Drita* Tells Her Story
My boyfriend promised me a new life in the UK. He told me he loved me, sold me stories of employment at his parent’s restaurant. I moved from my hometown in Albania to England to star t afresh. But it was all a lie. I was taken to a house and sexually exploited ever y day for months. I fell pregnant and knew I had to escape. I eventually received suppor t and accommodation from a charity after being referred into the National Referral Mechanism.
“While waiting for an asylum decision to be able to remain in this countr y and having given bir th, I became depressed, suffering constant nightmares and flashbacks. I was referred for counselling and also to the Hestia charity. Through their Phoenix Project, a community volunteer became my befriender and gave me additional emotional suppor t. I was exhausted and struggled with daily life because of my depression. I couldn’t complete normal tasks, eat or sleep and I just felt empty. But Donna* opened up doors for me, helping me to secure my immigration status, access financial suppor t and safe accommodation. She helped me enrol in a college course and worked with me on my CV.
“After finally receiving a positive asylum decision, I moved into private, rented accommodation. I feel like I’m star ting to close this horrendous chapter in my life, now that I’m no longer in limbo. Through the Bright Futures programme, I can begin my work placement when my young daughter star ts nurser y. I’m so excited to get back to work. The Phoenix Project helped to turn ever ything around. I can’t even think of where I’d be now without them. Now, for the first time in years, I’m looking for ward and I’m looking to the future.”
*All names have been changed