This country gave me a lot, but the immigration system cares only about affording food to stay alive and a roof above your head. This is great, but it's not enough.
We need people who engage new arrivals with their new communities, inform them with all the support they might need, and help them reach any support they deserve. For all of that, we need people who really care about people and are ready to give time and make an effort for others. I believe that ABC is giving us all that attention, and they're always ready to help in any matter or circumstance.
I first heard about ABC through the cookery programme with Coexist Community Kitchen. I went to the ABC shop to pick up clothes a few times, and it was always helpful. I always play football in the sessions they organise, and I attended the social men's programme many times.
ABC helped me to face difficulties which any asylum seeker might have, by being close to us and paying attention, giving pieces of advice and creating activities to connect us more with the community, and giving us the chance to make friends around.
All of that made me find myself better than before by doing activities and projects I like with amazing people. I can say now I'm happy.
Assad’s Testimonial
I am 28 and from Syria. I came straight to Bristol and have been here for 16 months as an asylum seeker. I'm still living in a hotel provided by the Home Office.
I left Syria almost five years ago looking for a safe place which respects human beings and values human life. Unfortunately, all of my family are still back home because it is such a long and dangerous journey for anyone who wants to cross the borders. I was trying to continue studying at university, but that wasn't possible because of the war.
The first few months were hard for me. I felt lonely and secluded from the people around me, and I was so depressed many times because I wanted to go out and be connected with people, but I didn't know how.