Azeem's Journey: From refugee to volunteer

Azeem Iftikah came to the Foundation of Light to help settle in the UK after arriving as a refugee, but he is now an integral part of the Wear Together sessions at The Venue in Stanley.

When the 65-year-old first arrived at a Wear Together session on a wet and rainy day, he did not speak much English and was struggling to settle after having to flee his home country of Pakistan.

Housed in a bedsit, having to access foodbanks, and struggling to socialise, Azeem had not felt at home in the UK.

The Wear Together sessions became a lifeline to Azeem as his main source of social interaction and leisure. The sessions also allowed him to practice his English and access other Foundation of Light programmes such as ‘Cooking on a Budget’.

With his English much improved and his confidence building within the sessions, Azeem started to volunteer his time to help with the organisation of Wear Together in Stanley.

Azeem helps with the set up and take down of the tables, games, and sporting equipment at the varied sessions which include a mixture of chit and chat alongside activities and exercise.

Rarely missing a session, the 65-year-old can often be seen travelling to The Venue on a bicycle he received through the charity. He takes great pride in helping out the organisation which has previously supported him.

“The Foundation of Light has been a real lifeline since I moved from Pakistan,” Azeem said.

“They helped me with my English, introduced me to new friends, and provided me with a bike so I can travel.

“I am so grateful for all of the support that I have had. They have made a huge difference in my life.”

Azeem has now found his feet in the UK which has resulted in him being awarded a five-year residency. He is now committed to playing an active role in the community which welcomed him so warmly.

Azeem is one of more than 100 volunteers who work with the Foundation of Light in various roles from grassroots coaches to teaching assistants.

This National Volunteers’ Week, we are sharing the stories of some of those contributing towards more than 10,000 hours of yearly support provided by volunteers to the charity’s programmes.