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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.” 

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.

Exploring the border conundrum: Small Boats documentary screening raises vital questions

21st August 2025NewsEventsTagged , ,

On Tuesday, 5 August, members of our volunteer team attended a special screening of Small Boats: The Border Conundrum at Brighton’s Lantern Theatre. The evening offered a thought-provoking insight into the complex political and social dynamics surrounding small boat crossings to the UK, with box office proceeds and donations going directly to support Voices in Exile’s work. 

The issue of small boat crossings has become a heated political and humanitarian debate, but how do Britain and France each view this crisis? 

Produced by Anne Daguerre and Nick Lazar, this timely film delves deep into the contrasting perspectives between Britain and France regarding migration, border security, and humanitarian responsibility. Through candid interviews with officials, activists, academics, and migrants themselves, the documentary highlights the stark differences and surprising commonalities in how both nations navigate this shared challenge.   

Following a successful premiere at Duke’s at Komedia, Brighton, and a vibrant panel discussion, the film continues to spark important conversations. 

A fresh perspective on the Channel crossings debate 

The documentary takes a fresh angle, focusing on the often-fraught relationship between France and the UK when it comes to migration across the Channel 

and interpolating perspectives from both countries. Rather than centring on the lived experiences of migrants (which the filmmakers noted has been well-covered elsewhere) the film looks at the interplay between politicians, rights groups, and filmmakers, revealing the tensions, misunderstandings, and sometimes flawed assumptions that shape policy and public opinion.  

The documentary also explored the British government’s “smash the gangs” approach, questioning its effectiveness in addressing the underlying causes of dangerous Channel crossings. 

Challenging questions in the Q&A 

Following the screening, filmmakers Dr Anne Daguerre, a social justice policy academic at the University of Brighton, and Nick Lazar, a director, filmmaker and actor, led a Q&A session.  

Audience members asked challenging questions about the absence of certain political voices, the role of the media in shaping public perception, and the need for more context and fact-checking in the national conversation.  

Discussions also touched on issues such as the organisation of smuggling networks, the reasons why many migrants want to leave France, and the realities those who arrive in the UK via other routes and later claim asylum face. 

Why events like this matter 

For our team, the evening was both inspiring and sobering. It underlined the need for more informed, nuanced discussions about migration – ones that recognise the human realities behind the headlines, challenge harmful narratives, and push for policies grounded in justice and compassion. 

We are very grateful to Anne, Nick and the other organisers for not only hosting this screening but also directing proceeds to Voices in Exile, helping us continue our work supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants in the local area. 

 

To find out more about the documentary, including details of how you can watch it, visit smallboatsdocumentary.com. 

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.

Building confidence and community: Jamila’s journey with Voices

28th February 2025NewsTagged ,

At Voices in Exile, we strive to provide a welcoming space where refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants can build skills, gain confidence, and feel settled in their new communities.  

One of the people we have recently supported is Jamila, a single mother from Afghanistan, who arrived in Brighton early last year with her fourteen-year-old son, Farid. Facing isolation, language barriers, and the challenges of adapting to life in a new country, Jamila was referred to Voices in Exile by her resettlement caseworker. Over the past year, she has accessed a range of activities and support services, helping her to settle, develop independence, and look towards the future. 

Jamila’s initial challenges were significant. She struggled with limited access to services and activities, financial constraints, and the emotional toll of past trauma. Depression and loneliness made it difficult for her to engage with others, and she worried about Farid’s education and integration into his new school. 

Through Voices in Exile’s group activities, Jamila was introduced to local events and services. She attended cultural events at the Jubilee Library, dance sessions at Dance Space, and informal conversation groups, helping her feel more engaged with her community. To support Farid’s wellbeing, he was encouraged to join the Global Social Club, where he was able to connect with peers and build friendships in a supportive environment.  

