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.

Back to Resources Homepage

Keeping updated about what we do

Resource Information







2024-08-20T14:11:39+01:0010th September, 2015|

We hope you're enjoying new website, which was launched earlier this year. The idea was to make it clearer, and easier to find things.  We have (amongst other things) tried to make it easier for people to find out about LASSN, our work, and our achievements increase the number of online resources for volunteers, make it simpler to volunteer with us and to claim expenses As if this weren't enough, we also have a Facebook page - which also explores themes of asylum,migration in a slightly more informal way and a Twitter account - which draws together updates LASSN, our Facebook page, and articles we post on the Leeds MultiAgency Meeting website and finally www.oneworldleeds.org - our multi-author blog with views and opinions of people in Leeds (and beyond) on issues around asylum and migration.

Our next themed social “Changes to Welfare Benefits”

Resource Information







2024-08-20T14:14:54+01:0010th September, 2015|

Our next themed social will be on Wednesday 11th November 5.30pm - 7.30pm at Ebor Court. With recent drastic reductions in support rates to families. and serious talk of removing some asylum support completely from families it's important to keep abreast of what help is available and how to access it. Universal Credit is also due to be rolled out in Leeds from December 2015. The resources we've produced for previous socials on Trafficking, Mental Health, and Advocacy will give you an idea of the quality of information we produce. If you'd like to come along, please email [email protected] so we can make sure there's enough food to go around.

Befriending Update – September 15

Resource Information







2015-09-18T11:31:12+01:0010th September, 2015|

Pauline Cooke left in June of this year, after we were unable to secure replacement funding for her role as Volunteers Manager. The existing 40 matches between asylum seekers, refugees and their befrienders continue, supported by a small group of experienced befrienders. However, although demand for befriending support remains high, we have closed the service to new referrals, and to new volunteers. We continue to try and find replacement sources of funding for this work, and have produced a detailed evaluation of the work in conjunction with existing and former users of the services, volunteers and other services across the city. You can read the full report here - which we are using to support our funding proposals.  

English at Home – Annual Review 2015

Resource Information







2016-03-29T15:02:11+01:0010th September, 2015|

Catherine - the Volunteers Manager for English at Home has been working diligently to increase the numbers of people we can support to, and the results have been impressive. In her review of the last year, she describes a 25% increase in the number of hours tutoring offered to people who cannot attend english classes. As ESOL provision continues to shrink due to central government cuts, this work becomes more important than ever. Download a copy of her report here.

Leeds Changed for Good/AGM 2015

Resource Information







2018-11-09T13:55:24+00:0010th September, 2015|

Our Annual General Meeting will take place at 6.15pm (for a 6.30pm start) on Friday 9th October at Headingley Heart Cafe, Bennet Road, Headingley, LS6 3HN and will last about 30 minutes. The AGM will immediately be followed by a public event: Changed for Good - an evening of discussion and story-telling which is also LASSN's contribution to the Headingley Festival of Ideas.  Leeds has been home to many refugees over the years.The legacy left by different waves of migration is a thriving economy and rich cultural heritage - from Marks and Sparks to the longest running carnival in Europe. Leeds has not always been a place of welcome or sanctuary - and 46 years after the death of David Oluwale, many refugees still find life in Leeds cold, brutal, and dangerous. We invite you to come and listen, and to share your perspective on how refugees have changed Leeds, or how life as a refugee in Leeds has changed you. We will be joined by refugees, volunteers, activists, academics, politicians and local residents BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE: Tickets are free, but they're also limited, so please book early.

LASSN in the News

Resource Information







2018-11-09T12:53:59+00:0010th September, 2015|

There's been a lot of interest in what we do over the last few days. We haven't always been able to say "yes" to requests from journalists, but we've done the best we can. Here's a feature from The Guardian on Tuesday 8th September, featuring Yoshiko and Jack, and Lois and Kirsty, talking about their experiences of Hosting.   And here's Ed Carlisle on BBC Radio Leeds talking about his experiences as a Grace host. Piece in the Guardian on "How do I offer a room in my house to a refugee..." 11th September 2015 Thanks to all our supporters and volunteers who've been willing to go on air, and the TV to talk about their experiences.  We don't have recordings/clippings for everyone, but please send them in if you find any more...

A guide to helping refugees and asylum seekers in Leeds and beyond

Resource Information







2018-11-09T12:31:22+00:0010th September, 2015|Tags: , |

There are many ways to help out, and we know volunteering with LASSN won't suit everyone. There will also be a public meeting 5.30pm - 7.30pm, Tuesday 15th September at the West Yorkshire Playhouse to get an update about what's happening in the City, meet other people who want to make a difference, and find out how you can play a part in what comes next. You don't have to sign up to anything on the night. Come along for all of it, a bit of it. It'll be nice to see you.

How you can help

Resource Information







2018-11-09T13:43:24+00:0020th August, 2015|Tags: |

There are many ways to help LASSN to deliver our aims of supporting, empowering and integrating asylum seekers and refugees in Leeds. You can volunteer to help someone learn English, emergency accommodation, make friends and to make stronger connections with their local area. These aren't the only volunteering opportunities at LASSN, but they are the main things we focus on. If you'd like to help us out, complete our online application form, tell us what you're good at, or what you have to offer, and we'll try and find a way of putting your talents to good use. If you can't offer time, you might donate some money, or organise a fundraiser for us. If none of these are possible, then there's still loads you can do to lend support to our cause. Read our website, and find out more about the reality of seeking refuge in Leeds. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook, and help us get our messages to a wider audience. Use the information you find to challenge some of the myths about migration. Be kind to strangers, and give people the time of day. We think all of this helps to make Leeds a kinder, safer, more welcoming place - and we're grateful for your offer of support. Thanks.  

Models of accommodation and support for migrants with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)

Resource Information







2015-07-07T15:16:14+01:007th July, 2015|Tags: , , |

This is a great resource for anyone wanting to explore ways of responding to the lack of housing for destitute asylum seekers and other migrants without recourse to public funds. You'll see LASSN and Katrina Burton, former Volunteers Manager of Grace Hosting Credited as a contributor in the back.  

Go to Top