A Carlisle man will share his experiences of being an asylum seeker in the hopes of raising awareness of the challenges they face. 

Reza, 22 years old, will give a talk on his journey from Iran at Carlisle Library on June 22 as part of Refugee Week.

He wants to be a voice for refugees and asylum seekers in the hopes of cutting through some of the misconceptions people have. 

Reza said: "I want normal people to know more about refugees and asylum seekers and to be aware that they're not here for just a job or taking their money or taking their houses, as we always hear.

"So because the news and media is not talking about it enough, I want to be a voice of refugees and asylum seekers just to say why they're here and what's the situation of their lives in here, because not everyone knows what is happening to them and how they're living here."

"It's a long process to get your right to stay and to make a life here. A long and hard process."

Reza arrived in Carlisle in April 2022 after his family converted to Christianity whilst living in Iran. 

Christians in Iran face discrimination and religious persecution, with laws pertaining to how they can worship.

Reza said: "I converted to Christianity when I was in Iran. Me and my whole family.

"Being a Christian Iranian is not allowed in Iran, I had to leave my country."

Deciding to come to the UK was a difficult decision for Reza's family but they knew they had to leave to save themselves.

The journey was "very scary" but the hope for the life they'd be able to build once they get here helped to get them through it.

"It's very scary. But, you know, at some point, you are in a situation that you can't even think about how dangerous it is or how scary it is. You just have to do it," he added.

"It is the only way possible to save yourself, and you have to take a big risk to hope that you're you're going to save yourself and start a new life."

Reza's talk 'Castaway' will be held at Carlisle Library on Saturday at 10am. Traditional Iranian refreshments will be served.

Call Carlisle Library on 01228 227312 or visit Eventbrite to book your tickets.