Routes blog
Statement by Routes: response to the White Paper on Immigration
A statement by Routes, in response to the recent narratives shared by the Prime Minister on the White Paper on Immigration. Read our suggestions to educate yourself and stand in solidarity for rights and safety for all.
May 2025: Not an Island of Strangers
Earlier this month, Keir Starmer described the UK as becoming “an island of strangers” — language that fuels dehumanising narratives and the exclusionary policy-making evident in the recently released Immigration White Paper. Such rhetoric does more than politicise migration; it threatens the principles of dignity, equality, and protection that the UK’s laws and international commitments strive to uphold for all who live here.
In a response to the rhetoric shared by the Prime Minister and further backed by the Home Secretary and Downing Street, Asylum Matters published a Statement to stand in solidarity with migrant and refugee communities.
It reads, ‘‘Together, as representatives of civil society and as individuals and organisations embedded in communities across the country, we stand against the recent rhetoric of the Prime Minister, irresponsible politicians and that of the far-right, that serves only to divide our communities. Together, we stand in solidarity with all minoritised people including all racialised people and all migrants - our friends, family members, colleagues and neighbours - as they face growing fear and insecurity, fuelled by the hostility, scapegoating and polarisation being whipped up by political leaders.’
Routes has also signed up to this statement, and we want to invite you to join us in speaking up for migrant justice.
At Routes, through our partnerships, the community we serve and the lived experiences of our board and team, we know firsthand that this country has been shaped by immigrants and its descendants, as well as those families with longer lineages in the UK. UK communities and workplaces are made up of a diversity of people, from different backgrounds and places of birth, who have formed the backbone of our housing, health and public services.
Refugees and asylum seekers are no exception. It is their fundamental human right, protected under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, to seek asylum in another country when fleeing persecution. The right to claim asylum is also enshrined in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms that everyone has the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries.
Whilst there is an international right to seek asylum - a direct result of the experiences in Europe of the Second World War - many European countries are currently not living up to this notion of providing welcome and safety. The UK’s asylum system and related immigration policy is explicitly hostile by design - and has been built up to be so by different governments, from different political colours, over the decades. This means that whilst the current comments are shocking, they are unfortunately not new - they have roots in different parts of Britain’s past and present.
They are also a choice - immigration policy does not have to be like this. In fact, only 5 years ago Keir Starmer was speaking very differently about welcoming people.
We know that dehumanising language is incredibly impactful - statements like these can serve to legitimise further crackdowns on rights, as well as normalise acts of hostility towards migrant communities by the general public. In fact, research by the Mental Health Foundation published in April 2025 shows the significant impact of last summer’s race riots on the wellbeing of asylum-seekers in the UK. These events do not happen in isolation.
The focus of the government should be on preventing further escalation and attacks, in line with people’s human rights - not adding more fuel to the fire.
This language does not stand on its own - it is part of a wider legal and policy developments, that have restricted people’s experiences of autonomy, safety and belonging. There are many organisations doing great work to campaign for migrant justice, and to advocate for refugee rights. There are many legal and political arguments to make against such narratives. There is also a profoundly human one. As the poet Michael Rosen reminds us, people who we might not yet know - regardless of their or our backgrounds - might be our greatest support in a time of need. We see so many people in our work at Routes, who have great personal and professional goals, strong skills and a commitment to be contributing to our communities.
Supporting refugee rights: what can you do?
If you are safe and able to do so, now is a time to speak up and connect to organise for migrant justice. Please find below some suggestions from the Routes team to do so:
Educate yourself. There are many great resources out there, to help you understand the situation of refugees and migrants better. You don’t have to have all the answers - listen to people with Lived Experience of the UK asylum system and related systems first. Refugee Week is coming up in June, which is a great occasion to learn more about the lives, experiences, aspirations and challenges of refugee communities in the UK and abroad.
Think critically and make sure to make up your own mind. Whilst there are some conversations in politics and media exploring the distinction between ‘illegal’ and ‘legal’ migration, it is important to remind yourself and others that under international law, it is not illegal to seek asylum in a different country. In fact, this is a right that we all have - and that was put into writing, to ensure that this would not get lost in ‘complicated’ political narratives. The notion of ‘‘illegal immigration’’ not only disregards these legal protections, but is also a dangerous fiction that demonises those seeking safety and distorts public understanding of migration. We should stop this scapegoating.
Support campaigns for safe routes. Seeking asylum is a human right - but it is not one that is easily accessible. There are almost no safe routes into the UK, which leads people to take dangerous, irregular routes - which, in turn, result in deaths and distress on UK borders. Please support campaigns for safe routes.
Support campaigns for refugee rights, and local support organisations. There are many great organisations working to support refugees and other migrants, with practical support, legal aid, employment support and more. There are brilliant campaigns, such as those advocating for the right to work for everyone in the UK asylum system, and for safe accommodation for those waiting for the outcome of their asylum claims. There are organisations trying to provide trauma-informed care, in a system that has the real risk, on a day-to-day basis, of further traumatising those seeking safety. If you can, please join a local support group, donate, or think about your own community connections as a superpower - and explore how you might use them. We all have power to act.
