Routes here: written by 1625 colleagues

In celebration of Refugee Week (16 – 22 June 2025), we interviewed some of our colleagues from our Asylum and Refugee team who work with young refugees and asylum seekers. 

*Jack 

How long have you been working with 1625 independent people? 

Since January 2024 

What did you do prior to this? 

Before this role, I was a local church minister. Over the years, I have been involved in a broad range of community development and educational work. 

What is your role and briefly what does it involve? 

I am involved in supporting young people to engage with education, healthcare and community activity as well as developing the skills and experiences they will need to be able to live independently. In addition, I help young people navigate the asylum process which can include attending appointments with solicitors and helping with immigration paperwork. I also manage one property in Bristol which houses three young people as well as providing broader support to another four young people who live in different accommodation. 

What are the nationalities of the young people you have supported? 

Afghan, Turkish, Iranian, Albanian, Chadian and Ethiopian. 

What are the best bits of the work you do? 

The moments where a young person surprises me with their level of maturity or ingenuity. It is delightful to see young people making positive steps forward, whether that is arranging a medical appointment independently, engaging with community activities or receiving positive reports back from college. 

I also value young people’s willingness to open up and share some of their hopes and dreams. It is a privilege to get to know the young people, what inspires them and how I can play some part in supporting them to achieve their hopes and dreams. 

While there are times where we talk about challenging aspects of life, we do have the opportunity to simply connect, have a laugh and enjoy each other’s company! 

What are the challenges? 

The asylum process can take quite a while and often involves many hurdles along the way. It can be difficult seeing the emotional toll that the waiting and wondering can have on young people. Though we do our best to support and encourage the young people we recognise that many factors are outside of our direct control. 

Memorable moments 

In my first week in the job, I was able to sit with another colleague as they explained to a young person that their asylum claim had been granted and what that would mean for them. 

When one young person told me that after he completed his studies, he would like to become a support worker because he benefitted from all the support he received from 1625 and would like to offer the same to others. 

*Name changed for privacy