The Kind Place: Series 2: We Are VOICES

What do you know about asylum seekers? What don't you know? Can I help you out?" In Episode 6, Zain Hafeez guides listeners through his story of growing up in the asylum system and shows us how it affected his identity. You'll also hear from other members of the We Are VOICES team on how the asylum system and harmful stereotypes limit their potential and erode their sense of self. We are VOICES was made by the VOICES Network, in collaboration with the British Red Cross and supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery. This episode was produced by Zain Hafeez. Additional contributions from Annie Karuimbo, Tanu, Zaina Aljumma, Carlos, Alvina Tamara Chibhamu, Diamond and Ngozi Loice Benjamin-Anyawueze. _ The We are VOICES producers are Ngozi Loice Benjamin-Anyawueze, Tanu, Zaina Aljumma, Diamond, Carlos Ibarra-Rivadeneira, Annie Karuimbo, Niloha Rangel, Zain Hafeez, Alvina Tamara Chibhamu The series producers are Bridey Addison-Child and Jude Shapiro. The participation producer is Jessica Moser.

Need a break from the stress of life as an asylum seeker?  Here's a childhood memory that might distract you for a moment.  - This is one part of Episode 5  If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.    

*Trigger Warning: This level mentions torture and serious trauma* You have reached the final level.  Did you make it to your appointment on time?  How are you feeling?  - This is one part of Episode 5. If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.  

*Trigger Warning: This level mentions suicide* You go for a walk to clear your head, turning right as you leave the house.   Who will you bump into?  -  This is one part of Episode 5. If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.  

*Trigger Warning: This level mentions suicide* You go for a walk to clear your head, turning left as you leave the house.  Who will you bump into?   - This is one part of Episode 5. If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.  

You try to buy a bus ticket to go to the doctor's but your debit card has stopped working overnight.   You still don't know how to get to your Home Office appointment.   - This is one part of Episode 5. If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.  

You get back home, feeling exhausted and unwell. Maybe a sleep will help?   - This is one part of Episode 5. If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.    

You walk to your local food bank to see if they have what you need.  But you're starting to feel unwell.  - This is one part of Episode 5:   If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.    

You head to your local high street to buy some groceries for you and your two year old baby, but your budget won't stretch very far.   Will you go to your local food bank or try at the supermarket?  - This is one part of Episode 5. If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.    

You try to contact the Home Office to get travel assistance for your appointment.   Suddenly, some unexpected visitors knock at your door.  - This is one part of Episode 5. If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.  

You try to borrow a friend's car to attend your Home Office appointment.   Sounds like a simple solution… - This is one part of Episode 5. If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Start' to begin your journey.  

You receive an unexpected letter from the Home Office.    You have six days to make it to a compulsory appointment, but your weekly allowance won't cover your travel. How will you make it on time?    Will you borrow a friend's car or contact the Home Office for help?  - This is one part of Episode 5  If you've started listening here and aren't sure what's going on, go back and listen to the clip named ‘Episode 5: Start' to begin your journey.    

Welcome to Episode 5, where you are the asylum seeker. This episode is interactive and has been released as 10 separate short documentaries or ‘Levels'. You will be presented with dilemmas and given options to choose from. Based on what you choose, you will be directed to the next level which you can find and listen to on the main podcast feed. Are you ready to begin? - All the situations presented to you are based on real events that the We Are VOICES producers have experienced in their daily lives. You will be guided through the episode by Carlos and Ngozi and hear directly from many other members of the We Are VOICES team including Tanu, Annie, Saffie, Zain, Diamond and Rima.

*Trigger warning - this episode mentions suicide* What does it mean to have a roof over your head as an asylum seeker? Saffie explores ideas around home, safety and belonging in this episode looking at the housing system for asylum seekers in the UK. We hear from Annie about the problems she and her teen daughter have faced in accommodation, as well as insight from policy expert Jon Featonby on why the system is failing. We also hear from Omar about his experiences living in the Penally barracks - a military site repurposed as accommodation that has since been closed down after it was deemed unsuitable to live in.  We are VOICES was made by the VOICES Network, in collaboration with the British Red Cross and supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery. This episode was produced by Saffie. Additional production on interviews from Zaina Aljumma. The senior producers are Bridey Addison-Child and Jude Shapiro.

