"My first homeless refugee guest was the same age as my son." | Host Derby Stories on the BBC

Recently, the BBC shone a spotlight on a critical issue facing refugees: the escalating threat of homelessness. But we share with you a story of compassion, featuring one of our incredible hosts and a participant whose life was transformed through hosting.

Gillian, a dedicated volunteer with Upbeat, shared her powerful experience of opening her home to a refugee in need.

"He [the refugee Gillian had hosted] had a bad knee injury and was about to have it operated on, but they were going to cancel the operations because they had nowhere they could discharge him to," Gillian recounted.

"I just thought, he’s exactly the same age as my son," she explained. Her decision to host not only provided a safe haven but also enabled the refugee to receive the vital surgery he needed, averting a potentially devastating setback.

Mohammad had received the great news that he had been granted refugee status, only to be told his accommodation would now not support him and he would be made homeless if he couldn’t find a place to live.

You can watch the powerful segment featured on the BBC below. If this has inspired you to turn you spare room into a safe space for a refugee, find out more here.