After an unprecedented amount of applications, Jonah and Lizzie dazzled the recruitment panel and joined Action Foundation as Drop-in Co-ordinators at InterAction this month.
Being quite nosy, we thought we’d find out a bit more about the pair of them…
Jonah Mesgarnezhad
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am originally from Iran. I left Iran in 2009 because of persecution for being a Christian. I have lived in Gateshead since 2013 with my wonderful wife and 2 year old son. In my spare time I enjoy drinking good coffee and making my favourite foods (including making pasta from scratch) and spending time with family.
What’s your career background?
I am a Design Engineer by trade. I have worked in industry in different sectors and I am always interested in finding the solution in an engineering problem or a mechanical mechanism and love developing a system for better use. During my studies in 2016 I started a refugees and asylum seeker drop-in called Open Arms which I loved running and really enjoyed getting to know my clients.
What’s your new role?
My new role at Action Foundation is as the Interaction Drop-In Co-ordinator. It is my absolute pleasure working on this project, so many great things are going forward in this project and I am thrilled to be a part of it!
Why did you want to work at Action Foundation?
I have been an asylum seeker and I was granted refugee status in 2011 in the UK. I have known Action Foundation for a number of years and I have seen some of this charity’s challenges and also successes. The experience of being a refugee in the UK gives me a heart to work with and support Action Foundation and it is my pleasure to be part of this team.
Lizzie Walsh
Tell us a bit about yourself
Originally from London, but I have been living in Glasgow for the last few years. I like kickboxing and outdoor swimming. I spent a few month last winter studying Arabic in Egypt.
What’s your career background?
My most recent job has been working on an organic farm in the freezing countryside outside Glasgow, but I have been volunteering in migrant-support organisations since 2011.
What’s your new role?
I am one of the new drop-in co-ordinators. As well as helping with keeping the drop-in running, I will be focusing on casework provision. This will hopefully include getting OISC Level 1 and training up volunteers to do Casework.
Why did you want to work at Action Foundation?
After visiting the drop-in during the recruitment process, I was completely sold. Kate and the great volunteer team that has come together have created a really nice, welcoming environment and I am really excited to work with them as it grows and develops.
The InterAction team are looking for donations of winter clothes to give out to destitute asylum seekers at the Drop-in….
