Karim’s story

My support worker first referred me to Young Roots in March 2021 as I had just moved to London and needed support with my case. After meeting my Caseworker for the first time, I was soon invited to the weekly youth group in Croydon, and I have since then been attending most weeks.   

I started accessing Casework support as I needed help with my immigration case, age dispute, accessing mental health services and wanted to enrol in college. Most importantly, I wanted someone to listen to me as I was feeling very low and overwhelmed at the time.  

When I first arrived in the UK, I felt a sense of safety and relief. This was short lived as I was placed in adult accommodation in Leeds, after being assessed as an adult – even though I was 17 years old at the time. I couldn’t understand why my age was not accepted. It is difficult to explain the feeling of having your identity questioned, especially as I know my mother wouldn’t have lied to me about my age. I didn’t leave my room in the hotel as I felt afraid, and I ended up feeling lonely.  

A few months later, my cousin agreed that I could live with him in London. Whilst it was a relief to live with a relative, I still felt isolated as I wanted to make friends. It is difficult to adjust to a new country, new city, and area – especially when you can’t speak the language! If my support worker did not refer me to Young Roots, I would have not known where to go or who to seek support from.

Things are different now, compared to when I first arrived in the UK. Although I am still waiting for the outcome of my asylum claim, my age dispute has recently been concluded. Even though it wasn’t the outcome I hoped for, after two years of ‘tension’, I am glad it is over. Feeling like you are constantly waiting for a decision to progress with your life is difficult, but the support I have received helps – I am able to speak with my counsellor on a weekly basis and my Caseworker throughout the week.

I am much more confident in my English now too, as I have been attending college for two years. Although I struggle with my writing and reading, my teacher provides me with specific additional support, and I am pleased to say that I have recently passed exams in English. I joke with my Caseworker that I am now the inhouse interpreter for Young Roots as I often help to interpret for new young people who attend the Hub. I’m not sure what I would like to do in the future, but having conversations about the possibilities I can pursue with my teacher and Caseworker excites me.

Meeting other young people from a similar background and who are going through similar experiences at the Hub in Croydon has helped me feel at ease. When I first started attending, I used to socialise mainly with other young people from Afghanistan, but now my English has improved, I have friends from all over the world – who I also see at college. I enjoy all the activities and trips, but mostly, the chance to play games with my friends. One of my favourite memories of the Hub is sitting outside in the summer and teaching other young people and staff how to play a popular Afghan card game called ‘Baazar’.  

My Caseworker provides me with both practical and emotional support. They have helped me to access long term counselling, but most importantly, I find their presence reassuring – especially during stressful times such as appointments with my solicitors and court hearings. Before accessing counselling, I found it difficult to sleep and was constantly thinking about my past. Although those feelings are still there, I can deal with them better now and know I have someone who will listen to me. I feel calmer. My Caseworker has also helped me to access health care, education, legal representatives, financial support, and advocates on my behalf in terms of legal delays. I sometimes struggle with understanding information, and the way in which my Caseworker takes the time to ensure I understand what is happening with my case is helpful to me.  

Thank you, Young Roots!