Real Hope Leeds

Real Hope helps asylum seekers and refugees avoid the pitfalls of the black market by offering employment support.

However, the government’s recent announcements will, according to Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of Work Rights Centre, increase modern slavery in the UK.

She says: “Without the basic safety net of housing and financial support, asylum seekers – who are not allowed to work for the most part – will see no way to survive but by taking up dangerous work on the black market, where they risk exploitation and trafficking. This is not a deterrent to dangerous crossings, it is a new low in the history of hostility to migrants that actively creates the conditions for modern slavery."

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2025/nov/17/immigration-asylum-keir-starmer-labour-shabana-mahmood-uk-politics-live-news-updates

The UK had far fewer asylum seekers in the last year than Germany, France or Spain.

Just 10% of the total claims in the EU+ UK. Remember this the next time a politician says the UK is the 'destination of choice in Europe'.

Refugees would benefit the UK economy if more projects like Real Hope existed.

A new report by the LSE has identified how every refugee accepted into the UK would contribute over £260,000 to the UK economy if 4 simple policy changes were made.
- Asylum claims to be processed within six months
- Legal assistance at all stages of the application process
- English language support from day of arrival
- Employment support from day of arrival.

Real Hope's employment support is already helping refugees into work. Hope not hate! https://www.pcs.org.uk/news-events/news/newly-commissioned-report-suggests-refugees-could-bring-over-ps260k-each-uk

We’re excited to be partnering with Legato Coffee, a warm and welcoming café on Burley Road. Our trainees, including Hamrin (pictured), complete work placements there, gaining hands-on experience and confidence. For many, it leads to their very first job in the UK, helping them feel connected and included in the community.

If you’re in the area, please stop by and support Legato Coffee ☕✨

📣 Calling all refugees in Leeds!

Looking to build new skills and find work in local cafés? ☕️
Real Hope is now accepting applications for our January training course, designed to help you gain hands-on experience and boost your employability.

If you’re a refugee or asylum seeker studying English at Leeds City College (Entry Level 3 or above), we’d love to have you join us!

👉 Apply now: bit.ly/42WG9rR

Discover our tasty catering options and let us bring flavor to your next event! 🍴✨

Explore more on our website: https://realhope.uk/catering/

🎉 Celebrating success! One of our Real Hope trainees, Eric, has just landed a barista job!

Thanks to his skill and determination during his placement Leeds Playhouse, Eric impressed so much that they offered him a role permanently. ☕✨

You can help more refugees like Eric gain employment and integrate by supporting us financially or sharing your skills. 📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

We’re looking for cafés and hospitality businesses to host our talented trainees for work experience! 🍽️✨

Join us in supporting refugees and helping them gain valuable skills. Get in touch today!

We’re thrilled to be working with Leeds Playhouse, where our trainees gain hands-on experience at the welcoming Front Room Café. Not only is it a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat, but it’s also a warm and inclusive community that our trainees love being part of. 💛

👉 Check it out: leedsplayhouse.org.uk/visit-us/eat-drink
📲 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram.
💼 Interested in partnering with Real Hope? Get in touch to see how your company can make a difference.

Celebrating Yenny’s Success!

Yenny, a recent Real Hope graduate from Honduras, has just secured her very first job in the UK! She’s now part of the hospitality and events team at The Royal Armouries.

She shared: “I’m very grateful to Real Hope for the support you gave me while preparing for my job interview.” We couldn’t be prouder. this is only the beginning, Yenny!

"Real Hope has given me the skills to work confidently as a barista and talk to customers with ease." From classroom training to real café experience, our programme equips refugees with practical skills and confidence to thrive in the UK workforce.

✨ Want to gain these skills too? Apply now: bit.ly/realhope25
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Delicious wraps = happy customers at the event Real Hope did the catering for today!!