Nabi’s story
Nabi was 16 when he arrived in the UK from Afghanistan.
Nabi and his mother were reunited with his father who had been settled in the UK as a refugee for 10 years. Soon after, Nabi’s father sustained a head injury in a car accident. His personality changed and he became violent and abusive towards Nabi and his mother. It was at this point that Nabi first came to Young Roots' youth club and told us about his circumstances.
Nabi and his mother were living in poverty. Nabi was taking responsibility for his mother's affairs - being alone in his limited ability to speak English. He turned to shop owners and classmates to borrow money for food and his school uniform. His mental health was quickly deteriorating.
Our Caseworkers assisted the family to access quality legal representation, advocated for emergency financial aid, and applied for Universal Credit. Nabi could clear his debts.
He also started trauma-focused therapy at our weekly Hub through our partners. He was able to talk through his experiences, alleviate some of his stress and learn strategies to support his mental health.
At the same time, Nabi took part in our youth activities, cricket, trips and English-language programmes.
Things are better than they were when I first came... I have learned new skills, how to be who you are...
As Nabi's immigration status was tied to their reunification with his father, he and his mother were at risk of becoming undocumented in the UK, detained and removed to Afghanistan. We secured specialist legal advice.
As survivors of domestic violence, they were able to successfully apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Nabi is now getting on well. He and his mother have moved into long-term accommodation. He aspires to train as a nurse and was recently runner-up in his school's Head Boy elections.
Nabi is one of our most dedicated Young Leaders, involving himself in projects to advocate for young peoples' interests at Young Roots.
I am going talk in assembly to tell all the young people about Young Roots, because lots of young people they don't know they can get help from Young Roots.