Welcome to Leeds supports newly granted asylum seekers in those crucial first few weeks of arrival, by linking them with a volunteer who will meet the new person, show them around the city and take them to specialist services.

There are no existing public services which help asylum seekers access local support services that help them settle in Leeds, which have also been cut severely. Asylum seekers have often experienced fear, trauma and huge upheaval in their journey from their home country coupled with the equally harsh conditions of the asylum process. They then must adapt to life in an unknown city, country and culture with considerable language barriers.

Welcome to Leeds aims to see all new asylum seekers feel safer, more confident and empowered to help themselves and others. We want to see them connected to a network of support or able to create their own with specialist services, groups and places of worship; reducing isolation and aiding integration. Finally we aim to equip a broad range of volunteers from various backgrounds to feel prepared for welcoming new asylum seekers, spreading the message of welcome and sanctuary throughout the city.