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.

*Ali

How long have you been working with 1625 independent people? 

Since the end of January this year. 

What did you do prior to this? 

Before this role, I was teaching English in Spain. Prior to this, I worked two years as a support worker for a charity that works with young people seeking asylum in the UK. 

What is your role and briefly what does it involve? 

I am an Intensive Support Worker and support 6 young people across two properties in Bristol. I also work with another young person as part of our outreach programme. With the young people that I have in my caseload I do a range of different things from helping them with immigration paperwork to taking them to appointments. I also go for walks or a coffee with them from time to time. 

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

Kurdish, Afghan and Vietnamese. 

What are the best bits of the work you do? 

The small moments where we can just chat generally about life are always really special to me, sharing and comparing things from our respective cultures, having a laugh and exchanging opinions can be a welcome break from talking about logistics of their asylum claim. 

What are the challenges? 

The asylum process can be quite challenging and daunting for young people, and it’s a long process.  

Memorable moments 

Receiving a handwritten reply to an Easter card I’d sent to a young person. 

A young person showing me ‘cool’ trainers to buy after sharing he didn’t much like mine! 

A young person phoning me, very emotional, to say he’d just received his five years Leave To Remain. 

*Name changed for privacy