Arsham, a 24-year-old refugee from Pakistan, arrived in the UK with his family seeking asylum. Upon settling in Barnsley, Arsham faced numerous challenges, including language barriers and difficulty navigating the local community. Determined to rebuild his life and support his mother and younger brother. Arsham sought assistance from ELSH.

Upon enrolling in ELSH’s English language classes, Arsham was warmly welcomed by the volunteer tutor and other students. Through immersive language teaching, learning interactive activities, and personalised support, Arsham began to build his English proficiency and gain confidence in his communication skills.

Beyond language learning, Ahmed also participated in ELSH’s vocational training programs, where he acquired valuable skills in computer literacy and job readiness. With the guidance of ELSH staff and volunteers, Arsham was provided with one-to-one support and completed a work placement at a local business, gaining practical experience and building professional connections.

As Arsham’s confidence grew, he became an active volunteer in ELSH’s community events and workshops, where he shared his experiences and insights with other newcomers. Inspired by his journey, Arsham volunteered to mentor new arrivals, providing them with guidance and support as they adjusted to life in the UK.

Today, Arsham is employed full-time in a local supermarket providing IT support, where he utilises the skills and knowledge gained through ELSH’s programs following his IT background. He continues to be an active member of the community, volunteering his time to support other refugees and migrants on their journey to integration.

Arsham’s story exemplifies the transformative impact of ELSH’s programs in empowering individuals like him to overcome adversity, build meaningful connections, and achieve their full potential in their new homes. Through holistic support, personalised guidance, and a nurturing community environment, ELSH continues to make a difference in the lives of refugees and asylum-seekers in the Barnsley community.