Shiva Afraste - Honouring Our Communities

What does it mean to leave everything behind and find a new place to call home? 💜 Meet Shiva Afraste, CEO of YAHYAS HUB, whose story is one of resilience, compassion, community and belonging. Originally from Iran, Shiva shares her personal journey of migration, the friendships that shaped her experiences and how those moments inspired her passion for supporting others. Through YAHYAS HUB, Shiva works to support young asylum seekers and refugees in Aberdeen, particularly young people who have arrived without their families, helping them build confidence, develop friendships and navigate life in a new environment. In this edition of Honouring Our Communities, Shiva reflects on the challenges faced by young people seeking safety, the importance of creating welcoming spaces and the power of kindness in helping people feel they belong. Her story reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is one person showing kindness to change someone’s experience of a new place. 🎥 Watch Shiva’s full documentary and discover her inspiring journey! Honouring Our Communities is a Black History Month 2026 storytelling project celebrating the achievements, lived experiences and contributions of minority ethnic individuals across Aberdeen. Produced by: Touch of Love Arts & Culture CIC Supported by: Aberdeen City Council Media Partner: Voices of Torry Culture • Community • Belonging #HonouringOurCommunities #ShivaAfraste #BlackHistoryMonth2026 #Aberdeen #YAHYASHUB #RefugeeSupport #CommunityBelonging #TouchOfLove #VoicesOfTorry