Voices In Exile

09/10/2026

We’re proud to announce that three staff members passed their IAA Immigration Advice Authority) exams this summer - two advisors took the level 1 exams, and one took level 2! 📄 🎉

We're also pleased that of the level 1 advisors was on our paid internship programme. There is a huge shortage of advisors in the immigration advice sector, and routes into the sector are limited, so these programmes are extremely important. ⭐️

We continue to develop our training work, and have just started this year’s student placements in collaboration with the University of Sussex migration law clinic. Their hard work and commitment will help strengthen access to specialist immigration advice for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants across our region. 🧡 🤗

Drop a 🎉 for them in the comments!

©️ Photo by Margarita Shtyfura on Unsplash

08/10/2026

Voices in Exile has joined over 150 organisations in signing the Amnesty International UK statement calling for an immediate end to racist violence, anti-migrant hostility, and intimidation across the UK. ✋️

We stand with those seeking safety in our communities, and everyone targeted by hate. It is time for real accountability and leadership. 🫂🗣️

‘We are now at a point where people are fearful to take public transport, send their children to school, pray or just generally go about their daily lives. It should never have been allowed to get to this point.’💔

🔗 Read the full joint statement here: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/issues/racial-justice/amnesty-international-uk-statement-on-the-escalation-in-racist-violence/

02/10/2026

Could you open your home to a refugee?

Our friends at Refugees at Home connect people fleeing war, violence, and persecution to hosts across the UK with spare rooms.

To date, they’ve helped nearly 8,000 refugees and people seeking asylum find a safe, welcoming place to stay as they begin to rebuild their lives.

They’re currently working with four young men in Brighton at risk of sleeping rough, all in urgent need of a roof over their heads.

If you could help, or want to find out more about hosting, email [email protected]

30/09/2026

Fundraising evening for Ukraine on Friday
October 16!❤️‍🩹🇺🇦

An award winning short film, Ukrainian photography, and a panel discussion at POST Creatives in Hove🎬📸

All ticket proceeds to charities supporting people and communities affected by the war in
Ukraine 🙌🏼

Ukraine: Life Un/Broken - Fundraising Night: Exhibition, Screening & Artist Talk – POST, Second Floor, Industrial House, Conway Street, Fri 16 Oct 2026 - This exhibition launch, personally introduced by the artists, is an evening event where art and purpose come together to raise funds for Ukraine...

23/09/2026

Want to run for charity? The Brighton & Hove 10k Run is coming up, and we have free charity places available! 🤩 🏁

In a few months' time on Sunday April 4, our wonderful city comes to life again for a scenic 10k run starting from Hove Lawns as part of Brighton Marathon Weekend. 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️

Voices in Exile is giving charity places for free by covering the associated costs - all we ask is for our runners to commit to fundraising a minimum of £200 to support our work. This is on a first-come, first-served basis! 🧡

💪 This is an opportunity to challenge yourself and get active, while running in solidarity with and raising money for vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers building a new life in our community.

Please email [email protected] to express your interest ✉️

14/09/2026

Over the summer we created the 'Voices in Exile World Café' for our food bank service users, partnering with The Real Junk Food Project Brighton who turn surplus food into nourishing meals. 🍎

Paul and his team have been serving a variety of traditional dishes from around the world and offering professional kitchen training for those looking for work-based catering experience. 🍴

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Crowdfunder and helped fund this fantastic opportunity! 🤩

👨‍🍳 Recently, chef trainer Kanthi Thamma from The Spice Circuit Kitchen joined volunteers to prepare and serve halal chicken curry, courgette daal and cauliflower potato curry. 😋

🧡 Additional thanks for this initiative go to:

🤝 Tara Greenhalf (Skylark/ProBaristas), who donated barista training for participants at One Church Brighton.

🤝 Chalk Cliff Trust, who provided a grant for the training in food hygiene, language support, travel for volunteers and support staff.

🤝The Real Junk Food Project, who were teaching and guiding the volunteers each week in barista coffee, food preparation, kitchen porter skills, counter and table service.

🤝ViE Food Bank volunteers, who contributed extra time to help support the project.

🤝The Early Childhood Project – "Toy Library," who facilitated children's activities in the café and provide books, crafts and toys.

10/09/2026

🎉 Exciting news!

We've been awarded £320,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support our project: A Community of Welcome, over the next three years. 🤩

This funding will help us continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers with the advice, advocacy, and practical support they need to rebuild their lives.

A huge thank you to The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players for making this possible.💙

Together, we can build a stronger, more welcoming community. 🧡 💪

08/09/2026

Meet Joy🧡

When Joy came to Voices in Exile, she was facing an incredibly difficult situation. Her immigration status had been refused, her Universal Credit had stopped and her bank account had been closed, leaving her struggling to meet basic needs for herself and her children. 😢

Because of a brain injury, Joy cannot read and finds it difficult to process official information. Our team worked closely with her and her social worker to make sure she could access the support she needed, including specialist immigration advice, a home visit, emergency hardship support and help regaining access to her bank account. 🎉

Joy has now been able to submit a new immigration application and is working towards rebuilding stability for herself and her family. 👩‍👧‍👦

Read Joy’s full story https://www.voicesinexile.org/joys-story/ 🔗