Help on the journey towards integration

Mohammed* from Ethiopia came to the UK to escape political and ethnic persecution. After he was granted refugee status he moved to Birmingham where there were more people from his community and he was referred to Restore by the British Red Cross. He joined Restore for men’s activities, when there was not clash with his English classes or his own voluntary work. In the men’s group he could socialise with others and enjoy trips to the Think Tank, Pen Museum, a music concert at the Barber Institute for Fine Arts and a for leisurely cruise on a canal boat.

Mohammad had been a University lecturer and researcher at home and is very motivated to get into academic work in the UK. We matched him with a volunteer befriender who works at the University of Warwick. This has probably been the most helpful element of support provided by Restore. The specific expertise and assistance the befriender has been able to offer into university processes, systems and applications has been invaluable and hugely appreciated. Mohammad is exploring the possibility of a Masters degree in his academic field. This may require a move to another part of the UK and an additional phase of transition for the whole family.

We were able to provide a befriender for Mohammad’s wife, Hamida*. The volunteer has helped with her developing spoken English skills and in her adjustment to life in the UK.

Every refugee involved with Restore has a unique story and individual needs. Mohammed’s interaction with Restore gives one example of how the different services Restore offer can help in a refugee’s journey towards integration. Yet, it is often the befriending element of one-to-one support that has the most significant impact.

*names have been changed