Start conversations around refugee rights in your personal and professional networks. Have a conversation with family or friends. Think about accessibility at your local sports club or cultural hub. Ask your employer about inclusive recruitment policies, their CSR spending or volunteering opportunities to support people from refugee backgrounds to achieve their goals. A few great resources on speaking up for refugee rights include Praxis’ Essential Guide: How to Change Minds on Migration and City of Sanctuary’s ten top tips to have courageous conversations on refugee rights. ~
Together, we can organise for better
Restrictions on human rights rarely come on their own - they are part of a pattern of crackdowns on different people’s human rights, and the normalisation of human rights for some, not all. But together, we can challenge that.
We are with many, speaking up for human rights in a way that is truly inclusive and intersectional.
When the UK Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement on the Equality Act that affects the safety and inclusion of trans women, organisations like Give Your Best and Routes, in our newsletters, spoke out against all forms of discrimination, including transphobia. We reaffirmed our solidarity with all vulnerable communities, and the principle of creating joyful, welcoming spaces as central to our work to resisting harmful practices. Other human rights organisations are speaking up too, such as Amnesty International and the Good Law Project.
We see violations of international law and human rights daily in the news and on our screens. Some are being called out by governments and political leaders, whilst others are not. Yet the people show up - from across the country. We know that we need to hold our leaders to account, and that we have power to do so, to speak up for safety and dignity for all.
On another island, Aotearoa New Zealand, three Members of Parliament have been suspended for performing a traditional dance as a way to respond to legal developments, threatening the rights of indigenous communities. Whilst this punitive move in parliament is unprecedented, people organising against power stands in a long tradition. In the UK, we need to learn from these histories, including by reflecting on Britain’s colonial past.
On 15 May 2025, the poet Hollie McNish wrote: ‘Please stop believing all the rhetoric about people on small boats’. (Please go gently when you watch her 15 years old poem (!) about preventing death on route to seeking safety, that is still unfortunately a regular, preventable story in the news.)
At Routes, we would like to extend that invitation, to ask you to stand in active solidarity for safety for all.
We have a moral imperative to stop believing dehumanising narratives, and start creating better ones together.
In Good Company: Leading and Learning with Routes
Routes Interim CEO, Yeri, shares her reflections on her first month since founder Leyla’s sabbatical, offering insights into our progress, values, and vision for the future.
Since I stepped in as Routes’ Interim CEO, this past month has been one of the most enriching and energising experiences of my career.
I’m in awe of our team: their thoughtfulness and intentionality in every decision, their commitment to creating meaningful connections, and their constant pursuit of compassionate, innovative ways to support refugee and asylum-seeking women.
Pictured: the Routes team (with Yeri Al-Jaf, our Interim CEO, pictured on the far right).
Recent Milestones: Building Together
In just a few weeks, we’ve:
Matched new mentors and mentees for the 14th iteration of our award-winning flagship Mentoring Programme
Distributed donated laptops to asylum-seeking and refugee mentees, with incredible support from UBS volunteers
Delivered inclusive leadership and safeguarding training to our recent cohort of mentors
Held our eagerly anticipated Routes to Employment launch event with our employment development partner Workwhile
Shortlisted participants for our pilot Routes to Employment pre-apprenticeship course, developed from the findings of our Routes to Employment research into the systemic barriers refugee and asylum-seeking women face in navigating employment in London
Explored the unique strengths of our team in a deeply reflective strengths coaching session led by Elizabeth Beroud (highly recommended!)
Further developed innovative fundraising strategies to drive sustainable and impactful growth
But it’s no surprise that the team has achieved so much in such a short time — their dedication is evident. I’ve worked in the London refugee sector since 2016, initially at the British Red Cross where I first encountered Routes’ dynamic theatre workshops and met co-founders Leyla and Daisy. I was immediately struck by their vision for a refugee women’s mentoring programme and their ever-thoughtful approach to supporting the refugee community. In the years that followed, I remained an eager referral partner and then jumped at the chance to join Routes’ board in 2021. The refugee sector is small and runs on limited resources, but we — as a community — will always invest time and trust in organisations and people that are special.
“Routes’ incredible growth over the last 7 years is a recognition of its consistent values, and I’m so proud to play a small part in that.”
A Culture of Care and Sustainability
At Routes, our core mission is to create spaces of ‘joy’, ‘welcome’, and ‘autonomy’ — principles that shape not only our programmes but how we treat each other. In a sector where burnout is common, Routes stands out by properly caring for its people. This commitment helps us do better by the community we serve, and offers an important model of sustainable working in the sector. Founding Director Leyla Mclennan’s recent sabbatical is an excellent example of how leadership can be both sustainable and self-aware. By taking the time to rest, learn and explore, Leyla is not only prioritising her own wellbeing, but also showing the importance of stepping back and trusting others to lead.
Pictured: Yeri
Leading the Future with Purpose
As Interim CEO, I’m excited to further support the integration of lived experience into senior leadership, develop new connections and partnerships, contribute to the design and development of our two other programmes — Routes to Employment and Alumni Support — and refine our funding strategies for sustainable growth. I’m going to soak up as much as I can while working with this brilliant team and take forward what I learn to continue finding ways to show solidarity with, and champion the lives of, refugees and asylum seekers.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into Yeri’s journey and sector experience, connect with her on LinkedIn or drop her an email.
The art of matching
Routes Mentoring Programme Team shared their reflection on matching experiences and how we do the matching of each pair at Routes with care, deep thoughts and joyful manner. Alumni mentee Rozeta also shared her reflections on how she felt about her match with her mentor.
