Five years ago, I arrived in the UK seeking asylum. Leaving my home country was not a choice- it was a decision born out of fear and a desperate need for safety. I had to flee from persecution, leaving behind everything familiar- my roots, my home, my community, and the life I once knew.
My journey since then has not been an easy one. As an asylum seeker, I face uncertainty, isolation, and a constant struggle to rebuild my life in a new country. One of the hardest parts is the impact it has on my mental health. Being far from my home country, not knowing what the future holds, and feeling invisible — all of this has a severe impact on my life.
Last year, I was introduced to the Jesuit Refugee Service UK. I started visiting their centre, and it quickly became a place of comfort for me. At JRS UK, I found people who listened, who cared, and who valued me and treated me with respect.
Being welcomed into a space where I could simply be myself without judgment has made a huge difference. The conversations, shared meals, and various activities have helped me feel human again.
JRS UK has become an essential part of my life. I now actively take part in their weekly and monthly activities like social gatherings, creative drama, gardening, and litter picking. These activities may seem small tasks for some, but for me they have been impactful and have helped my mental health in a positive way. I now feel more optimistic about what the future holds for me.
Gardening, especially, has become something very close to my heart. Every week, I spend time working with the soil, planting, watering, and simply being present in nature. I strongly believe that the human body has a deep, long-term connection with the soil. There’s something grounding about planting and watching life grow from it. It has reminded me that healing, like gardening, takes time and patience.
Although I cherish the entire garden, the sunflowers hold a special place in my heart. I planted them as seeds, and as part of a friendly competition among fellow refugees. This brings in an added layer of joy, friendship and community.
In the end, I believe human life is like a plant, as it flourishes and grows, so does my life but it needs patience, effort, and kindness. By providing me with a welcoming space, JRS UK has turned my life around in the last year. I feel more grounded with each step I take, and more empathetic and compassionate about others around me.
