Welfare Appeal: Asif's Story
Asif has been made to move accommodation several times. He is struggling to access a school for his son or healthcare for his pregnant wife. Like many survivors of torture, Asif and his family are living a nightmare.
Since being granted asylum, Asif has faced uncertainty when it comes to finding housing and, like many survivors of torture, has been faced with the prospect of homelessness and destitution.
After receiving his refugee status, Asif and his family were given short notice to move out of their asylum accommodation. They were made to move between numerous hotels across the city they live in and, several times, were moved to unsuitable hotel accommodation.
“We no longer feel safe. We have no clue where we will be moved to. We had no time to prepare, to sort our finances or our belongings.”
Currently, Asif and his family are living over an hour away from their son’s school and from the hospital who’s care Asif's pregnant wife is under. The moment you receive refugee status, all cash assistance that you had previously been receiving is taken away. For Asif, this means a huge financial burden when it comes to taking his son to school and attending hospital appointments for his wife.
“I am really worried for my wife, she has to go to the hospital for appointments, but it is not good for her to travel such long distances. She is crying every day, and I don’t know what to do or how to help her. I am also worried that my son is missing schools as sometimes I have no money to help him get there and I can’t leave my wife for a long time.”
The disruption felt by Asif and his family is not uncommon. Recently, the government reduced the amount of time refugees have to find new housing once they are granted asylum – they now are often given a matter of days.
Asif was supported with therapy to start his journey of recovery. Survivors of torture need to feel safe to heal from their trauma, but they can’t feel safe if their basic needs aren’t met.
“I was getting better with help, but now I’m struggling to attend my hospital or therapy appointments. I feel so confused, and I have lost the ability to think clearly or plan, or even believe things will get better. At least I found an organisation that can help me."
Our welfare team are working hard to provide survivors of torture, like Asif, with the support they need. They provide support finding housing, help accessing income and provide emergency essentials including food and toiletries.
In the last few months, we have noticed a clear increase in the number of refugees facing homelessness and housing difficulties with the introduction of lower eviction notices and a lack of housing.
That’s why we need your help to support more survivors of torture with vital welfare support.
£20 could pay for the cost of translating a Home Office document.
£40 could pay to provide food and essentials for a destitute survivor of torture.
£70 could pay for a night's emergency accommodation for a homeless survivor of torture.