At Routes, we welcome two cohorts a year onto our flagship Mentoring Programme, with around 30 pairs a programme. That’s no mean feat! We review many applications for prospective mentors and mentees, and have in-depth team discussions to come to good mentoring pairs.
In a time of Artificial Intelligence, our matching is actually still fully done by humans: the Routes Mentoring Programme team. In this blog, they share a bit more about how our matches come to be. Plus, we share the reflections of an alumni mentee on her mentoring match. Together, they paint a picture of the art, skill and joys of finding a good match!
The Routes Mentoring Programme: learning together
The Routes Mentoring Programme is our flagship Mentoring Programme that has been with us since the start of Routes. In 2025, we will launch our 14th and 15th Mentoring Programme - which means by now we have already had over 550 women participate in the Programme. Over the years, the learning content of the Programme has developed over time, as have some of the delivery components. Nonetheless, its core values have stayed the same: a space for participants to meet in a way that prioritises welcome, shared learning and equal access.
Head of Programmes Wieke: ‘I joined Routes at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, weeks before the 4th Mentoring Programme was due to start. The Programme had always been delivered in person up until that point. However, we quickly realised that this wouldn’t be possible, so Routes’ co-founders Daisy and Leyla started sourcing laptops, to be able to send to mentees, to have their meetings on video calls. This was in the time that lots of us were still unfamiliar with that part of the digital world! It took many phone calls, to talk people through how to set up their laptop, download video conferencing tools and join meetings. But we managed to deliver that Programme fully online, with an online celebration event to top it off. It was a highlight for many, during those months of the first lockdown.’
Now, the Programme is delivered in a hybrid fashion, with opportunities for mentors and mentees to meet in-person, or to meet fully online if they prefer. Mentees continue to have access to tech provision, as well as travel money and other support. Mentors receive training and have access to a wider variety of resources too. In these ways, pairs are supported to focus on getting to know each other, and working on the mentoring goals.
In 2024, the Programme won the Ockenden International Prize, particularly highlighting the autonomy that is baked into the recruitment and design of the Programme.
“ At Routes, we craft our Mentoring Programmes a bit differently. It’s not a hierarchical relationship, as might be the case in a workplace where a senior colleague mentors someone more junior. Instead, we work from the starting point that people know their own situation, strengths and preferences best, and that mentor and mentee can learn from each other. We prioritise relationship-building in the early stages of the mentoring, so that the goal-work later on is more specific - and more joyful! This is also something we look at in the matching: who might work well together, both in terms of shared professional expertise as well as personal interests? We know we can learn best, when we feel relaxed and at ease, which is something we try to curate spaces for. ”
Getting to know the Routes matching approach
The Routes Mentoring Programme is now led by two Mentoring Programme Managers, who are responsible for participant recruitment and support. Routes Mentoring Programme Manager Shunn says: ‘I have recently joined Routes, as the second Mentoring Programme Manager. Together with Tamana, I am responsible for supporting each cohort of mentors and mentees - from the start of the Programme until the celebration event and beyond, with our alumni support.
‘During my first matching, what I noticed is the thought that has been given to each matching pair. You try to understand a lot about the individual’s goal, ambitions and who they are as a person too. Only then you start the matching process, putting a lot of care and as much details as you can.
What I liked most is the people-centred approach in our programme design. The mentoring programme is all about that and reflecting our values of joy, welcome and autonomy as well. The process almost feels like matchmaking: hoping the pair works well together and creates meaningful bonding beyond the programme, if they wish to stay in touch. After all, our social relationships and collective care are as important as our career and life goals - and an integral part to succeeding in our professional development.
When we match, it is not only the mechanical part of matching, but also the aesthetics of it. We can never predict what will happen between two people and in their lives, but I could see that over time, the team has built a strong understanding of what might work for different people on the Programme.’
Mentoring Programme Managers Shunn (left) & Tamana (right), working on their strengths mapping.
Supporting pairs, from start to finish
Routes Mentoring Programme Manager Tamana has been working with Routes since September 2022, after having been a mentee on the Mentoring Programme herself previously. Tamana says about our matching: ‘It really is a structured process that involves multiple stages, deep thinking and digital sticky notes. We have just onboarded our next cohort of mentees, for the start of their Programme in April. When I meet a mentee in person for the first time, their mentor might pop up in my head too. It’s so lovely to then think: ‘Oh, I think that is going to make a great mentoring match!’’
Of course, not all pairs are able to complete their time on the Programme together due to various reasons. Sometimes, there are circumstances that get in the way. Tamana says: ‘When an individual or pair has to end their mentoring early, we understand. We try to support them well too.’ Sometimes, people can join a later cohort, if something happens beyond their control that means they are unable to continue. Tamana: ‘We know that things can happen in people’s asylum procedures, for example, that take up a lot of time and headspace. However, we work closely with referral organisations to see if we can support people to continue on the Programme, if possible. The support goes both ways to a mentee and mentor as well.’
Tamana shared her reflection on the mentoring programme from the beginning to the final celebration: ‘At Routes, there’s something incredibly meaningful about seeing each mentoring pair’s journey from their first interview with the Routes team all the way to the celebration event and sometimes even beyond - full of excitement and curiosity, where growth, connection and achievement shine through.
This is one of the most rewarding parts of running the Mentoring Programme. As the manager of the programme we don’t just match people and step away, we walk alongside them. From those first conversations, through the ups and downs of the mentoring journey, to the final celebration, we see mentoring relationships deepen, goals evolve, and confidence grow.’
