Articles - Miscellaneous

What is LASSN?

LASSN stands for Leeds Asylum Seekers' Support Network, which was set up in 1999 in response to the dispersal of asylum seekers in Leeds. The aim of LASSN is to meet some of the social needs of refugees and asylum seekers in our city and to raise awareness in our community and faith organisations of the issues which they face.

Asylum seekers tend to come from countries with either oppressive governments or very little social order. Nationwide, most asylum seekers are from Iran, Iraq and Somalia; in Yorkshire and Humberside, we have refugees and asylum seekers from Iran, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here in Leeds, a whole range of languages are clustered: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Punjabi, Pushtu, Shona, Somali, Spanish, Swahili and Urdu!

Sadly, many asylum seekers and refugees feel unwelcome, face attacks and isolation here in Leeds. Having little working knowledge of the English language and culture doesn't help. LASSN is tackling these problems in five specific ways:-
- the Befriending Scheme, in which a volunteer will give friendship and emotional support and be an advocate;
- the English at Home Scheme, whereby a volunteer home tutor visits the refugee's home each week to teach English;
- a Counselling Service, offering advice about legal issues, work, training etc;
- the Short Stop Scheme, in which destitute asylum seekers are given accommodation for a few nights; and
- the Hardship Fund.

Currently LASSN is fundraising through a sponsored walk at Harewood and a concert in May.

Christianity has a strong tradition of offering asylum to the needy; Jesus himself was a refugee for a while. The writer to the Hebrews wrote, do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers; for by doing that, some have entertained angels. Heb 13.2.

Many thanks to all who contribute to LASSN by way of prayer, time or finance. Should you like to know more, do contact LASSN at 233 Roundhay Road, Leeds 8, tel 0113-3805690; or e-mail enquiry@lassn.org.uk

Kathryn Elliott

30 April, 2006