London Churches Refugee Fund

H, a young survivor from Afghanistan, came to Baobab Centre for Young Survivors in Exile after he became homeless following a lack of care from the responsible local authority.  Baobab’s destitution fund enabled them to respond and find him temporary accommodation.  When Social Services eventually responded he was placed outside London, far from any sort of cultural or religious community, without access to education, for more than six months.  Baobab provided support to ensure he was moved near their services where he was receiving casework and psychotherapeutic support.

​

On the run-up to his 18th birthday, H’s life was extremely unstable, and he suffered great anxiety about the withdrawal of social service support after he turned 18.  However Baobab provided him with  support in engaging in community activities, including providing running shoes to train and complete the London half marathon, an important part of his rehabilitation.  Their destitution fund enabled him to acquire steel-capped boots for a carpentry course, at which he excelled and gave a huge boost to his confidence and his ability to plan ahead.

​

A year into being supported by Baobab, H is in a much better situation.  He recently got asylum, and is settled in North London attending his carpentry course.  He has a new-found self-confidence,   is regularly attending youth clubs, and has even spoken twice in Parliament as part of Baobab’s advocacy work.