I first heard about Aid Box Community through BRR. Someone told me about the Free Shop and said, 'Take a basket and put in anything you want.' I couldn't believe it.
Since then, I have used many ABC services, including the Free Shop, Women's Group, swimming, two trips, and the Connections Programme. ABC made me social again. That is a very big thing. They gave me confidence. They helped me whenever I needed them, whether with moving, household items, clothing or friendship.
Aid Box gave me the confidence that I can do and survive as a normal person. I have developed trust in people again. Sometimes you need someone to talk to, and you don't trust everybody. ABC gave me people I can trust who became good friends, especially during lockdown through the Connections Programme.
I also volunteer, which has helped me socially and taken away the fear from inside me. In a family everyone has responsibility, and that's why I am so glad to have Aid Box friends around me. I am more confident knowing that whenever I call them, they will be beside me. Aid Box is not the name of a single person, it is the name of a team.
My hope for the future is that Aid Box will work all around the UK.
Sofia’s Testimonial
Aid Box Community is my second home. Before I came, I was isolated in my room and didn’t go out a lot. I was very scared of people, gatherings and talking to others, especially when there were men there. Life was stressful and traumatic, and I felt hopeless.
Coming to the UK was a very bad experience for me. I left my parents, my family, my business and the life I had built. At home, I was a teacher, photographer and fashion designer. I owned a boutique. I also completed a Master's degree in International Relations, a diploma in Homeopathic Medical Sciences, a degree in Forensic and Pathology, and a Bachelor's degree in Teaching.
When I arrived here, everything changed and I struggled a lot.