From Isolation to Belonging
When Farkhunda Nawzadi arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker, everything she once knew had changed. Back home, she was a successful and capable woman with a strong sense of identity. In her new country, however, she felt invisible—isolated, uncertain, and reduced to “just a number” in an unfamiliar system.
Despite these challenges, Farkhunda carried a strong determination. She wanted to rebuild her life, stand on her own feet, and become an active and contributing member of her new society.
Farkhunda first came to FODI as a service user. After being granted refugee status, she faced the daunting question many refugees ask: Where do I start? Through FODI, she was offered a volunteering opportunity that became a turning point in her journey. Volunteering allowed her to rediscover her strengths, develop her skills, build confidence, and integrate more smoothly into life in the UK.
With encouragement and guidance from FODI’s former manager, Farkhunda took another important step forward. She enrolled in a UK government–funded Community Interpreting course. Within a year, she qualified as a Community Interpreter—an achievement that opened new doors and enabled her to register with several linguistic companies as a freelance interpreter.
Her journey with FODI didn’t stop there. When a vacancy for Operations Assistant was advertised, Farkhunda applied. After being shortlisted and successfully completing the recruitment process, she joined the organisation—not as a service user, but as a member of the FODI team.
Today, Farkhunda proudly says that her dream of becoming an active member of her new society became a reality with FODI’s support. She loves her job and is passionate about giving back. Every day, she strives to be a ray of hope for others who are walking a similar path—supporting asylum seekers, creating positive change, and contributing to the country and community that welcomed her and her family when they needed safety and protection most.
Farkhunda’s story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when opportunity, support, and determination come together.
From Sudan to a New Beginning: Abdelhai’s Journey
Abdelhai Haroon Yahya fled Sudan and arrived in the UK in 2023, seeking safety from conflict, persecution, and economic hardship following the outbreak of war in April 2023. Like many asylum seekers, Abdelhai faced the daunting challenges of adapting to a new language, culture, and environment, and at first, he often felt isolated.
Everything began to change when he discovered FODI’s Wednesday Drop-In. At his first visit for registration, Abdelhai found a welcoming space filled with fellow Sudanese asylum seekers, where he could speak his own language and share experiences with people who truly understood him. This connection gave him a sense of belonging, and he soon became a regular at the drop-in sessions.
Eager to engage more with the community, Abdelhai also joined the Secret Garden Project, spending his Tuesdays gardening. This gave him not only a peaceful escape from his daily challenges but also an opportunity to contribute and feel purposeful.
Determined to build a new life, Abdelhai started attending ESOL classes in FODI and after a while, he also enrolled at Sunderland College to learn English. With each passing day, his skills and confidence grew, helping him navigate life in the UK and integrate into his new community.
After nearly a year of waiting, Abdelhai received his leave to remain in the UK at the end of 2024. FODI continued to support him during this exciting new chapter, providing household essentials and furniture for his new home, ensuring he had a strong foundation to start fresh.
Abdelhai’s determination to stand on his own feet soon led him to seek employment. With FODI’s support, including a reference letter highlighting his dedication as a volunteer, he successfully secured a position with Amazon Seasonal Jobs, marking the start of an independent and promising future.
Abdelhai’s journey is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of small steps.
From Isolation to Inspiration: Naila’s Journey with FODI
When Naila arrived in the UK from Pakistan over 20 years ago, she never imagined how long it would take to rediscover her sense of identity. After years of uncertainty and loneliness, everything changed when she was moved to Sunderland seven years ago.
That’s where Naila found FODI, a charity supporting asylum seekers and refugees. With limited English but an open heart, she joined as a service user and quickly found comfort and connection through the FODI Women’s Group. Every Friday became a highlight—sharing conversations, creativity, and laughter with other women, and escaping her worries, even if just for a few hours.
One honest conversation about loneliness led to an unexpected opportunity: volunteering. At first, Naila didn’t even know what volunteering meant—but she soon discovered a new sense of purpose. She began cooking for FODI projects, sharing homemade meals with service users. It wasn’t long before everyone noticed her incredible talent in the kitchen.
When Naila received her UK status, she faced a familiar challenge many refugees experience: Where do I start? Through FODI’s network and encouragement from friends she met there, Naila completed a Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene qualification. That single step transformed everything.
Today, Naila is a paid caterer, known across Sunderland for her delicious food. She has hosted popular curry nights at one of the city’s well-known restaurants and continues to grow her confidence, skills, and independence.
“With FODI, my journey as an asylum seeker became less frightening. The support and connections I found made my integration smoother and helped me believe in myself again.” — Naila
Naila’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people are supported, encouraged, and given the chance to shine.
A New Beginning: Bashir’s Story
Bashir Adam arrived in the United Kingdom in 2023 as an asylum seeker in search of safety and stability. He had fled a devastating civil war in Western Sudan. leaving behind his home, family and many loved ones. Like many others forced to leave their countries, his journey was not only long and exhausting but also filled with uncertainty about what the future might hold.
Here, he continues narrating his story in his own words:
“When I first arrived in the city of Sunderland, I faced several immediate challenges. One of the greatest difficulties was the language barrier. Having very limited knowledge of English made everyday tasks complicated, from asking for directions to understanding official documents. In addition, I needed to navigate the complex legal procedures required to apply for permission to remain in the UK. These processes were unfamiliar and often overwhelming.
During my first few weeks in Sunderland, I discovered a local charitable organisation called Friend of Drop-In (FODI). This organisation became a turning point in my journey. The team at FODI welcomed me with kindness and understanding, offering support at a time when I felt most uncertain and isolated.
The organisation first assisted me with the legal procedures related to my immigration status with their guidance and support. I was able to complete the necessary applications and eventually obtain permission to remain in the UK. This achievement marked a crucial step towards building a stable life in my new country.
FODI’s support extended far beyond that. The organisation helped me have a smooth transition from being an asylum seeker to a refugee, and when I got a house, they provided essential household furniture so that I could begin to build a comfortable home. These practical forms of support made a significant difference in helping me settle into the new environment.
Equally important was the opportunity to learn English. So I began attending English language classes organised by FODI shortly after my arrival. Determined to improve, I continued attending these classes regularly for more than two years. Through dedication and persistence, my confidence in speaking and understanding English gradually grew, allowing me to communicate more easily and participate more fully in daily life.
However, the impact of FODI on my life went beyond practical support and language learning. The organisation created a sense of belonging. Through its volunteers, staff and community members, I found friendship, encouragement and a welcoming environment. I no longer felt alone in a new country.
Motivated by gratitude and a desire to help others facing similar challenges, I began volunteering with FODI within the first few months of my arrival. By contributing my time and energy, I became an active member of the organisation that had supported me. Over time, I grew to see FODI not simply as a charity, but as a large extended family.
Today, I think my story reflects resilience, determination, and the power of community support. My journey from an asylum seeker who fled a war zone to an active volunteer of a charity demonstrates how compassion and solidarity can transform lives. Through organisations such as FODI, individuals like me are not only supported in rebuilding their lives but are also empowered to help others to do the same.”