Arthur’s Story
I escaped from war in 2015, but always had the hope that I could come back to my community. So far this hasn’t been possible, but I miss everything so much. Before the war, I had a good life: I had a good job, a car, my family were with me. But war turns everything in your life upside down.
Now I’m in the UK, separated from my family, trying to rebuild my life. I had nothing when I left my country all those years ago, and once my status was confirmed here, I had nothing again. I spent two years in temporary accommodation and then I was sleeping rough for months before I was given a room at Your Place. That was when I felt like I could take the first step to move forward with my life.
"At Your Place, having a roof over my head meant that I could build myself up, so I could apply for jobs and interview having had a good night’s sleep."
I just wanted to get a job and get my life back in order. But you can’t apply for a job without an address, so having an address here means everything. I have a degree in Computer Science, but I have lost so much confidence. At Your Place, having a roof over my head meant that I could build myself up, so I could apply for jobs and interview having had a good night’s sleep. I’m now working for a charity and I really like it there, the people are very kind.
My key worker at Your Place, James, has helped me to find training and advice on the systems in the UK, budgeting, and helping me develop general life skills. I found it hard to trust people after the experiences I’ve had, but I’ve found that the staff at Your Place really want to understand my needs and what I want to do with my life. James has been so good to me.
I’m so glad that policy has changed and people like me won’t suffer when they want to transition to working full-time. James explained the changes to me, and now I feel like I have a chance to move forward in life. I feel part of a community here in London, and am feeling more hopeful than ever.
Arthur* has asked to remain anonymous.
