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Creativity, connection and plenty of colour in our recent group sessions

15th December 2025StoriesEventsTagged , ,

Over the past few weeks, our community groups have been busy getting creative, learning new skills and enjoying time together. These sessions are a much-loved part of life at Voices in Exile – a chance for our service users to relax, meet new people and try something different in a warm, welcoming space. 

Festive wreath making with Debra 

At the start of December, Debra joined our groups to teach us how to make beautiful Christmas wreaths using everyday rags and simple materials. The results were stunning – bright, textured, and completely unique to each person. Many of our service users took their wreaths home to hang proudly on their front doors, adding a little colour and celebration to the winter season. 

It was a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon full of conversation, shared ideas and creativity. We’re so grateful to Debra for showing us how something simple can become something really special.  

Decorative wall art with artist Jane King 

In November, we welcomed long-time friend of Voices in Exile, artist Jane King, who has supported us with many creative sessions over the years. This time, she guided the group as they made decorative wall hangings using origami paper and cake boards. 

What began as basic materials soon transformed into bright, layered artworks that our service users took home. These sessions give people space to explore their creativity, try new techniques, and enjoy the calm focus that comes with making something by hand. 

A huge thank you to Jane – you can find her on Instagram at @janekingceramics 

A joyful dance session with Anna from Communitas Dance 

This week, our groups were treated to an uplifting dance session at The Dance Space in Brighton, thanks to Anna from Communitas Dance  

Anna introduced the group to movement sequences inspired by samba, Brazilian dance, Bollywood, folk dance and modern styles. The room was full of music, laughter and energy, and the feedback afterwards showed just how much the session meant to everyone. 

Participants used phrases like “happy”, “energised”, “less stressed” and “relaxed” when asked how they felt at the end of the workshop, which was fantastic to hear. We’re very grateful to Anna and to The Dance Space for such a warm welcome. 

Find Anna on Instagram at @communitasdance. 

 

For our service users, opportunities like this offer a chance to move, create, and experience joy in community – something that can make a real difference to wellbeing and confidence in difficult times. 

Finding belonging and sharing stories through poetry: Nemat’s journey

31st October 2025StoriesTagged ,

When Nemat Ahangosh came to the UK to study at the University of Sussex, he didn’t expect that Brighton would become the place where he’d rebuild his life and career. Originally from Afghanistan, Nemat’s journey to safety has been one of resilience, creativity and hope.

“I was studying in India but was unable to return to Afghanistan,” Nemat explains. “At the same time, I couldn’t remain in India because the government did not extend my visa after I completed my studies. I applied for a master’s degree at the University of Sussex, received a scholarship, and raised funds for my living expenses to come and study there. After finishing my studies, I applied for asylum and was moved to a hotel in Horley. Later, I returned to Brighton, where I stayed as a lodger for a few months. Once I received my refugee status, I applied for dozens of jobs before finally securing one.”

Building a new life in Brighton

Since arriving in the city, Nemat has found both opportunities and community. “I love living in Brighton. I really enjoyed my time at university, and what I appreciate most about the city is the opportunities it offers to people from all kinds of backgrounds. Support is also available through charities like Voices in Exile,” he says.

While applying for asylum, Nemat searched online and discovered Voices in Exile. “I called them and later attended a few gatherings at All Saints Church in Hove, got support from the food bank and received guidance on job applications and interviews, and CV,” he explains.

Inspiration through poetry

Nemat’s love of poetry runs deep and has become an important way for him to express his experiences and connect with others. “My love of poetry comes from people’s stories and struggles — especially those of marginalised people like myself and those around me,” he says. “I’m inspired by stories that are difficult to live but powerful to share.”

A new chapter

Now, Nemat works as a library and information officer with the council — a role that has given him stability and freedom to continue pursuing his passion. “I feel great about my new job,” he says. “The salary allows me to live more comfortably, support my family a little, and afford trips to share poetry. For example, last week I went to Germany, where my friends organised an event and my poems were read in German, English, Dari, and Pashto.”

