Seeing the people I care about smile is what makes me the happiest. There is nothing else like it.
I came to England in 2016 and went through a long process of getting validated as a refugee. For over a year I lived in accommodation provided by the Home Office and had no access to any funding. I had no funds, little control over my life and few people would support me. It was a difficult time and I just had to wait.
My life improved a lot when I got my refugee status in January 2019 and went into temporary accommodation with Greenwich Council. In just a few months, my daughter and I moved into a private rented flat. Now I’ve got accommodation sorted, I’m ready to go into work!
The COVID-19 lockdown has made everything a bit more difficult. My daughter had to stay indoors without interacting with other children, and as a parent it made me feel bad whenever she wanted to go out and I said no. I tried to explain to her what's happening all over the world but a two year old can’t understand it. I’m glad things have opened up a little.
I’m working with Beam to do the training I need to get a job as either a support worker or a carer. I want to get into this sort of role because making a difference in other people's lives brings me joy. I am a caring person and it gives me a lot of satisfaction to support others, to be there for them, and having looked at job descriptions for both of these jobs I think I could do them well.
Once I’m in work, I will feel such huge satisfaction and so much gratitude. I have always wanted to have a purpose, to be helpful in my community. At the same time, I will be able to pay down my rent arrears and will be more financially free. I will also be able to set a good example for my daughter. Altogether, between getting a job and gaining my qualification I will be a happier person.
Hanifah is working with Beam because she's at risk of homelessness.