To improve her independence, Jamila attended IT skills training at Jubilee Library, learning how to navigate digital services and develop essential computer skills. Her English also improved through structured language-focused group sessions at Voices in Exile. These sessions included games, role-play, and practical exercises designed to build confidence and familiarity with everyday interactions. 

Beyond practical skills, Jamila engaged in wellbeing activities, including drama, Qi Gong, and art therapy. These sessions helped her manage stress, connect with other group members, and develop a sense of belonging. As her confidence grew, she began participating more actively in group discussions and social interactions. 

A year on, Jamila is an enthusiastic member of our group activities and is eager to continue learning. She hopes to further improve her English, gain new skills, and eventually return to work as a hairdresser so she can support herself and her son independently. 

At Voices in Exile, we believe that no one should have to face these challenges alone. Jamila’s journey is just one example of how access to the right support can empower people to rebuild their lives with confidence and dignity. 

Finding a new passion in supporting others: Rahmat’s story

27th February 2025NewsTagged , ,

Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants as they navigate life in the UK. From language lessons to practical advice, their dedication makes a real difference in helping people build new lives. In this blog, Rahmat, one of our incredible volunteers, shares his journey—from moving to the UK himself to now supporting others in their own resettlement. 

“I’m a retired Finance Director. I am married with two daughters and four grandchildren. I was born in Iran and came to England in 1970 to go to university before training as a Chartered Accountant. We lived and worked in and around London until 1997 when we moved to Brighton, where my wife is from—well, Hove, actually!

The first few years after retirement I was busy travelling, helping with the grandchildren and gardening, but I was increasingly aware of the serious problems migrants faced on arrival in the UK and thought that I might be able to help in some way.  

When I arrived in England, I spoke English and was well supported in many ways and yet I found it quite difficult to settle in a new country on my own, away from friends and family. I could only imagine how much harder it was for new migrants some of whom had arrived here under very difficult circumstances, had little or no English and had minimal resources available to them. That is when I offered to volunteer with ViE. 

I spent the first few weeks at ViE helping with the food bank before I was asked to help an Afghan couple who’d arrived here after many months of hardship via migrant camps in Pakistan. They’d had to leave Afghanistan after the Taliban arrived and the UK forces withdrew from the country. 

After all these years, I still remember some of my mother language, Farsi and the migrant couple spoke Dari, a dialect of Farsi, so it seemed that I might be able to help. My role was mainly to teach them English, act as liaison between them and the Voices in Exile case workers and as an informal translator when required. 

I use free ESOL resources available on the internet to prepare a weekly lesson plan, to help them with English vocabulary, speaking or grammar, but we also find time to discuss their day to day life here, address problems they might have with utilities, the banks, their landlord, etc. for their case worker to deal with, as well as their old lives and family they have left behind in Afghanistan.  

It’s now just over two years since I started working with them and I hope that they are a little better prepared to manage their lives independently.”

A photos of a man, Rahmat, wearing a t shirt, shorts and a cap smiling at the camera

Voices in Exile volunteer, Rahmat

Paula’s mentoring story: Could you be a Voices in Exile mentor?

2nd November 2024NewsTagged ,

Paula joined us as an Admin volunteer and has also recently acted as a mentor to Voices in Exile service users. We recently spoke to Paula to ask how her background as a GP enabled her to help refugees find work in the NHS, and what she enjoys about the mentoring experience.

Hi Paula, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a retired GP and moved to Brighton from Manchester 10 years ago. I’ve also worked in Public Health where I ran immunisation programmes and investigated outbreaks, and I used to teach at both Brighton and Sussex and Manchester medical schools.

Voices in Exile Admin Support Volunteer and Mentor, Paula

What made you join Voices in Exile?

Some of my patients in Brighton were refugees and I saw how hard it was for them. I wanted to do something useful when I retired and when I saw Voices in Exile was recruiting, it felt like a good fit. My husband and I are both children of immigrants.

What does a day in the Admin office look like?

