Leeds STAR: Student action for refugees

Student Action for Refugees (STAR) is a group that provides volunteering, campaigning and fundraising opportunities in support of refugees, with the aim to spread awareness, gain support and create change.

“Our committee has got so much out of volunteering with Leeds STAR, including meeting amazing and like-minded individuals both within the student population and beyond,” explains Kit Ryder, LLM International Law and Global Governance postgraduate, and President of the STAR committee in 2022-23.

“It has been a hugely formative experience for me throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate time in Leeds. Leaving the student bubble and meeting people in destitute conditions has really changed my perception of government policy and awareness of my inherent privileges. My volunteering experiences and interaction with a variety of people and organisations through Leeds STAR have contributed to the direction and intention of my analysis within my law degrees.”

Volunteering has shaped my future career interests, demonstrating the integral learning dimension and the benefits volunteering can have during your time at university.

Helping to develop English language skills

Leeds STAR has been organising in-person conversation classes every week at a local community centre. The classes provide displaced people in the local area with the opportunity to learn and practice their English language skills, regardless of their ability.

Charitable organisations have stepped up to support this service as English skills are increasingly important for successful asylum applications, and for integration into social life in the UK. 

Leeds STAR also hosts an online conversation club weekly via Zoom. In response to COVID-19, the committee of 2020-21 moved the club totally online and managed to expand and reach learners across Europe. Classes now continue on Saturday afternoons. 

Campaigning

One of the main purposes of the STAR network is campaigning, to improve the legal rights and access to opportunities of displaced people in the UK. The campaigns group meet on a weekly basis and organise events, campaigns, fundraisers and protests. Notable highlights include the following events:

Fabian Hamilton speaking event

Labour MP for Leeds North East, Fabian Hamilton, visited Leeds University Business School in November 2022 to speak about his familial refugee experience as part of the Jewish diaspora in war-torn Europe. Discussion was had on contemporary issues of displacement and the ongoing refugee crisis. A thirty-minute informed speech concluded with a Q&A led by the Campaigns Coordinator and President. The floor was then opened to members of the audience. 

Ugandan Asian 50th anniversary exhibition and speaking event

Leeds STAR collaborated with members of the Ugandan Asian community who had created an informational exhibition commemorating 50 years since their expulsion from Amin's Uganda. The ensuing displacement crisis and the difficulties facing their assimilation into the UK were important topics to be shared. The exhibition was led by Shamim Eimann, who answered questions and guided attendees through the different panels documenting the event.

The event was organised by Tao Dingle, who had met Shamim Eimann at a previous event, and saw the opportunity to host an event for students through Leeds STAR’s framework. 

Christmas present wrapping

Leeds STAR collaborated with local charity, PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers), through various avenues. The charity supports asylum seekers in the Leeds area, with support including emergency crisis intervention, immigration advice and integrated mental health support.

Alongside the Secretary implementing a permanent food donation box within the Leeds University Union which goes directly to PAFRAS donation drive, Leeds STAR organised a gift wrapping/donation social for presents curated by PAFRAS for their clients.

Rainbow Junktion jazz bistro fundraiser

The Campaigns team organised a three-course meal accompanied by a jazz band from  Leeds Conservatoire, to raise funds for local outreach projects. Proceeds of £780 were split between the venue’s community café, Rainbow Junktion, and Leeds Refugee Forum.

Wharf Chambers PAFRAS charity fundraiser

The Campaigns team organised a collaborative event on the evening of 25 March 2022 to raise funds for PAFRAS at a co-operative nightclub. The event sold out and raised over £800.

The future

A recent service launched by STAR is the STAR Bikes Scheme. This project sees STAR volunteers trained in bike repairs by the team at Leeds Uni Bike Hub. 

Kit Ryder explains: “We will then work in partnership with the Bike Hub, and repair old, unwanted bikes that are donated to the scheme, and distribute these to displaced people in the local area. We are passionate about this project as the costs of transport are often a massive barrier to asylum seekers and refugees accessing local services.”

The events Leeds STAR has organised and collaborated on speak to a higher sense of community in Leeds, which we as a committee want to identify and celebrate.

More information

Read more student profiles about volunteering
Find out more about volunteering opportunities as a student at Leeds
Visit the STAR page at the Leeds University Union website