Supporting asylum seekers like Aisha.*

Hi, I’m Aisha. I am an asylum seeker living in a tiny room.

A refugee woman wearing a headscarf and smiling.

Each week, I receive £8.86. I have to make hard choices about how to spend that.

In my home country, my brother was beaten and imprisoned for standing up for what is right. I don’t know if he is alive.* The same thing could’ve happened to me. I had to flee for my life, with only the clothes on my back.

Should I spend £8.86 on second-hand clothes? But then, I can’t afford the bus to get to the nearest English class in the next town… Also, people I love are still back home. I want to send them some money to help them get out of the country.

Everything in my life has turned upside-down. There are so many choices to make. But Upbeat has helped me. They made me feel like I belong.

Upbeat offer regular support so I can process the trauma I have been through. I visit their women’s group and I have made great friends. Upbeat gave me the chance to cook again, and share my culture with others.

I want to share this with you, too. If you put in your email address below, they will send you my recipe for baklava. This is a delicious sweet treat that reminds me of my home. You can also read more about my story.

Scroll down to read more about how Upbeat supports asylum seekers like me.

*We’ve changed some details about Aisha’s story, including her name and photograph, to protect her and her family from coming to more harm.

Asylum seekers may spend their money on meals from their culture, to remind them of home. Upbeat Communities provides hot meals every day, influenced by the many different cultures we see represented.
Asylum seekers may need to spend their money on Internet costs to use Google Maps, call home, or call their solicitor. Upbeat provides free WiFi and signposts to organisations people need.
Asylum seekers may need to spend their money on a warm winter coat, but Upbeat refers people to places where they can get free clothing for the cold British winters.
Upbeat provides free English classes to asylum seekers and refugees who can't afford them.
Asylum seekers may have lost family back home, or may not have regular contact with them. Upbeat is a second family to those we work with, offering vital emotional support.
Asylum seekers may save their money for a future in the UK. Upbeat provides support to those moving on from the asylum process.