“It’s a reminder that mentoring is more than a structured programme, it’s a shared experience, rooted in care, autonomy and joy. And witnessing that transformation from start to finish, that’s at the heart of what we do!”
The art of matching
This blog wouldn’t be complete, without the words of one of our alumni participants. How do they experience the way Routes does matching?
Mentee Rozeta joined Routes for our 13th Mentoring Programme. She started in October 2024, to work together with her mentor Gigi Moller. Gigi is a Project Manager at Health Innovation East, and small business owner. This combination made us think she would make a good match for Rozeta, who wanted to roadmap her options.
Rozeta worked as a teacher back home and had studied languages at university. She was now at a crossroads, both in terms of country and career: she wanted to explore what is possible for her in the UK, and was considering a career switch, away from teaching towards requalification in healthcare. As Rozeta shared: ‘First of all, thank you Routes for giving me this opportunity to learn from you. It has been a wonderful experience for me. I have learned lots of new things with the group and also with my mentor.’
Working with a pool of mentor and mentee applicants from a wide variety of industries, means we are able to ground our matching in people’s professional experience, sector-specific needs and learning goals. All of this information is collected at the stage of recruitment. In the words of Routes’ Head of Programmes Wieke: ‘We appreciate the time and energy that people put into their applications, so that we get to know them well and are able to find a match that meets their levels of experience and meeting preferences. We do our best to give people a good chance at having constructive meetings with a stranger, in ways that will hopefully turn out to be effective and enjoyable.’
“As we know, matching is a fine art. Matching for an individual means a lot such as learning, exploring and feeling comfortable for each other. My mentor was the perfect match for me! We stayed on the top of our goals, as we had objectives which we completed.”
Mentee Rozeta (with white scarf), at the end of the programme celebration event in January 2025.
Rozeta reflects on this, in her mentoring match: ‘We did not struggle to understand each other since we came from almost the same background, so I never felt bad or judged with my dear mentor. I’m beyond lucky for all the time and dedication that Gigi offered me. I have learned a lot from Gigi - and the most important is to keep pushing and never give up.’
Routes will launch its 14th Mentoring Programme in April. Are you interested in joining us for autumn 2025? Applications for our 15th Mentoring Programme are now open. Have a look on our website under ‘Mentoring with meaning’ to learn more.
'Five reasons why I loved the Routes Mentoring Programme - and you might too’
Mentor Zara writes about her time on the Routes Mentoring Programme. Read about Zara’s meetings with her mentee, connecting with fellow mentors, and the benefits of the training components for her leadership skills.
Zara Salih is a business owner and alumni mentor of the Routes Mentoring Programme. She joined Routes in October 2024, to work with her mentee Helen, to support Helen with confidence building and work-related goals.
Zara signed up to Routes, whilst working at the innovation agency Nesta and relaunched her own yoga business during her time on the Programme. In this blog she talks through her experience of learning to mentor with Routes, and how it enhanced her own skillset as a professional and a woman leader.
5 reasons why Zara is rooting for Routes
The Routes Mentoring Programme offers a unique opportunity for you to enhance your own leadership and communication skills whilst simultaneously helping to empower a female asylum seeker/ refugee to work towards achieving her goal(s).
For any potential mentors out there who may be unsure whether or not to sign up to volunteer with Routes I hope that this blog encourages you to go for it.
A manageable time commitment
The time commitment is very manageable. There are two main training dates and the training is so worthwhile. The exercises are interactive and genuinely thought-provoking. The sessions are delivered empathetically and seamlessly by Routes' fantastic facilitators. You also get to hear from alumni and ask questions to previous mentors and mentees. I found the midway point phone call to be especially helpful and I felt supported with ways to seek effective feedback.
Learning by doing
There are lots of break-out rooms and opportunities to build meaningful connections with other mentors in your cohort. Through the exercises you do one-to-one or in small groups you get to have conversations which deep-dive into a real-life scenario and by employing the techniques you learn in the training you can guide each other to a solution. I sometimes found myself with some of the same mentors and in this way we quickly built up rapport. It was really wonderful when we actually got to meet in person at the end of the programme celebration party.
Learning by doing
Zara with fellow mentor Mareen at the Mentoring Programme Celebration Event, January 2025.
Access to resources
You will learn practical ways to navigate problem-solving and you will be equipped with a wealth of resources which could help your mentee to reach her goal(s).
Developing your leadership and communication skills
You will develop your leadership and communication skills. One of the greatest takeaways from this programme for me was the way it elevated my personal relationships as a result of adapting my communication style. I am conscious of how much more mindfully I hold space in conversations with colleagues, friends and family. I have become much better at getting comfortable with silence, listening attentively and non-judgmentally (the latter which given my legal background is something I can find quite challenging!).
“One of the greatest takeaways from this programme for me was the way it elevated my personal relationships as a result of adapting my communication style. I am conscious of how much more mindfully I hold space in conversations with colleagues, friends and family. ”
Supporting another woman to achieve her goals
Most importantly of all, this programme gives you the chance to empower a female asylum seeker/ refugee to work towards achieving her goal(s). Admittedly, I was nervous before knowing who I would be paired with for the programme and in the run up to meeting my mentee, Helen, online for the first time. And of course some of that nervousness remained with me but by the end of our first session I felt confident that we would work well together to achieve her goals.
