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Meet Maryam: Volunteering to help others feel at home

07.08.2026StoriesTagged Our people, Stories, Volunteers

Maryam is an Admin Volunteer in our Resettlement team, where she provides practical support to help our clients settle into their new community and access the information and services they need. In this blog, she shares more about her own journey, what led her to volunteer with Voices in Exile, and her experience of supporting others as they build a new life in the UK.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I have been living in Brighton for five years. It has not always been easy, but I worked hard to learn English and adapt to the challenges of moving to a new country. Now my English is at a good level, and I feel confident doing my daily activities. During this journey, Voices in Exile helped me a lot. They gave me support and confidence to keep moving forward and deal with difficult situations in my new life.

What made you join Voices in Exile as a volunteer? 

After all the support I received from Voices in Exile, I felt very grateful. I hoped that one day I could also help people who are in the same situation that I was in. I wanted to share some happiness and support with others. Voices in Exile gave me that opportunity, and I am very happy to be part of the team and help other people.

“After all the support I received from Voices in Exile, I felt very grateful. I hoped that one day I could also help people who are in the same situation that I was in.”

What does a typical afternoon in your role at Voices look like? 

I volunteer in the office and work with one of the staff members. We do different tasks to support refugees and migrants. We help them settle into their new environment and become more familiar with life in Brighton. I always try to use my skills to support them and help make their new situation feel a little easier.

What aspects of your role are particularly rewarding or challenging? 

I really enjoy calling people and carrying out surveys. I also enjoy printing, copying, and laminating English learning materials for them. It makes me happy to know that, even in a small way, I can make a positive difference in the community and help other people.

Do you enjoy other activities in Brighton? 

Yes. One of my favourite things to do is walk along the seafront and enjoy visiting Brighton’s cafés. I really like the friendly atmosphere and spending time by the sea.

Maryam Resettlement volunteer

Joy’s story: Rebuilding stability after losing access to support

07.08.2026StoriesTagged Stories

When Joy’s immigration status was refused, she did not realise until months later. Because of a brain injury, she cannot read and finds it difficult to process official information. By the time she came to Voices in Exile, her Universal Credit had stopped, her bank account had been closed, and she was struggling to meet basic needs for herself and her children.

Voices in Exile supported Joy with specialist immigration advice and practical advocacy. We worked with her social worker to understand her circumstances and arranged a home visit to make our service accessible. We prepared a fee waiver application, gathered detailed supporting evidence from the client and her family, and submitted a further application for leave to remain as the parent of British children, including a request for the Home Office to consider granting indefinite leave on a discretionary basis.

When Joy’s bank account was closed because of her immigration status, Voices in Exile made representations to the Home Office, helping her regain access to banking. We also made reasonable adjustments such as arranging for the Home Office mobile biometrics team to visit her at home, provided emergency support through hardship funds and referred her for community care advice.

Joy was granted a fee waiver in February 2026 and was able to submit a parent application without paying the proscribed fee and Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (around £4000 in total). Joy was able to submit a new immigration application, regain access to her bank account and meet her basic needs while awaiting a social services reassessment. With her case now moving forward, Joy hopes to secure her status and focus on rebuilding stability for herself and her children.

At Voices in Exile, we continue to support around 750 refugees and vulnerable migrants through advice & casework each year. Together, we can help create communities where everyone feels safe, welcome and included.

Courage to dream: creating art together for Refugee Week 2026

28.06.2026StoriesEventsTagged Stories, Community

To mark Refugee Week 2026 and the 75th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention, we invited our community to reflect on this year’s theme: Courage.

Staff, volunteers, clients and neighbours of Voices in Exile were all invited to create artwork exploring a simple question:

What does courage mean to you?

The result is a vibrant collection of artwork that celebrates the creativity, resilience and hopes of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in our community. Throughout Refugee Week, the exhibition was displayed at Brighton’s Jubilee Library, with the artwork also brought together in a limited edition zine to raise funds for the work of Voices in Exile.

Creating together

The project was led by ceramic artist Jane King, who has been volunteering with our groups programme over the past year.

Jane, who exhibits her abstract ceramic sculptures across the UK and Europe, also teaches ceramics to adult learners. Alongside her own artistic practice, she has brought creativity into our weekly groups, using drawing, collage and colourful origami papers to encourage participants to experiment, share ideas and enjoy making together.

Working alongside our Group Facilitator, Hayat, Jane developed a series of creative workshops exploring this year’s Refugee Week theme.

Rather than asking people to define courage, the sessions encouraged participants to think about something deeply personal: the courage to imagine a different future.

The courage to dream

At Voices, our groups programme is an important part of the holistic support we provide. Alongside English language learning, digital skills, city orientation and practical advice, the groups create opportunities for people to build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.

For this project, those conversations became something visual.

Together, participants explored the idea of “the courage to dream” – recognising that dreaming of a better future often requires extraordinary bravery, particularly after experiences of displacement, uncertainty or loss.

