Tag: case study

Ivan joined the Food for All Group when GCP opened up the group to new members at the start of the third round of funding in June 2023. He had held a high profile position in football management at an executive level, before having to claim asylum in the UK in 2021 with his wife and two children.

Ivan shared how at the time of joining the Food for All project, he was still waiting for his last interview with the Home Office. This time was characterised by a lot of anxiety and a sense of hopelessness regarding the future. Being part of the project provided a structure and routine to keep to which, along with the opportunity to contribute his skills and share his experiences with others in the asylum process, helped to improve Ivan’s mental health.

“When I read the advert for the role [with the Food for All Group] it really spoke to me,” said Ivan. “It’s something that I wanted to be part of, to make the change I wanted to see. Joining the group and making a contribution was a very good opportunity for me, because I am not being allowed to work or do anything. [But being part of the project] gives you hope in life that at least you can still make a contribution to the community.”

Ivan found there were also other benefits of being part of the project, including learning how things are done in this country, and support with integration. The Food for All project was also the first opportunity Ivan had to share his experiences with other people with lived experience of the asylum process.

“It has changed the way I look at things because I thought I was in the worst situation, but I’ve seen people who are having tougher challenges than me. Sometimes you can think that you’re the unlucky one. And despite this, I’ve seen team members who are going through the toughest situation, but they still have the opportunity to come out and present themselves.”

Three years on from arriving in the UK, Ivan and his family have now happily been granted Leave to Remain. Ivan had anticipated that, once his immigration status had been confirmed, he would continue his career in football management. However, as a result of working with the Food for All Group, his career goals have changed and he now hopes to continue to raise awareness, advocate for and bring change for New Scots.

“I have discovered how much my contribution is needed here; I feel really motivated now,” said Ivan, who is about to embark on a degree in Common Law at University of Glasgow, while continuing as part of the Food for All Group. He added: “I’ve got something to give. I’ve got some kind of belonging.”

More than 175,000 people are awaiting a decision on whether they will be granted refugee status in the UK. Many people wait years for an outcome- forced to live in limbo. 

During this time, most people seeking asylum live on just over £5 a day, are not permitted to work, and are accommodated and supported in a system that was never designed to be used over the long term.

One of our community member’s shared their experience of life in the asylum system- they wish to remain anonymous.

“I arrived in the UK at 20 years old. I didn’t know then that all my twenties would be spent in the asylum process. During this time we had two children, I tried to raise my kids as best I could.

No one wants to beg for food for their kids or themselves. But the situation forces people there, they can’t work. I remember just eating 20p noodles a day so I could buy the cream for my baby’s eczema. 

You can’t choose a home for your family. We were put in an area with drug dealers, once my husband was attacked; we were scared. Our children experienced racism, even though they were born in this country, it’s like they don’t have the same value, they should be respected and treated equally like any other kid. 

It’s stressful seeing your children comparing themselves to other kids, they ask why they don’t have those toys, they don’t have the same bags and shoes, why they can’t go to McDonalds. We have patience for ourselves, but seeing our children upset with tears in their eyes, it’s so stressful. 

We had to stay at home for nine years, we didn’t have money to go anywhere. We feel the best part of our life was wasted, we couldn’t enjoy life as we should. It’s depressing staying at home all the time. We went through this experience for a very long time, we don’t want anyone else to go through this. 

Life is much better now, we have status, my husband can work. I work with GCP to share my experience to help make the asylum process easier for new people. Everyone has different situations and experiences, but we are not alone in the process.”

If you are in the asylum process and need advice, you can call GCP’s Advice & Advocacy Helpline for free on 0800 310 0054.