I offered to support admin as both primary care and Public Health involve a lot of admin these days, and also my hearing isn’t great so it’s easier to do office work. Susan always finds me interesting things to do – digitising records, updating resources on the Voices website, or helping to organise events. It’s different every week! And everyone here is so supportive, it’s such a nice place to work.

Your professional career has enabled you to mentor some clients looking for employment, could you tell us more about that process?

It’s difficult for someone with a profession to change countries – even moving across the country can be difficult, as I found when I moved from Manchester. It’s even harder if you come from outside the NHS – you may have excellent knowledge of your specialty and a wealth of experience, but the recruitment process may be unfamiliar.

I have done my best to support two healthcare professionals in their search for work in the healthcare sector. They have a lot to offer and will be an asset to the NHS.

A Voices in Exile service user who recently found work after being supported by Paula said:

“Paula is very helpful and patient. When she sent me an email she sent all the details I needed and if I asked her to do anything she completed everything efficiently. With her help, I applied for a health care assistant role and got an interview and the job.”‘

Reunited in Brighton: A new start for Mohammed and Lana 

2nd November 2024NewsTagged ,

Here, Mohammed explains how support from Voices in Exile has helped him to settle in the UK since he left Sudan in 2019, and how he’s recently reunited with his wife, Lana, after 5 years apart.

A photo of Voices in Exile service user, Mohammed, volunteering at the food bank. A man stands in front of a shelf full of food smiling

“I came to the UK five years ago after fleeing conflict in my home country of Sudan. Voices in Exile have been supporting me here in Brighton.

I go to their English classes and they have helped me with applying for refugee status, getting a job, and helping me to reunite with my wife. I had to leave my wife behind in Sudan and I didn’t see her for more than five years. But she recently got her visa to come to the UK and now she is living here with me.

I volunteer in the food bank at Voices in Exile every week. I enjoy volunteering here because I can help other people in the same way that I have been helped and that makes me happy.

Everyone here is so friendly. Anytime I need help — with contacting the council, or the doctor, anything I need, I can talk to anyone here and I know they will help me.”

 

If you’d like to donate to Voices in Exile to support our food bank or the other work we do to support refugees and asylum seekers, visit our donate page.

Seasonal harvest from Goat Grid boosts the Voices in Exile food bank

28th October 2024NewsTagged ,

Our food bank relies on the generous donations we receive from individuals and funders. We recently received a visit from local farmer, Casper, with boxes of freshly picked seasonal produce including potatoes, beetroot, courgettes, herbs, and freshly laid eggs. Learn more about Casper and his farm, Goat Grid, below – including why he wanted to support Voices.  

Can you tell us a bit more about Goat Grid?

Goat Grid is a regenerative farm in Plumpton and started 5 years ago after me and my twin brother, Josh, came back to our home in Sussex after we’d travelled and volunteered on farms in Nepal and India.

It started off as Food Forest planting lots of fruit trees and berry bushes and herbs. Josh is a chef and now we want to grow everything here, for the restaurant (Bayte, in St Leonards), so we have upped our vegetable and egg production this year.

How did you first hear about Voices in Exile and why did you want to support us?

My fiancé, Eliza, volunteered at another farm project Common Ground where they hosted members of VIE on the farm. We really loved the idea of this, sharing the farm and cooking outside together.

Casper from Goat Grid is stood behind a selection of fresh produce at the Voices in Exile food bank with two other volunteers

Can you tell us about your visit to the Voices in Exile food bank?

I love my visits to the VIE food bank – seeing the work goes in to making sure the necessities are there for people that really need it. Everyone is so friendly and curious about the produce and the farm, always fun to chat and find out what the VIE members thought of the different produce we’ve given them.

What’s your favourite dish to cook using products from your farm?

My favourite food from the farm is boiled pink fir potatoes with a lot of chives and Mexican tarragon. My favourite fruit tree from the farm so far is Mulberry.

A big thank you to Casper and the Goat Grid team for their continued support. As well as donations of food items, we accept financial donations via our Crowdfunder: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/food-for-destitute-refugees-and-asylum-seekers