How do you support your family when the system is keeping you apart? A single mother living in Glasgow, Alvina Chibhamu, investigates how families are affected by the asylum system. She interviews Mada, a refugee from Syria, about caring for her children through the family reunion process. Alvina also talks with policy expert Sohini who explains how the proposed Borders Bill will threaten safe routes to family reunion in the UK. We are VOICES was made by the VOICES Network, in collaboration with the British Red Cross and supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery. This episode was produced by Alvina Chibhamu. The senior producers are Bridey Addison-Child and Jude Shapiro.

What does is mean to flee from your home and face a dangerous journey to safety? In Episode 2, Niloha is interviewed by Annie. Niloha shares how she was forced to leave Venezuela and her life as a doctor, in search of safety in the UK. Also hear how the government's proposed Borders Bill would change how asylum seeker's claims are judged, and reduce protection for people seeking safety in the UK.  We are VOICES was made by the VOICES Network, in collaboration with the British Red Cross and supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery. This episode was produced by Annie and Niloha Rangel. The senior producers are Bridey Addison-Child and Jude Shapiro.

How do you find connection and support when you've left everything behind, and your freedom is restricted? In Episode 1, meet Diamond and ريما - Rima. Diamond explores her dream of true love, a safe home and freedom through her love of animals. ريما - Rima shares how the uncertainty of her life as an asylum seeker stops her from connecting with others and feeling like her true self. We are VOICES was made by the VOICES Network, in collaboration with the British Red Cross and supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery. This episode was produced by Diamond and Rima. The senior producers are Bridey Addison-Child and Jude Shapiro.

An introduction to the process and people behind We are VOICES.

An audio series produced by refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. Made by the VOICES Network in collaboration with the British Red Cross and supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.

Two football players from different generations talk about how sport can be used to connect - and about the different attitudes towards masculinity and mental health across generations. Neville Southall played as a goalkeeper for Everton and Wales in the 1980s and 90s, winning two league titles, two FA Cups, and a European Cup Winner's Cup. Kian is a 17-year-old sixth form student and football coach from South London. He works with Football Beyond Borders, running football and education projects to support disadvantaged young people in his community.

In this episode, Laura and Phil meet up to talk through their experiences of being transgender, and of homelessness in society. Together they share how they are working to get their voices heard in a society that often does not understand. Trigger warning: people in this podcast talk about suicidal feelings which might be upsetting for some listeners. If you need to talk to someone immediately, call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or send an email, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In this episode, Ifeoma and Hazel meet up to talk through their experiences of becoming a mum for the first time, and how that shift in identity can lead to a loss of a sense of self, but also change life for the better. Ifeoma has been shielding since the start of the pandemic.

In this episode, two young women - Tigest and Reb - discuss their experiences of not fitting in and feeling like an outsider, and the positive steps they have taken to take back control of their own lives.

Episode 2 of The Kind Place podcast series explores the theme of grief and loss. We hear from Dreane who lives alone in Worcestershire with her two Yorkshire terriers, and Carol who lives near Newcastle in the North East. Carol and Dreane discuss their experiences of dealing with grief and talk about how the loss of a loved one can spark feelings of loneliness and isolation.

How can you feel alone when surrounded by people? Episode 1 of our podcast series explores the themes of purpose and belonging. We hear from Amtul, a refugee from India living in Bradford, and Ore, an MBA student from Nigeria living in Newcastle. Amtul and Ore discuss their experiences of isolation when living in a foreign country - and how volunteering has helped them connect. *Amtul is a Voices Ambassador and Ore volunteers with the British Red Cross to support people living with disabilities.