Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network (LASSN) are launching an online directory of services for refugees and asylum seekers in Leeds. The website which is called Helpinleeds.com gathers details of over 175 different places that asylum seekers and refugees can find help in Leeds, from food and shelter to legal advice and advocacy.
“Finding your feet in a new town, in a new country, is pretty bewildering“, said Jon Beech, Director of LASSN. “Helpinleeds.com is a unique resource, bringing together the names, numbers, opening times, and maps that are vital to people finding the help they require. We used to print a paper version, but that went out of date the minute we published it. We can put this electronic version in everyone’s pocket, on everyone’s phone – and services groups can update their own entries – so it should always be completely up to date. It’s translated into all the main languages used by asylum seekers and refugees in Leeds, and like the Yellow pages, it’s searchable by topic or by location. Making it work well with cheap smartphones was essential.”
It also has a comprehensive list of volunteering opportunities for work with refugees and asylum seekers. Check it out here, or read about this and other activities related to Refugee Week here.