Sharing poetry and peace

In June, during Refugee Week, Voices in Exile and the Unitarian Church Brighton hosted a special service where Nemat read from his recently published poetry collection, The Color of Peace. His moving words captured the strength and spirit of those who find new beginnings in unfamiliar places.

If you would like to read some of Nemat’s poetry, you can purchase his book here:
The Color of Peace by Nematullah Ahangosh | Waterstones

English classes bring success while building a sense of community

31st October 2025StoriesEventsTagged , ,

More than 40 clients of Voices in Exile celebrated the completion of their pre-entry and entry level English language studies at the end of the summer term. Many brought Afghan and Iranian food to share at the event to celebrate their achievements and to thank teachers, childminders and volunteers for their work across the year. 

Building skills and confidence

The ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) classes were run by qualified and highly experienced teacher, Tilly, who taught ViE clients at St Mary’s Community Hall in Kemp Town. 

“Language skills are key to our sense of belonging and our place within a community,” says Tilly. “ESOL classes are therefore a vital strand of Voices in Exile’s work to support refugees and vulnerable migrants in Brighton and East Sussex. They give practical skills but they also build confidence, friendships and a vital sense of community among those who attend.”  

Overcoming challenges together

Tilly acknowledges the challenges faced by clients and the significant distance travelled since the classes started last year: “The ability range amongst our clients was huge. Some were unable to hold a pen having never been to school in Afghanistan. Others were confident with English at Levels 1 and 2. We helped the beginners over the year most because their need was the greatest. To keep focus and motivation for each client they were given workbooks tailored to their level of ability and homework which was marked regularly.”  

Tilly is generous in her praise of childminders and volunteers who enabled clients to receive the one-to-one tuition that she says was essential. “We were very fortunate with our child minders, Azadeh and Sheri, who were wonderful with the little children not old enough to go to nursery and therefore came to class with their mothers.” 

Finding friendship and belonging

While proud of clients’ success in improving their language skills enabling next steps in education or work, Tilly explained how the classes have also given clients broader skills and have provided a vital lifeline to counter isolation and opportunities to develop friendships and a wider sense of community. 

“The classes have enabled clients to meet and get to know one another in a friendly and informal environment,” she says. “They joined a WhatsApp group run by the very impressive Fareshta and strong friendships have been formed. The success of this group is down to the motivation of the clients, tailored resources and a fantastic group of volunteers.” 

Paarwana is a client and regular attendee of the ESOL classes. She agrees that the classes have been about much more than learning, important though that has been. “I really enjoyed the classes,” she says. “I’ve met different people and different friends. When I came here at first I was alone and I found lots of different friends. Often my husband comes too. It was very good for both of us. We got a lot of confidence and learnt a lot about Brighton. The teachers were very kind.” 

End the private contractor’s greed in asylum seeker housing: BBC News story

14th October 2025StoriesNewsCampaigns
In August, Voices signed onto a statement with 60 organisations calling for an end to using for-profit private contractors in the delivery of housing for people seeking asylum. We also pushed for a story to be used by BBC News, highlighting the unliveable conditions experienced by those in the hotels.
The story was published this morning by the BBC – have a read: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9r5m74de8o
A screenshot from the BBC article

Meet Anerley: Generalist Advice Caseworker at Voices

21st August 2025StoriesNewsTagged , ,

This week we’re introducing Anerley, one of our dedicated Generalist Advice Caseworkers. Anerley is part of the team providing vital, day-to-day support to our clients, helping people navigate complex systems and access the rights and services they’re entitled to.

What is your name and role at Voices in Exile? 

My name is Anerley and I’m a Generalist Advice Caseworker here at Voices in Exile. I’ve been involved in the organisation for 3 years, before this I supported young adults aged 16-25 years old at The Youth Employment Hub and have managed my own caseload for over 5 years.

What does your role involve? 

My role involves casework and advocacy around housing, asylum support, welfare benefits, destitution, section 17, care act, financial inclusion, health and wellbeing, skills and development. A typical day is so varied so I’ve included what my role has looked like over the last couple weeks.