People shared their hopes for themselves and their families, including:

I dream of being a famous Arabic teacher in England.
My dream is to pass my exams.
I dream my children will learn and have a good education.
I dream of being independent.
My dream is to write and speak good English.
My dream is to learn English and pass my driving test so I can work.

Each dream was carefully written onto hand-crafted paper forms before being arranged together into one collective artwork.

The finished piece became a flourishing “Courage to Dream” garden of butterflies, birds, flowers and climbing vines – symbols of hope, resilience, adaptation and new beginnings.

Like the people who created it, every element is unique. Together, they form something far greater than the individual pieces alone.

More than an art project

The workshops were about more than creating artwork. They created space for conversation, creativity and connection. They offered people the opportunity to express themselves in ways that didn’t rely on perfect English, while sharing stories, laughter and aspirations with one another.

Projects like this reflect what our groups are all about: creating welcoming spaces where people can build confidence, learn new skills, make friends and feel part of a community.

We’re incredibly grateful to Jane for sharing her time, creativity and generosity with our groups, and to everyone who contributed their artwork, ideas and dreams.

Together, they’ve created something that reminds us that courage isn’t always loud or dramatic.

Sometimes courage is simply allowing yourself to imagine a brighter future, and taking the first step towards it.

Meet Godwin: Finding hope and support in Brighton

28.05.2026StoriesTagged Stories, Community

When Godwin arrived in Brighton, he was facing an uncertain future. In this blog, he shares his journey of rebuilding his life, the support he received from Voices in Exile, and how finding a safe place to stay has given him the confidence to look forward with hope.

“I first came to the UK three and a half years ago from India. It feels like only six months, the time has gone by so quickly.

My situation in my home country became unsafe and I was forced to leave and come to the UK. I was living in London at first, but I felt very isolated. I wanted to move somewhere where I could breathe, so I came to Brighton where I had a few friends who helped me find my feet.

When I was looking for help, someone recommended Voices in Exile. Meeting them changed my life. At that time, I was preparing to become homeless because I could not work while waiting for a decision from the Home Office.

Voices helped me to find a safe place to stay through local hosting arrangements. I have now stayed with three different households, and each experience has been very positive.

While I wait for a decision, I am studying hairdressing and welding at Brighton MET college through a scheme for people in my situation. Voices gave me the confidence to keep going, get involved in activities and stay hopeful about the future.”

Stories, impact and community: Launching our 2025 Impact Report

27.05.2026StoriesNewsTagged Stories, Community, Reports, Impact Report

We are proud to share our Voices in Exile 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the collective impact of our staff, volunteers, partners, supporters, and the incredible resilience of the people we work alongside every day.

Over the past year, we supported more than 1,000 refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants at risk across Brighton and Sussex through specialist immigration advice, homelessness prevention, food provision, ESOL classes, employability support, wellbeing groups, and wraparound resettlement services.

At a time when refugees and migrants continue to face increasingly hostile policies, rising homelessness, and barriers to safety and stability, this report reflects both the growing need within our communities and the importance of compassionate, community-led support.

A year of impact

In 2025, Voices in Exiles:

Supported 1,009 clients across our services

Provided immigration advice and support to 364 people

Supported 770 clients through our generalist advice and casework service

Delivered 70 outreach sessions in asylum hotels and homelessness settings

Supported around 45 people each term through our weekly wellbeing, ESOL, and orientation groups

Provided practical support to around 115 households through our food bank

Distributed over £50,000 in hardship funding to people facing crisis situations

Alongside these figures are the personal stories that sit at the heart of our work. Throughout the report, service users, volunteers, and staff share their experiences of rebuilding their lives, finding community, and supporting others in turn.

One service user reflected:

“Voices in Exile helped us build the confidence to start a new life here.”

Another shared:

“The most important thing for me was simple. Someone cared about me. I felt it.”

Supporting people beyond crisis

As well as meeting urgent needs, the report highlights our growing focus on long-term wellbeing, inclusion, and systems change.

This year, we strengthened our campaigning and influencing work locally and nationally, advocating for:

The right to work for people seeking asylum

Safe and legal routes

Improved housing and move-on support

Better mental health provision

A more compassionate and fair asylum system

We also launched new initiatives focused on lived experience leadership, participation, anti-racism, and community engagement, ensuring the voices of the people we support continue to shape our work and future direction.

The people behind the work

The impact highlighted in this report is made possible through the commitment and expertise of our staff team, alongside the contribution of volunteers, partners, funders, and supporters across Sussex and beyond.

This year alone, around 50 volunteers contributed more than 5,500 hours of support across our food bank, ESOL classes, casework teams, administration, communications, and resettlement services — complementing the day-to-day work of staff delivering specialist advice, advocacy, outreach, and frontline support.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes this work possible and who continues to stand alongside refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in our community.

Read the full report

Our 2025 Impact Report shares more about the realities facing refugees and migrants today, the impact of our services, and the stories of the people who make Voices in Exile what it is.