During our sessions together I was repeatedly humbled by Helen's humility and struck by a persevering positivity which we both share though we have lived quite different lives. My nervousness soon transformed into excitement as I looked forward to hearing news and developments from Helen in our sessions. Around the midway point I noticed how often I would say "we're running out of time" when I realised the programme was coming to an end. But that's where the beauty of this mentorship programme lies.
Celebration time!
Zara with her mentee Helen, marking the end of their time on the Routes Mentoring Programme, celebrating their relationship and the progress they’ve achieved.
In truth, like all things in life, you will get out of this programme as much as you put in.
Just because the programme was coming to a formal end did not mean that my connection with Helen should cease. I am pleased to say that we have agreed to keep in touch and meanwhile I have already signed up to join the next cohort of the Routes mentoring programme as it really is as good as it sounds.
Routes runs two Mentoring Programmes a year, one in spring and one in autumn. Applications for our autumn 2025 Mentoring Programme are open now! Find out more on www.routescollective.com/mentoring and express your interest.
Founding Director Sabbatical: taking sustainable leadership seriously
Founding Director Leyla talks about her sabbatical; how sabbaticals can support sustainable leadership and how she hopes her time away will strengthen Routes.
2025 marks seven years since I co-founded Routes, during which time we have supported more than 280 women to access employment and education through our award-winning mentoring programme; researched and co-designed interventions to create systemic change in the unemployment of refugee women; and grown to a staff team of six, with many more freelancers, board members and advisors helping us to deliver our work.
This year, I will be taking a three month sabbatical away from my role as Founding Director. I’m aware that for some this might seem unconventional, or even risky, but research shows that sabbaticals can benefit organisations. I wanted to write this blog to explain why I believe that taking a sabbatical will strengthen the foundations of the organisation, and how I hope it will be a part of creating a more sustainable leadership model at Routes. I hope more organisations can make space for senior leaders to take meaningful periods of rest, and that funders would support this too, not only in the interest of individual leaders, but in the interest of the organisations too.
The Power of Pause
Last month, Fair Collective published findings showing that 85% of small charity leaders in England experience poor mental health due to their roles. Without adequate structures to support those in leadership to maintain positive wellbeing and do their job well, we are setting our leaders, and therefore our organisations, up to fail. Sabbaticals can be used proactively - not just when someone reaches a point of burnout - to make leadership positions more supportive and sustainable. Support for leaders needs to be improved if we are going to diversify our sector’s leadership in a sustainable way.
Whilst sabbaticals are common in some workplaces, they remain rare in the charity sector, where urgency often overshadows self-care. Last year I joined the We Are Feminist Leaders training, and found the exploration of urgency culture particularly interesting. Whilst feelings of urgency can fuel us to take action and respond to injustice, we must safeguard against a culture of urgency creeping into the way we work together, run our organisations, and approach our day-to-day work. My sabbatical is an intentional break designed for rest, reflection, and renewal – three things that are not compatible with a culture of urgency. I strongly believe that we need to support leaders to take more time to rest, reflect and renew, bringing much-needed spaciousness to work that can often feel frantic and urgent.
Creating Space for New Voices and Growth
Part of my role as a founder is to build an organisation that thrives independently, and this requires decentralising leadership away from one person. Whilst I’ve tried to take steps to create opportunities for collaboration across the team, our community of participants, and at board level, in practice I often feel that people still default to looking at me for answers. I hope that in stepping back, there will be more space for new ideas and leadership styles to emerge. The team will have more space to make independent decisions, and to bring their own approaches to the forefront, building feelings of collective ownership of the organisation. The board have already stepped up their engagement during the planning phase, and this will continue throughout my time away. In this way, I sincerely hope that my sabbatical will be an opportunity for growth – both for individuals and the organisation as a whole.
Preparing the Organisation
Preparing Routes for this sabbatical has been a long process that has required a lot of my time. I have had the support of our team, as well as our brilliant board, including Yeri Al-Jaf who I am delighted will be stepping in as Interim CEO while I’m away. Yeri has been on Routes’ board for the past three years, most recently leading our Lived Experience Leadership Group. She has such a deep understanding of Routes’ work, and I couldn’t think of a better pair of hands to lead the organisation in my absence.
Despite our collective conviction in this as a positive step for me and for the organisation, Routes was not in a position to offer a paid sabbatical, so taking this time off has only been possible for me due to securing a Churchill Fellowship in a personal capacity. I know that not everyone has this privilege. In order to implement practices like this, which invest in the sustainable leadership of organisations like Routes, the support of funders is essential. Organisational health relies heavily on the wellbeing of its people, and yet it is extremely difficult to find funders willing to support core costs and staff wellbeing initiatives in small organisations. I sincerely hope that we will begin to see a shift towards this kind of holistic funding in the future.
Routes has navigated many complex challenges over the past seven years as a small organisation with tight resources and big ambitions. From the seed of an idea in 2017, I am so proud that Routes has become a thriving organisation with a small but mighty team, strong values, a track record of impact, and an expected £350k turnover next year.
At its core, this sabbatical is about trust – trust in the team and trust in the organisation to thrive without me. In the sector we work in where the stakes are high, the work is urgent, and government policy is often changing for the worse, sustainable leadership is not just beneficial, it is essential.
I am very happy to speak to anyone thinking about taking a sabbatical – please reach out on leyla@routescollective.com. And if you were hoping to connect with me between April and July 2025, please reach out to the rest of the team instead, you can reach them all at [their name]@routescollective.com. I look forward to returning in July!
