us at an event or pop into the office, be sure to ask us for some. They're free - but any donations that help us cover costs will always be welcome. 

#outandabout

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2024-09-26T07:51:31+01:0024th May, 2018|

We're proud to announce our new #outandabout project, which aims to ensure every destitute asylum seeker in Leeds who's over 50 can get a bus pass if they need one to help them access accommodation, support and to keep in touch with friends. Without no entitlement to any public benefits, and no right to work, people rely on charitable organisations and volunteer hosts for the very basic necessities. Maintaining social connections in such circumstances is a challenge, especially when a host location may be miles away from centres of social activities, like a place of worship or a weekly choir. Something as simple as a weekly bus pass, plus the confidence to use public transport to get around the city, can make a huge difference in this situation. LASSN will provide passes for asylum seekers, then volunteer befrienders and hosts will support them to build confidence in traveling independently, thus leading to a more fulfilling daily life Please note, all referrals to this project need to come through British Red Cross and PAFRAS Case Workers Many thanks to Big Lottery Fund, Leeds Community Foundation and Time to Shine for helping to make this happen.

Music Without Borders

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2020-01-30T12:55:43+00:008th May, 2018|

This event has already happened, but we've left the post up, as a reminder of what we've done. A party for refugees and their allies. When: Friday 11th May 18:00 – 23:00 Where: Open Source Arts, Aire Place Mills, 143 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds LS3 1JL Everyone is welcome at this party for asylum seekers, refugees, their friends and allies – featuring Live Music, YouTube Disco, Dancing, and Food. Entry is free, and children are welcome. There will be slots throughout the evening led by musicians from around the world, showcasing the music and dancing they know and love. And the YouTube Disco will run all evening - featuring the global dance tunes which you have chosen - so please add your favourites to this YouTube playlist: bit.ly/mwob18 even if you can't make the event. Finally, we know transport costs might be a problem for some people, so please text 07845298047 and let us know. We can't wait to see you there! This event is organised by Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network (LASSN) and supported by Open Source Arts, Red Ladder Theatre Company, RETAS Leeds and Leeds Refugee Forum.  

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