We met Kourash, Amina and their two children Riswan (eight years old when he arrived) and Bahar (their daughter, who was three) when they were referred to us for support in 2023.

They were forced to flee their homeland in fear of their lives because they were Christian, and had come to the UK to seek asylum.

Bahar has a severe medical condition, and, soon after arriving here, became poorly and has needed regular hospital treatment.

They arrived in the country already traumatised by their experiences back home and the terrifying anxiety they would be forced off the plane and not be allowed to leave.

Almost immediately, after a number of A&E visits, Bahar was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with an MRSV infection. The whole family tested positive, which meant each of them having to bathe in a special lotion and needing clean bedding and clothes each day for a period of five days. 

We bought clothes for the whole family, and even washed Amina and Bahar’s so they had clean items as instructed by healthcare providers.

The family was overwhelmed that doctors would treat sick people in this country regardless of their means to pay, though they struggled with feelings of shame because they felt dependent on others.

They were moved to another local authority when Bahar was discharged and faced many new issues, including when their allocated GP surgery refused to let them register as their SERCO-maintained accommodation already had 30 others registered with that practice. We worked with support agencies in their new local authority area as well as the doctor’s surgery to ensure Bahar got the medication she needed.

On the day of their move, they had not yet received their support allowance, and so we did their first main shop for food and cleaning products – which came out of our own pockets.

They succeeded in getting refugee status, which means they’re allowed to remain here. It also means they were no longer allowed to stay at their allocated accommodation. But, because of Bahar’s condition, it was very difficult to find suitable housing. In the meantime, their existing provider locked them out, which meant Bahar couldn’t take her medication on time, and as a result couldn’t eat.

It had taken more than nine months for the family to have their asylum claim processed, during which time Kourash and Amina struggled with their mental health, though did their best to protect their children from their sadness.

Since getting refugee status, they’ve been able to focus on rebuilding their lives. We've referred Kourash to Maximus, a Home Office-funded service supporting refugees into employment, based in our building, and while he looks for work, he volunteers at our centre during our warm hub. Amina has signed up for a child care course and is looking for a related volunteering opportunity. Both their children are doing well too.

Kourash said: ‘I thank you for everything, for your kindness, for your help and support. Thank you, you always helped us everywhere. May God bless you and may happiness and peace be yours and your family.’