'I feel empowered to do things by myself' - top tips by alumni mentee Helen on joining the Mentoring Programme
Alumni mentee Helen reflects on her time on the Routes Mentoring Programme, and top tips for other refugee and asylum-seeking women who might want to join, to work on their goals.
Helen joined the Routes Mentoring Programme in autumn 2024. She worked with her mentor Zara, for four months of mentoring. Together, Zara and Helen explored Helen’s goal of building her confidence in English, with the purpose of exploring education and work in future. You can read more about Helen’s mentor Zara’s experiences in Zara’s blog here.
In this blog, Helen shares her top tips for other women from refugee backgrounds, who might be interested in joining the Routes Mentoring Programme.
What were you expecting from the Routes Mentoring Program before it started?
Before I started the Routes Programme I expected that it might be another online course. But actually it was so different from that and so much better!
What did you achieve together? What progress did you make?
I did a lot of activities with my mentor and the Routes team. For example, I learnt how to write a CV, how to use a computer and Zoom. I know now how to apply for a job. My mentor Zara is like a teacher to me.
Did anything surprise you during your Routes experience?
Yes, I am proud of myself because I have grown in confidence with my English speaking skills. It was also a lovely surprise to meet my mentor - I didn't expect that we would meet in person. But actually we met up in person two times and I really enjoyed the time we spent together.
What will I do differently from now on because of our meetings?
Now I feel empowered to do things by myself. I am not afraid. Whereas before our mentoring journey I didn't have the confidence to do things on my own.
“Now I feel empowered to do things by myself. I am not afraid. Whereas before our mentoring journey I didn’t have the confidence to do things on my own.”
In what ways could we have worked better together?
We both found our in person meetings to be much more effective and so if we could do this mentoring experience again we would both prefer to do our meet-ups in person, rather than online. In the end we spent about 50% of our meetings online and 50% in person.
What would your advice be for someone considering doing the Routes Mentoring Programme?
My advice would be make sure you have a good internet connection*, be sure about time-keeping and for mentees with kids I would say that if you are able to arrange childcare during your sessions you will get more from the experience.
* Routes provides mentees with tech support, including a laptop/tablet and data, so that everyone who joins the Mentoring Programme, is able to participate fully in their meetings online. Pairs also have the opportunity to meet in-person, for which separate support is available.
Photo: Helen (on the left) with her mentor Zara at the Routes Celebration Event in January 2025.
Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to the Routes Programme and Team for this opportunity.
Are you interested in joining Routes as a mentee? Routes runs two Mentoring Programmes a year, one in Spring and one in autumn. Applications for our upcoming Mentoring Programme open for mentees in April 2025.
We are also recruiting for new mentors, to join us to work with mentees like Helen. Recruitment for mentors will open on International Women’s Day. Learn more on https://routescollective.com/mentoring.
Voices that lead: how Lived Experience is shaping Routes' future
Initial learnings from Routes’ lived experience leadership group, and how we’re including lived experience expertise into our governance at Routes.
Across 2024, we embarked on an exciting new journey - creating a Lived Experience Leadership Group! We’ve always been passionate about making sure the people we work with are at the heart of what we do. Over the years, we’ve tried all sorts of methods: inviting people to join job interview panels, co-designing projects, running focus groups, and recruiting team members and board members with lived experience. Whilst these efforts have been fantastic (50% of our team currently have lived experience), we also acknowledged something was missing; we lacked consistent, senior-level leadership from experts by experience. So, we decided to try something new to fix that.
About the pilot
One hurdle we’ve faced in the past when trying to include more lived experience in our governance, is that becoming a board member can feel daunting. The legal responsibilities can be a big turn-off, and for asylum seekers, being a registered director of a Community Interest Company isn’t even an option. We designed this group to be a space where six brilliant alumnae from our mentoring programme can share their expertise without the weight of legal responsibilities. They sit alongside our board and team to offer strategic insights, foster co-production, and provide consultancy-like advice that keeps us moving forward.
One common complaint about groups like this is that advice can sometimes go nowhere, leaving members feeling like their voices aren’t valued. We are determined not to let that happen and so have built in two-way accountability. Every piece of advice from the group must be addressed in the next meeting. This keeps the conversation flowing and ensures members know exactly how their input is shaping the organisation—and they’re empowered to push back if they don’t think we’re doing enough.
We’re also putting our money where our mouth is—literally. Group members are paid for their time, and those who are asylum seekers receive vouchers. We think this is important to show how much we value their insights.
This whole initiative has been made possible thanks to Refugee Action’s EBE Project Planning course, which gave us both the tools and a small grant to kickstart the group. We’re so grateful for the work they’re doing around shifting power in the sector, you can read more about that here.
What We’ve Achieved So Far
It was great to see such a positive response from our community when we announced the group. We received 28 applications, interviewed 11 fantastic candidates, and ended up with six wonderful individuals. For this first round, we recruited specifically from our programme alumnae, but we’re excited to open it up to others in the future.
So far, we’ve had three meetings: one onboarding session and two group meetings. The group is currently chaired by Yeri (who sits on the Routes board) alongside a rotating co-chair from the group itself. Our hope is that one of the members will step into the chair role in the future, when they feel confident to do so. The group also created their own “group agreement” to hold each other accountable.
