My name is Tesfaldet Tewelde, and I am a refugee from Eritrea. When I arrived in the UK and settled in the Northeast, it felt like entering a completely different world with no clear path for seeking support. I struggled to understand how things worked, from finding housing to securing employment, and faced significant challenges with the language and culture.
After a long and difficult journey, I managed to secure permanent housing, found a job as a taxi driver, got married, and built a happy life for myself and my family. Seeing more people arriving in the Northeast and facing the same struggles I went through, I began volunteering with various community-based charities. I helped people with housing, employment, and integration support, including family reunions, driving licenses, GP registrations, and more. Since I was working full-time, my volunteering was done on an ad-hoc basis.
Now, thanks to a grant from the Charles Plates Trust, I am employed part-time to continue doing what I love. The grant has allowed me to provide uninterrupted, professional services to beneficiaries, ensuring that those arriving, receive support from people with lived experience who understand their needs, language and culture.
As I look back on what I have helped deliver after my first year in post, I can proudly report that with my casework support:
36 migrant people received rights and entitlements advice, which has seen over 90% of this group obtain their entitlements to benefits or an increase in their income as a result of improved understanding of their eligibility;
38 people got employment and training advice,from support with CV writing and job application forms, to help with interview techniques and British work etiquette which meant that 45% became employed while another 37% entered further employment related training and support.
41 people were supported with housing issues resulting in 70% of the group securing council properties while 10% found suitable private landlord properties.
39 people were supported in terms of English language provision in English sessions tailored to practical needs with 75% of these reporting improved English lwhich meant engaging in daily activities such as shopping, using public transport, and communicating with service providers became easier
And finally 35 people received wellbeing support, with 75% of these saying that their mental health was improved and they felt more connected to their community.
Looking ahead, my goal is to work full-time, supporting more refugees in the community in this region. This would not only benefit many people for years to come but would also be deeply fulfilling for me, as I am passionate about helping others in the same circumstances I once faced—circumstances where I did not have access to the kind of support I now provide.
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