My children and I became homeless when we had to flee our home in 2018 to escape from domestic violence. I had no recourse to public funds or right to reside in the UK, so my children and I had to move into a hostel. The hostel is going to close in the coming months, and my children are still so little, so I need to find a very good job to be able to afford a secure home for them soon. Being homeless like this makes you appreciate every single penny that you have. I had to leave a very dangerous situation in which my children and I were constantly at risk of violence, and now it’s my job to find a better life for us. I never thought that I would be in this sort of situation.
Things began to improve when I reached out to my consulate. They told me everything would be alright, that we were protected and that they would find the right support, and they found it. Solace Women's Aid has provided the biggest help for my children and myself. I’m so grateful to them and everyone since who has supported us.
My biggest motivation now is to provide a beautiful, comfortable and suitable home for my children, near the people we love, our friends. And I want to have financial stability. This is why I’m working with Beam, to get support so I can get into a role where I can help others to grow. Obviously the lockdown has affected us in many ways, but I’m making the most of the situation. I am able to love and play with my children more, make sure we have a daily walk, watch what we eat and declutter. I also have time to talk to the people I love and care about, to be more compassionate with others, to enjoy nature and to wish the best for our neighbours.
In two years' time, I hope to live in a beautiful home that is secure and brings us stability. I want my children to be happily settled at their primary school with wonderful friends and teachers, with me working at a job that I love. This is the dream I’m working now to make into a reality.