After the first meeting, Yeri checked in with everyone individually about how the group was working for them, and we’ve already learned so much. Embedding lived experience leadership into governance structures definitely takes a lot of time and effort to do well, but it’s already proving to be worth it. These early days have been full of energy, insights, and the kind of collaboration that makes us excited for what’s next.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead, we’re feeling really enthusiastic about the potential that this group has to become more embedded into Routes’ leadership and a more integrated part of our governance. We have two more meetings scheduled, and then a reflection session where the group will help us to define their role moving forwards.
Creating meaningful opportunities for lived experience experts to lead takes time, effort, and commitment—and we’re here for it. We can’t wait to see how this group evolves and continues to shape Routes’ future. Stay tuned for updates — we hope that in sharing our learning here we can support other organisations to try similar projects and ultimately become a sector that is learning from, listening to, and led by those with lived experience.
This project is part of our wider leadership and governance strategy aiming to ensure lived experience is at the heart of Routes in a sustainable and supported way that gives everyone the chance to thrive in their roles.
Building confidence and growth: our time together on the Mentoring Programme
Mentee Momima and mentor Kristina talk about their time together on the Routes Mentoring Programme and what they’ve learned from mentoring.
What is it like to join the Routes Mentoring Programme, and start working together with someone you have never met before? In this blog, mentee Momima and her mentor Kristina share their experiences.
Momima joined Routes to to map her options for work in health and social care in future. However, she first wanted to build confidence in her English, and find her professional vocabulary. Kristina, her mentor, works at Health Innovation East. A trained pharmacist by background, she was paired with Momima, to support her to map her next steps in the UK. ‘Over the course of our mentorship, we celebrated many small victories’.
In her own words: mentee Momima
I’m going to write about the Routes Mentoring Programme, which has positively impacted my life as a mentee. This programme has certainly improved the lives of many refugee and asylum-seeking women in London. It fosters a supportive community, offering additional training and opportunities, while mentors gain compassionate leadership skills. Mentors help mentees build self-confidence and expand their networks.
Four months ago, one of my friends, Ciara, informed me about this programme. I filled out the online form and registered with the organisation.
On the first day, I arrived at the Routes Mentoring office, which was beautifully decorated. I was quite nervous but also excited. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. When I first met the Routes Manager, Tamana, I felt very happy because she was so friendly and cooperative. She introduced me to her other colleagues, who were also awesome. Then, she gave me my mentor's contact details so we could connect with each other. She also provided me with a laptop, a Wi-Fi box, and an Oyster card to help me attend both online and in-person meetings.
Mentor Kristina (left) and mentee Momima.
Celebrating their time together, after four months of mentoring. London, January 2025.
As part of this programme, I met with my mentor, Kristina, almost every week. She is from Greece and has experience working as a pharmacist. Kristina is very easygoing and helpful. She started by asking about my goals and the areas I wanted to improve, such as my English proficiency and self-confidence. She has always encouraged me to pursue my goals and emphasised the importance of building confidence, expanding professional networks, and improving my language skills.
“She has always encouraged me to pursue my goals and emphasised the importance of building confidence, expanding professional networks, and improving my language skills.”
The Routes Mentoring Programme has significantly influenced my life by providing personalised support and resources. With the support of my mentor and the Routes team, it has helped me develop independence, build relationships, access opportunities, and set clear goals. It has also had a huge impact on my self-belief and capacity to succeed.
In her own words: mentor Kristina
I also wanted to share my experience as a mentor in the Routes Mentoring Programme. Supporting my mentee has been such a rewarding journey. From our very first meeting, I was impressed by her lovely smile, amazing personality, determination and eagerness to grow. Together, we set clear goals and worked on practical steps to achieve them - whether it was practising English, or building confidence.
Over the course of our mentorship, we celebrated many small victories—each one a testament to her hard work and resilience. It’s been so fulfilling to witness her not only improve in her skills but also embrace new challenges with unwavering determination. The bond we’ve built over time has been incredibly special, and I truly feel honoured to have been a part of her journey.
Picture: Momima and Kristina (with red party hats) with fellow mentors and mentees at the Celebration Event.
As a mentor, I’ve not only been able to provide guidance but also learned so much in the process. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges refugees and asylum-seeking women face, and it’s given me a new perspective on resilience and perseverance. Watching my mentee grow in confidence, improve her skills, and take steps toward her goals has been incredibly inspiring. It's been a privilege getting to know her and watching her grow!
“[As a mentor...] I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges refugees and asylum-seeking women face, and it’s given me a new perspective on resilience and perseverance”
The Routes Mentoring Programme has been a truly transformative experience for both of us. It creates a space where women can build their independence, form meaningful relationships, access opportunities, and set achievable goals. For me, it’s also been a chance to grow as a compassionate leader and give back to the community in a way that’s both personal and impactful.
This programme has had a lasting impact on both my mentee’s life and mine. It’s not just about supporting someone—it’s about sharing in their journey, their challenges, and their triumphs. It’s a wonderful example of how mentorship can foster hope, confidence, and a sense of belonging, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible initiative.
Are you interested in joining the Routes Mentoring Programme as a mentor? Applications for our autumn programme open on the 8th of March - International Women’s Day. Applications for mentees open later in Spring. We run two Mentoring Programmes a year, working with over 50 participants each Programme.
'She encouraged me to think about what I need' - the mentoring journey of Chaza
Mentee Chaza talks about her experience with Routes mentoring, and requalifying as a nurse in the UK.
