Between September 2020 and 2021, the UK offered asylum to more than 13,000 people. In the UK, you must apply for asylum if you want to stay in the UK as a refugee. People that seek asylum have usually left their own, often war-torn, countries in search of a place of safety. These people are known as asylum seekers.
At the BHF, where volunteering welcomes all, we open our arms to asylum seekers as we support them in their journey of settlement here in the UK.
“My interest in asylum seekers is an interest in people in general”, Ana, who holds a master’s degree in Anthropology and Ethnology, explains. “I am fascinated by people’s movements and migration worldwide. I wonder who they are, their struggles and hopes, and how they build their life in a new society.”
Ana continues, “There are some challenging times for those who want to contribute to society and still don’t have their lives settled down. These are asylum seekers with the right to stay in the country while their case is in process, but not with the right to work”.
This is where the British Heart Foundation steps in, by welcoming asylum seekers to the wealth of opportunities gained through volunteering.
“This is how I met Shoaib, an asylum seeker and graduate in Animal Science, who wanted to improve his English and become a part of the community. He volunteers in our Cricklewood Furniture and Electrical store three days a week, helping assemble and dismantle furniture, keeping the warehouse well-organised, and being the team’s joy. Not only did his English improve throughout this time, but his confidence as well.”
Ana goes on to explain, “I was also lucky enough to meet Ali, a Mechanical Engineer and another asylum seeker, who now volunteers as an administrator. With fluent English, but lacking friends, he found his place in a great team at West Ealing.”
Ali says, “I started volunteering in the BHF Ealing furniture and electrical store at the beginning of December. It’s been really good for me. I needed something to do to get involved with the local community. I do a variety of roles in the shop, from Gift Aid to working in the warehouse. Since joining, I have felt very welcomed and part of the team and have met many different people – there is a lot of diversity here.”
“Due to the nature of the immigration process, these people are sometimes moved overnight to another town to start their life all over again. From what I’ve seen in our stories, even that obstacle doesn’t stop them from supporting the community they live in” says Ana.
Ana continues, “The support and skills that these people bring to the BHF teams are precious and save lives.”
At the BHF, we are deeply passionate about embracing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and ensure that it’s at the heart of everything we do.
The British Heart Foundation has over 700 charity shops in across the UK all ran by dedicated teams of volunteers. Find out more about the volunteering opportunities available for you to get involved with and how to apply.
There are lots of benefits to volunteering, such as developing your skills, gaining qualifications and supporting a cause you care about.
Stay up to date with the latest BHF volunteer news and inspiring stories from our dedicated volunteers.
