Routes blog
'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, they explored Helen’s goal of building her confidence in English, with the purpose of exploring education and work in future. 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
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.