I’ve provided outreach advice in the food bank and external sessions provided by Network of International Women. This week I’ve been training new Casework Volunteers who have joined our Generalist Team. I’ve assisted clients with casework and advocacy for PIP and advice on housing decisions. I’ve referred clients to solicitors for housing and section 17 and supported them to sign legal aid documents. I’ve attended a network meeting with the No Accommodation Network (NACCOM), Temporary Accommodation Action Group Brighton and Hove, Casework Solidarity Forum in London as well as attending internal meetings with my team. I’ve supported with hardship grants to migrants, and I’ve also assisted with signing parents up to AMAZE and referrals to Hummingbird Project.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Voices in Exile? 

Connecting with people who have unbelievable resilience and supporting them to integrate into the community.

During one off advice sessions, I often feel this casework support is very limited as we provide 1-5 hours of advice and support compared to the longer-term casework where support can last several months. Nevertheless, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is referring clients to local community groups and seeing the transformation that follows. These spaces offer opportunities for peer support, advice, and genuine connection, helping clients build independence and a sense of belonging.

For instance, I supported a client who had recently claimed asylum and was experiencing severe isolation while living in an asylum hotel. I connected them with VYD CIC (a football group for people with refugee status and people seeking asylum) and the Brighton Table Tennis Club. Just a month later, they were volunteering and expressed deep gratitude for being introduced to these services. Seeing him smile felt great.

What’s something about your role or our work that you think people might not know?

There are a few things we do that people might not always be aware of. We match Migrant Support Volunteers with clients who have specific needs – for example we may set up sessions with a Migrant Support Volunteer to improve someone’s confidence with using public transport or post office. The sessions could focus on getting to know the area, practice for theory driving test, feeling nervous about accessing external support groups. We’ve had amazing feedback about the difference ViE Volunteers make in helping people feel more confident and connected to where they’re living.

We’re also active beyond our day-to-day support. We regularly present case studies and client experiences at network meetings to influence local and regional policy. We advocate for the voice of lived-experience to be centre of conversation at network meetings. Our team provides training to external organisations on how to support people with refugee status, seeking asylum and migrants with compassion and best practice. Even when we’re closed to referrals for longer-term casework, we are providing advice and support to new clients during outreach sessions. We support many people in the city living in asylum accommodation who might otherwise be left without access to help.

Meet Becca: Resettlement Caseworker at Voices in Exile

14th August 2025StoriesNewsTagged , ,

This week, we’re getting to know Becca, one of our Resettlement Caseworkers. Becca works closely with families who have recently arrived in Brighton and Hove, helping them to settle into their new community and build the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the UK.

What is your name and role at Voices in Exile?

My name is Becca and I’m a Resettlement Caseworker at Voices in Exile.

What does your role involve?

I work with people who have been resettled in Brighton and Hove. All of my clients are from Afghanistan at the moment, which is true for most of the team. We support people to access the services they need and are entitled to, so that they can live full and independent lives in the UK.

I work with around seven families and they each get 2 years of casework support, which means we often get to know them quite well. I help people to access and understand their benefits and healthcare, set up accounts and pay bills, understand their budgets and access social opportunities so they can meet new people.

Our clients also work with our dedicated ESOL and Employability Caseworkers who support them to improve their English, if they need to, and to find work.

What do you enjoy most about your role at Voices in Exile?

Seeing people build up skills and confidence as they settle into the local area is a lovely part of  my job.

Recently several of the women I work with have all started attending ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class for the first time. For some of them it’s the first time they’ve been in a classroom and written or read in any language. Some people are unsure if they can learn English and joining a class is a huge step. They’re all doing really well and have started to use English in our appointments. It’s brilliant to see and means that they can be more empowered and independent in their daily lives.

What’s something about your role or our work that you think people might not know?

We do a lot of practical things with our clients but sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is listen and make people feel heard. Starting from scratch in a new place and culture is a long and complicated process, giving someone a safe space to say how they feel and ask questions and can be just as helpful as filling out a form.