Faiz had no choice but to embark on a long and dangerous journey to the UK as conflict in Afghanistan had already claimed the life of his brother. Bundled into a lorry and feeling terrified, Faiz travelled on his own for several weeks, through land and sea. He had nothing to eat for several days, apart from a packet of biscuits. Without proper food and shelter, Faiz often had to sleep outdoors, wearing only a bin bag to keep dry.

“I am feeling so alone… and I cannot sleep. I am having negative ideas, due to the way I have lost my elder brother.”

After everything he endured, Faiz hoped to reach safety and sanctuary here. Unfortunately, when Faiz arrived in the UK, the authorities didn’t believe he was a child and accused him of lying about his age. This led to Faiz being placed in hotel accommodation with adults instead of with children his own age. He felt alone and frightened.

“ There are 10 beds in one room, I cried all night. There is one man, he threw my bag, and said get out!”

A hotel worker recognised how distressed Faiz was feeling and gave him a phone number for the Refugee Council. After speaking with a caseworker from our Age Disputes Project, he felt listened to for the first time in a long time. Faiz was relieved to be put into accommodation with children his own age, where he feels much safer.

With your help, we can be there for the young people we work with and show them they are not alone. You can make refugee children like Faiz feel welcome by sending them a message of support.

Our services provide therapy sessions that help Faiz build his resilience. With our support, he is learning English and gaining social skills. It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters that we can be there to pick up the phone. Support us with a donation so we can be there for more children like Faiz. ■

*Faiz’s words are all real, but his story has been drawn from several real-life accounts from refugee children to safeguard their identities and families.