Meet Jemima

Welcome to Jemima, our new InterAction Project Officer! She recently returned to Newcastle after working in Greece and brings experience in community engagement and refugee empowerment. We’re so glad to have her on board!

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, I’m Jemima! I’ve recently moved back to Newcastle, where I was a student, and am very excited to be a part of such an amazing city again. I love to read and travel, and I love dogs! I really enjoy trying new food and activities, and going to see live music.

What’s your career background?

I recently returned from Lesvos, Greece where I spent three months working as an Advocacy and Communications Officer. In this role I was researching and raising awareness of issues and border violence faced by people on the move to advocate for change and respect for their human rights. Before this, I was working with an organisation in London, leading a project for refugee and asylum seeking youth focused on empowerment and community engagement. Alongside this role, and for the last eight years, I’ve also worked in a coffee shop.

What’s your new role?

My new role is as an officer on the InterAction Project. I will be supporting clients primarily in South Tyneside, assisting with any issues they’re facing and helping them to access opportunities for integration and enjoyment.

What drew you to work for Action Foundation?

The work that Action Foundation does is fantastic and I am really looking forward to being a part of such an amazing organisation. The values that Action Foundation stands for – Courage, Compassion, Integrity and Inclusion –  really align with my personal values and are so important to uphold and promote. The InterAction Project is similar to spaces that I have worked in before and it has always been a pleasure to see people’s confidence grow and to see them flourishing within the community.

Meet Farhad

We’re happy to welcome Farhad Jalal to the Accommodation team. Originally from Afghanistan, he brings extensive experience in refugee support, humanitarian work and interpretation. He has recently completed his Cross-Cultural Communication and International Relations Masters Degree at Newcastle University. Welcome aboard Farhad!

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born and raised in Afghanistan but relocated to the United Kingdom in the wake of regime change 2021 with my wife and three children.

We settled in Gateshead in March 2022 and started a new phase of living with hope and optimism. I personally feel very hopeful about the future of my children to study their favourite fields and become the people they want to be. I love swimming, playing cricket and golf. I love listening to music in multiple languages. I am also a fan of reading books and articles about global topics, especially about immigration and refugees.

What’s your career background?

As well as serving as a British Army and NATO interpreter for seven years, I completed my Bachelor’s degree while working as Coordinator of the Lincoln Learning Centres Programme in Balkh, Afghanistan.

I became a young activist and leader and was nominated by the US Embassy in Kabul to attend the International Visitor Leadership Programme 2015 in the United States.

Since then, I have become more engaged with the young and innovative leaders amongst the alumni community from around the world and we promote cultural exchange, leadership, communication and volunteerism. Finally, completing my MA in Cross-cultural Communications and International Relations at Newcastle University 2024, was a milestone in meeting my dreams to serve and engage with the diverse communities in the UK.

What’s your new role?

I will be an Accommodation Support Worker for asylum seekers and refugees which involves considering their needs assessment, support planning and risk management. I will be focusing on vulnerable clients’ health and safeguarding, based on trauma informed practice.

 What drew you to apply for a job at Action Foundation?

Added to my passion for working with refugees and asylum seekers, I have become inspired by Action Foundation as an award-winning charity that supports this community by empowering them to improve their life skills, overcome barriers and integrate with the community.