December is always a nostalgic time of year for Routes... 

In 2017 we were launching Routes at Year Here’s Crowdbacker event and, a year later, in December 2018 we were celebrating the end of our first mentoring and theatre programmes at the Young Vic, accompanied by the delicious smells of fresh cooking and the occasional burst of song. Now, in December 2019 we are celebrating another extraordinary year at Routes: our community has grown and we’ve nurtured even more joyful, welcoming and compassionate connections across London. Here’s what we’ve been up to...

A poem written by E.E., a participant in our theatre workshops, about immigration detention.

My mentee and I hit it off instantly. Sara greeted me with the most amazing smile and we went straight in for a hug. Our first session went really well and it was surprising how at ease she felt – this also helped me to relax…

Sitting in Clapham Junction’s Cafe Nero on a spring Friday morning, I felt a little excited and slightly nervous in anticipation of meeting Betty for the first time. As a first-generation immigrant myself, who had received support from so many on my integration journey, I had always wanted to work with refugees to give something back.

Laura speaks to us about why she became a mentor and how she’s found the experience…

Ahead of opening applications for our Autumn/Winter mentoring programme, we asked some mentors and mentees on our current programme to share their experiences so far.

Routes featured in the July issue ‘Women Who Win’

Two poems written by women (E.E. and Esther) in one of our weekly theatre workshops, hosted by the Young Vic.

We believe great leadership starts with joy, welcome and patience. Hear more about why we think this and how it affects the way we lead.

How the corporate and non-profit sector can work together for a bigger impact

A look back at the achievements of our mentees and mentors from our first programme