Read the full report here: Impact Report 2025

Meet Garry: Supporting refugees through two essential volunteer roles

11.02.2026StoriesNewsTagged Our people, Community, Stories

Meet one of our amazing volunteers, Garry, a retired social worker supporting both group sessions and casework at Voices. In a recent conversation, Garry shared what drew him to this work, what a typical session looks like, and why he’s passionate about supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a retired Social Worker Team Manager and have been working voluntarily with refugees for the last ten years, working in camps and organisations in Greece and in Calais. Now I work with Voices and with British Red Cross in supporting asylum seekers and refugees.

What made you join Voices in Exile as a volunteer?

I moved to Brighton in 2023 and wanted to continue working with refugees here, as I rotate between London and Brighton. I work with refugees because of their vulnerability and their great potential, that demands reviving after their challenging journeys.

What does a session in your role at Voices look like?

At the morning ViE Group sessions, the people may have workshops on relaxation, and English through games and conversation, but there may also be an information session on anything from welfare benefits to using a camera. In the warmer months, we may go out to local parks for the sessions or to community allotments or farms nearby to relax and enjoy being outside. We try to encourage the members to speak as much English as they can.

The volunteer role is to participate, but also to remain aware of any concerns or questions raised or indicated by people during the session. This can be very simple, such as leading someone through an application for an educational or training course, to advising on more complex issues, such as housing, if we have the knowledge. Longer and complex questions, however, may need to be passed on to case workers.

The volunteer also supports the ‘leader’ of the Group in preparing the session and in clearing up, as well as being another pair of eyes in seeing any needs during the session.

I also work as a volunteer case worker in the afternoon. This usually involves making calls to people the full-time case workers have enquiries from or need follow-up with. This, again, can be simple to complex. I may also see individuals in face-to-face appointments at the office.

Rebuilding safety and stability: How we supported our client

11.02.2026StoriesTagged Community, Stories

Last year, a mother from Iran who had arrived in the UK on a spousal visa was introduced to Voices in Exile and was connected to our orientation groups. With no recourse to public funds and caring for her teenage child, she faced significant barriers to safety, security and independence.

Over time, she disclosed to our team that she was experiencing domestic abuse. She described controlling and coercive behaviours, isolation from friends, and psychological abuse. Our staff listened, ensured she was safe, and carefully explained her rights and the support available. Although she initially disengaged due to fear and the complexities of her situation, she returned to us when she felt ready – demonstrating the trust built with our staff.

How we supported her

When she reached out again more recently, this time disclosing escalating violence, our team acted immediately. We provided:

Specialist safeguarding and crisis support

Our generalist advice team met with her the same day, put safety measures in place, and coordinated an appropriate referral to children’s services.

Immigration advice

We arranged urgent support from our immigration specialist to help her understand her rights and options. This included applying under the Migrant Victim of Domestic Violence Concession, which was granted within 10 days, giving her access to housing and financial support.

Emergency hardship support

Because she left her home with very few belongings, we provided emergency grants to ensure she and her child had food, clothing, and essential items.

Housing and benefits advice

We worked closely with children’s services to secure temporary accommodation and have continued advocating for a safe and suitable placement closer to her support network.

Community, emotional and practical support

Through our orientation groups and ongoing casework, we offered a space where she felt heard, understood, and empowered to make decisions for herself and her child.

The impact

Thanks to her courage, and the holistic support provided by Voices, she was able to leave an abusive environment, secure financial stability, and begin rebuilding her life in safety. Although she had stepped away from support early on, she returned to us when she was ready. That trust illustrates the lasting impact of our person-centred approach.

She now has secure immigration status, access to benefits, and ongoing advocacy for safe, long-term housing. We continue to provide support to her as she builds a new future for herself and her child.

Looking ahead

The next stage is to provide tailored support in finding employment through our ESOL & Employability caseworker, who will work with her to assess her skills, improve her English language confidence, and identify appropriate training or job opportunities that can help her move towards long-term independence.

Why stories like this matter

Support from our funders and stakeholders allows us to provide specialist immigration advice, housing and benefits casework, emergency hardship grants, safeguarding and crisis intervention, domestic abuse referrals, employment and community based practical support.

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

15.12.2025StoriesEventsTagged Community, Stories, Groups

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

31.10.2025StoriesTagged Stories, Community

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

31.10.2025StoriesEventsTagged Stories, ESOL, Community

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

21.08.2025StoriesNewsTagged Stories, Community, Our people

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

21.08.2025NewsEventsTagged Refugee rights, Stories, Events

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

14.08.2025StoriesNewsTagged Stories, Community, Our people

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.

Meet Alison Kelly: Director of Voices in Exile

24.06.2025NewsTagged Stories, Community, Our people

In this Q&A, our Director Alison Kelly shares her background, experience and priorities for the future of Voices in Exile.

Continue reading “Meet Alison Kelly: Director of Voices in Exile”

Building confidence and community: Jamila’s journey with Voices

28.02.2025NewsTagged Stories, Community

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

27.02.2025NewsTagged Stories, Community, Volunteers

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.”

Voices in Exile volunteer, Rahmat

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

02.11.2024NewsTagged Our people, Stories

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 

02.11.2024NewsTagged Our people, Stories

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.

“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

28.10.2024NewsTagged Supporters, Stories

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.

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