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.

The post Meet Maryam: Volunteering to help others feel at home appeared first on Voices In Exile.

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. 

The post Joy’s story: Rebuilding stability after losing access to support  appeared first on Voices In Exile.

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.

The post Courage to dream: creating art together for Refugee Week 2026 appeared first on Voices In Exile.

“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.”

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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

The post Stories, impact and community: Launching our 2025 Impact Report appeared first on Voices In Exile.

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.

The post Meet Garry: Supporting refugees through two essential volunteer roles appeared first on Voices In Exile.

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.

The post Rebuilding safety and stability: How we supported our client appeared first on Voices In Exile.

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. 

The post Creativity, connection and plenty of colour in our recent group sessions appeared first on Voices In Exile.

“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

The post Finding belonging and sharing stories through poetry: Nemat’s journey appeared first on Voices In Exile.

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.” 

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