​Connecting individuals new to Leeds and the UK and those waiting for a be-friender with local volunteers and services to support orientation, integration and feeling welcomed.​ 
RETAS aims to contribute to providing a welcoming atmosphere in Leeds for those who are seeking sanctuary. 

This welcoming approach is embedded into all of the work that we do and many see RETAS as a safe space, a key source of support and crucially as a family. 

Further to this, we deliver a Welcome to Leeds Project which focuses specifically on facilitating this welcoming approach and provides direct support with the overwhelming unfamiliarity of a new country and city. 

What is the Welcome to Leeds Project?

The Challenge

  • Asylum seekers have often experienced fear, trauma and huge upheaval
  • Harsh conditions of the asylum process including being moved city unexpectedly
  • Adapting to life in an unknown city, country and culture 
  • Language barrier
  • ​Cuts to services which would provide support​

The Solution

  • ​Volunteer-led support for new asylum seekers
  • Group based activities facilitating tours of the city, visiting places of interest, helping with orientation and meeting new people​
  • Provide information on services, groups and activities to access ​​
  • Women's welcome group 
​Welcome to Leeds aims to see all new arrivals feel safer, more confident and empowered to help themselves and others; reducing isolation and aiding integration.

Areas of Support Provided

Orientation; Getting to know Leeds and how to get around
Accessing English Language Support (ESOL)
Accessing Health and other Key Public Services
Assessing other ways in which RETAS can help
Finding support groups, leisure activities & community groups
Signposting to other organisations

Impact

"RETAS is my sunshine"
"We are all friends now thanks to you”.
“Listen, in eight months in Leeds I have never seen such a beautiful place. Honestly, I took seat over there next to that tree and just watched the families, the birds, the children feeding the ducks and water and I thought about my home and my family. Thank you. This is the happiest day I have had for a year and half.”
​“Now very soon after arriving here I can stop people in the street and practice my English because I know who they are, they are my friends.”
"RETAS is like home away from home to me and my friends"
“Really I am so happy we have been able to come on these group with you and everything you have told us. When we were living before NASS and our claim in [name of small town in Home Counties] we had nice neighbours and that but there was no community of refugees or asylum seekers and nobody to tell you where to go or what to do and everything was far away [rural]. With our kids and nothing to do all the time it can really make you depressed. Me and [my husband] are really so happy. We know where we can go now and really I am falling in love with Leeds. Before I wanted to live in London and we always planned to go back to London when we get the status but really I am changing my mind. It drives [my husband] crazy me switching like this but really I think Leeds is fantastic now.”
​

Referrals

Who can refer?
  • Can refer yourself if you are a refugee, asylum seeker or other vulnerable migrant in need of support
  • Can refer a friend
  • Organisations and services can make referrals to our project 

How to refer?
For more information on the Welcome to Leeds project, please contact Tesfalem:
- fidelis@retasleeds.co.uk​
​- 0113 380 5630

    RETAS Referral Form

    Referral for Welcome to Leeds with RETAS

How can you help?

We continually equip a broad range of volunteers from various backgrounds to feel prepared for welcoming new arrivals, spreading the message of welcome and sanctuary throughout the city.

Welcome to Leeds Volunteer​​

A flexible role which involves supporting new arrivals to access different services across Leeds, find their way around the city and feel more settled in the UK.

External to the office, varied times & days.​

Click here to find out more...