In the last episode of our pilot series, we celebrate International Migrants Day by speaking to two of our ambassadors about what being a migrant means to them.  

Ali and Eli interview Mimi who made the courageous and heart-wrenching decision to leave the Philippines ten years ago to work abroad so that she could support her family. What followed was an extraordinary and painful journey. Now as a survivor of modern-day slavery, she works with The Voice of Domestic Workers to empower other survivors to raise their voices and speak up for their rights. In this inspirational conversation, she shares openly about the struggles and opportunities that come with being a migrant.  

IMIX media director, Julia then talks to the writer and founder of The Other Side of Hope literary magazine, Alex, about the significant impact which being a migrant has had on his life. They also discuss the latest edition of his literary magazine which amplifies the voices of refugees and migrants, and its potential to use the power of words to change hearts and minds.  

Join us on Un/Documented for a meaningful conversation about what it means to be a migrant today #MigrantsDay #IAmAMigrant. The International Migrants Day Ambassador Programme is a partnership between IMIX and IOM UK. You can find out more about each of the ambassadors in their own words here.   

Music by Aref Ghorbani @thearefghorbani on Twitter and Instagram @Arefghorbani.official. Edited by Simon Sapper and produced by IMIX.

In a tough political climate, it can be hard to campaign effectively. With the government’s approach becoming increasingly hardline, even small wins can be hard to come by. In this episode we dig into the heart of what make some campaigns gain traction, and how with an election looming we can work positively together to call for a fairer immigration system.  

IMIX Strategic Communications Director, Katherine Maxwell-Rose interviews Mary Njoroge, Lift the Ban spokesperson about her passion and drive to see lived experience voices at the heart of campaigning. Mary also shares the fascinating story of what happened when she shared her own story with local MP, Christian Wakeford.  

Laura Taylor is Executive Director of RAMP (Refugee, Asylum and Migration Policy Project) who work closely with political leaders to reimagine what the immigration system in the UK could look like. RAMP provided crucial support to the Free Schools Meal campaign in collaboration with Citizens UK, Praxis and The Unity Project which resulted in children with no recourse to public funds being given access to free school meal provision. Un/Documented podcast hosts, Ali Ghaderi and Eli Ziai interview Laura about how we can work effectively with politicians to create much-needed change.  

Join us on Un/Documented for a conversation about how grassroots campaigners can build momentum and create powerful political shifts.

Find out more about Lift the Ban here and how you can get involved. You can also watch the video of how the Free Schools Meal campaign was won.  

Presented by Eli Ziai and Ali Ghaderi. Music by Aref Ghorbani. Edited by Simon Sapper and produced by IMIX.

In this episode we dig deeper into the power of storytelling and how taking control of your own narrative can bring confidence and purpose. We speak to the inspirational Amir Hussain Ibrahimi originally from Afghanistan about his initial resistance to speaking out. However with the right support, he was able to share the story about his sudden departure from his homeland and his experience of building a new community in the UK. It is now something which brings him pride and hope for the future.  

Anne Duncan is a podcaster, storyteller and host of her own radio show who has had a passion for the media since childhood. She came to the UK from Kenya six years ago to seek asylum and since then has built platforms for others to share their stories in a safe and open environment. Anne shares her own powerful story for the first time on Un/Documented. 

If you would like to share your story but don’t know where to start, please get in touch. We have a dedicated team who can work with you to speak about your experiences in a safe and supported way. We always love hearing from and working with new people. Contact us at [email protected].

Presented by Eli Ziai and Ali Ghaderi. Music by Aref Ghorbani @thearefghorbani on Twitter and Instagram @Arefghorbani.official. Edited by Simon Sapper and produced by IMIX.

Given the current bleak political landscape of cruel asylum policy, homelessness, and austerity where traumatised people are dehumanised and scapegoated, it’s clear that we need to hold onto a sense of community that keeps us grounded and kind. 

At IMIX, we know that stories of successful community integration, local welcome and hospitality can work powerfully to change negative migration narratives. In this episode we speak to Khadeja about her experience of being the first family to be resettled from Syria to North Devon through the Pickwell Foundation’s Community Sponsorship programme and her role now in welcoming others into the area.

We also talk to Helen, a mum of three who set up Hope at Home, a hosting charity that matches people with spare bedrooms with survivors of trafficking and modern slavery who need a temporary place to stay.

Join us on Un/Documented for a well-needed dose of hope by celebrating all the amazing people out there working in our communities to create an atmosphere of welcome. 

Presented by Eli Ziai and Ali Ghaderi. Music by Aref Ghorbani @thearefghorbani on Twitter and Instagram @Arefghorbani.official. Edited by Simon Sapper and produced by IMIX.

Follow us on Twitter @IMIX_UK and discover more amazing community stories on our Facebook page, Good Neighbours Project, on Instagram and on our website.

'Compassion for me is like the sweet fruit of our lives. If I don't feel compassion in my heart, that day, I think to myself, I am a dead person.' (Zahra Shaheer, Refugee Week Ambassador).

Ali and Eli speak to the inspiring and prominent Afghan journalist, Zahra Shaheer, about her career, dramatic evacuation from Kabul and how she is rebuilding her life in the UK. Zahra speaks honestly about the pain of leaving everything behind in Afghanistan, the power of education and how she wants to be a role model for other women. Zahra then takes the presenter's seat and interviews one of her fellow Refugee Week Ambassadors, Teslim Thomas, an LGBTQ+ activist, who talks beautifully about why compassionate is love in action. Lastly Zahra checks in with Lara Deffense, Refugee Week Coordinator about this year's incredible festival and why in 2023 it is needed more than ever. Check out how you can get involved #RefugeeWeek #CompassionIntoAction

Un/Documented is a podcast empowering hidden voices brought to you by the IMIX team. 

Presented by Eli Ziai and Ali Ghaderi. Music by Aref Ghorbani @thearefghorbani on Twitter and Instagram @Arefghorbani.official. Edited by Simon Sapper and produced by IMIX.

Follow us on Twitter @IMIX_UK or on Instagram @human_journeys and check out our website.

Welcome to Un/Documented! A podcast empowering hidden voices brought to you by the IMIX team. In our first episode we explore why it is crucial to hear from people who have been through the UK immigration system. Our media director, Julia speaks to Khaleel, who shares his experience of speaking publicly about his own journey crossing the Channel by boat and seeking asylum in the UK. Eli and Ali then talk to the Guardian journalist, Nicola Kelly about how she champions the role of lived experience in her storytelling, the power of an authentic voice and why journalists should not be able to ask everything.   

Journey with us on Un/Documented to hear the voices we don’t always hear from in mainstream media and become part of a conversation of hope.

Presented by Eli Ziai & Ali Ghaderi. Music by Aref Ghorbani @thearefghorbani on Twitter and Instagram @Arefghorbani.official. Edited by Simon Sapper and produced by IMIX.

Follow us on Twitter @IMIX_UK or on Instagram @human_journeys and check out our website.