Chaza is a trained nurse from Jordan, who joined the 13th Routes Mentoring cohort. She was paired with Afra, who is Senior Advisor at Health Innovation East. Together, they embarked on 4 months of mentoring, to work on Chaza’s goal of requalifying for healthcare work in the UK. In this blog, Chaza describes her experiences with mentoring and the importance of confidence building in finding your motivation.
I graduated in 2020 with an associate nursing degree in Jordan. After moving to London, I found myself feeling lost and unsure of how to navigate my path toward becoming a nurse here. I needed guidance from someone who understood the education system and job market in the UK and could help me figure out how to use my qualifications effectively.
That’s when I discovered the Routes mentoring programme—and the right person to guide me! Before meeting my mentor, Afra, I felt a bit nervous, but that nervousness quickly disappeared when I met her. She was incredibly kind, calm, and supportive, which made me feel comfortable right away.
Throughout this journey, Afra has helped me think through my options and has provided invaluable support. One of the things I’m most grateful for is how she continuously reminds me to take care of myself and prioritize my own needs. She encouraged me to think about what I, Chaza, need—rather than focusing entirely on other people or my responsibilities. At the same time, she never stopped motivating me to keep going, even when things got tough. Our meetings not only gave me guidance but also helped me practice my English and build my confidence.
“It has been a transformative experience that has not only provided me with practical advice but also empowered me to believe in myself and my potential.”
Thanks to this programme and Afra’s encouragement, I now feel more equipped and hopeful about my future as a nurse in the UK. After these meetings, I finally have clarity on what my next steps are and what I need to do to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse in the UK. With the guidance and support I’ve received, I feel more confident and ready to move forward on this journey.
Picture: Chaza (top middle, without party hat) and fellow mentors and mentees at the Celebration Event.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Routes mentoring programme for this incredible opportunity. It has been a transformative experience that has not only provided me with practical advice but also empowered me to believe in myself and my potential.
Are you interested in mentoring with Routes? Our award-winning Mentoring Programme runs twice a year, and is a learning opportunity for both mentors and mentees. You’ll be matched with another professional - in a bespoke mentoring pair, based on your shared interests, expertise and learning goals.
Applications for mentors for our autumn cohort open on 8th March (International Women’s Day). Applications for mentees also open in Spring. Please visit www.routescollective.com/mentees for more information.
Celebrating our 13th mentoring cohort: 'What's hanging in the air'
A spoken word poem to celebrate the 13th Routes Mentoring cohort.
On Wednesday 29th January 2025 - which also marked Chinese New Year as we entered the year of the snake - we organised the Celebration Event for our 13th Mentoring Cohort. It was a beautiful evening that brought mentors and mentees together in person, giving everyone a chance to reflect on the programme and mark the web of connections that have been created through working together.
Below is Wieke’s poem ‘What’s hanging in the air’, which was read at the celebration event to mark this moment. It’s inspired by the individuals and their experiences on the programmes, and also captures the external local and global events that took place during these 4 months.
What’s hanging in the air
For the 13th Routes Mentoring Cohort, January 2026
We tell our children
The stars will look after them
But what if we can’t see the stars
We encourage children to dream big
But what if a bunch of tech-savvy guys
Take that cue and aim for Mars
What if what is hanging in the air
Is storm
Hay fever
And uncertainty
What if employment is a distant dream
Without the right to work
And pathways of clarity
This is when we get together
When we pool our privileges and resources
Our expertise and connections
For making waves across a London
That’s banking on the Thames
This is when we try for a tripod
And a light box
To paint new pictures
Share new dishes
This is when we meet with other women
To share our wishes
This is when what is hanging in the air
Is not left unsaid – but listened to
When we listen with intent
And speak words of encouragement too
For we all understand the importance
Of autonomy
Of being able to make your own decisions
Follow your passions
With your own precision
Provide for your family
To live a life of dignity
In a country
Where refugee rights
Need to be restored
Where what is hanging in the air -
Is our opportunity
For individuals
Businesses
Organisations
To get on board
When we build our own technologies
Of relationships and community
Of accessible opportunities
To bring new professionals on board
In healthcare and psychology
In finance, college and university
In hospitality and content creation
As we do our own design thinking
Receive good news
Or are kept waiting
When we celebrate winter solstice, and Christmas
Missing those that are usually with us
In the cold, and the dark, and the sunlight
Of this moment
This is when we tell each other
We get to pursue our goals
We get to pick our own stars
And build support around them
Build a fire, that is keeping us warm
That can light up, instead of burning down
For we all know the value of a cease-fire
Holding in our hearts this widespread solidarity
This wish of safety for all
As we have seen, in one country, a liberation
Knowing the meaning of ‘hob’, meaning freedom
Where we can focus on building, not breaking
Where we can work on crafting, and making
At this Lunar New Year
We need this wisdom
Of reptile transformation
Like the snakes who circle and circle
Like the moon illuminates
And the wood of trees can stand tall, if we let them
We know
We have been building this something
Made up of strength, and courage, and shared learning
That no crypto coin can ever monetise
That can only be nurtured, and mentored
For what’s hanging in the air tonight
Is a bold determination
To the power of our connection
And women making waves
Of finding new ways
To building new lives
That can hold us all together
That can hold all the places
That we are a part of
And that the stars
Will be happy
To shed their light on
Routes Interim CEO, Yeri, shares her reflections on her first month since founder Leyla’s sabbatical, offering insights into our progress, values, and vision for the future.