Welcome and Connect helps refugees to access education, work and leisure opportunities in Leeds, with the support of trained volunteers.
Participants are offered one to one support from trained volunteers who help people to practice their English and to achieve the goals they have set themselves – and maybe getting to college, or into work, or taking part in new social or leisure activities. Support can last for up to a year.
Sadly our weekly Welcome and Connect Social Groups are ending in July 24, although we will still offer some group activities to existing participants every few months.
If you know of a refugee or asylum seeker who is isolated or could benefit from other practical support, please look this list of other social and befriending activities across the city, at helpinleeds.com or the new and improved Learning English Leeds website.
How does one to one Welcome and Connect work?
The Participant Journey
1.
Referral
A refugee refers themself, or referred by an agency
2.
Initial Assessment
The volunteer manager meets with them to see if what we offer is what they are looking for.
3.
Goal Setting Meeting
We explore what kind of support someone is looking for, and agree a list of initial priorities
(as well as referring to other agencies for support we cannot provide).
4.
Potential Matches
We try and match with a suitable Welcome and Connect volunteer
5.
Introductory Meeting
We introduce the refugee and the volunteer, to discuss the priorities and what support will look ike (who when where, why what etc)
6.
Review / Closure
Reviews take place every few months to review what’s been achieved, and to plan what comes next. Support generally lasts from 9 months to a year.
What our service users say…
“First I was worried and scared, scared of meeting people. When I met Meryl it was the best thing! She helps me with appointments I’m much better now.”
Contact Information
Volunteers Manager:
Volunteers Manager:
Mehjabeen Rahim Hussein
07462 818 025