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. |
The Challenge
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The Solution
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Orientation; Getting to know Leeds and how to get around
Accessing English Language Support (ESOL)
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Accessing Health and other Key Public Services
Assessing other ways in which RETAS can help
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Finding support groups, leisure activities & community groups
Signposting to other organisations
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"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.”
ReferralsWho can refer?
How to refer?
For more information on the Welcome to Leeds project, please contact Charlotte: - charlotte@retasleeds.co.uk - 0113 380 5630 |
Welcome to Leeds VolunteerA 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... |
About UsEstablished in 2002, RETAS (Refugee Education Training Advice Service) has a vision to see all refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants to feel welcome and supported to fully integrate into society.
We provide assistance with access to education, re-qualification, training and employment to help them better integrate in their communities. We strive to build confidence and hope in our service users, and empower them to build a safe and secure life here in the UK. |
Contact Us233-237 Roundhay Road
The Roundhay Road Resource Centre Leeds, LS8 4HS Tel: 07949 796180 Email: info@retasleeds.org.uk Follow Us |
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