Tag: uk

Interview with Volunteer Aref

Meet Refugee Aref Aref is a Kurd from Afrin, Syria, he came to the UK seeking safety and the chance to rebuild a life marked by years of conflict, multiple displacement with his family, persecution, discrimination and instability. Aref arrived in the UK hoping for dignity, stability, and the opportunity to contribute.   But shortly after his arrival, the UK government announced a pause on asylum decisions for Syrians. “I had only just arrived, trying to understand the system and find my footing,” he explains. “Then suddenly everything stopped, my life, my plans, all frozen.”   Since that announcement in December 2024, he has lived in a constant state of limbo. “It’s been mentally exhausting,” he says. “You can’t work, can’t study properly, can’t make plans. You’re just stuck, waiting, with no control over your future.” The uncertainty has taken a toll. “This pause means I can’t move forward with my life. I want to study, work, and contribute, but I’m not allowed. Instead, I live with anxiety every day.”   Ending the pause would be life-changing. “If the government resumed decisions, I could finally start living, not just surviving. I could rebuild, focus on my goals, and give something back.” The possibility of being forced to return to Syria. “It’s not safe. The country is fractured. HTS, a group known for Islamist extremism, controls the central government and imposes harsh and radical rules. But many areas are outside even their control. There are warlords, armed militias, and regions with no real governance at all. The Reality He continues: The danger is real. Sectarian, ethnic, political, and religious differences can still cost people their lives. Kidnappings, detentions, and assassinations are common. The same old regime henchmen are still active, and many current officials are under global sanctions. Israeli airstrikes regularly hit targets inside Syria. It’s chaos, there is no safety, no justice, and no protection.”   When asked that conservatives suggested most Syrian asylum claims were related to the threat posed by Assad’s government and those people could return when it was safe to do so? “It’s a dangerous oversimplification. The threat was never only Assad. 14 years of war destroyed the country’s structure. It’s the entire ecosystem of chaos that still exists.   The country is fractured, sectarian and ethnic hostility have become more prominent, with lawless areas controlled by different armed groups. The danger is still there, just with more faces and more flags. Syria isn’t safe to return to. Not for me.”

Plateful Cafe in Action: Hadis’s Work Experience

My Work Experience I’m Hadis, a Persian woman, who came to the UK around 4 years ago. I worked as a physiotherapist back home and hadn’t any experience working at a cafe before immigrating to the UK.   My first experience working in a cafe started with Plateful Cafe, where I learned to work as a chef, barista, cashier and waitress; learning salesmanship and customer service skills.   I learned how to prepare and cook several Syrian appetizers, main courses and desserts. Working there was a great opportunity to connect with international people, improve my English language and increase my confidence in the work environment of a new country.   I was sad to be away from my family and homeland, but by being able to hold Iranian events here, I was able to show parts of my country’s culture, art, history and cuisine. Helping with my homesickness, these events had a positive effect on changing my mood. The Future With the experience and resume I gained there, I was able to apply for jobs at other cafes and get accepted. Finally, I would like to thank Iolanda for all her efforts and kindness in supporting us women to enter the workforce and earning money to have a better life. I hope she is always successful on her path and receives more support.