Riak’s story
Riak was 16 when he arrived in the UK, from Sudan.
Soon after, he was placed in temporary accommodation, where he was struggling to sleep, felt depressed and worried all the time, and thought of running away.
Living in contingency accommodation, young refugees alone without family, often have no sense of agency or control over their lives and are unable to take steps towards accessing education or connecting with their local communities.
I felt so miserable. I asked them for clothes - for 12 days I stayed in the same clothes that I had arrived in, they never brought me clothes. The only help I’m getting is from your organisation.
Riak’s age had not been believed by authorities, so he’d been placed with adults, without access to the care and support available to children.
Like many other young refugees who arrive alone in the UK, Riak had little awareness of where to find help and whom to ask.
A friend of Riak, who lived in the same accommodation, brought him to Young Roots’ Hub to access advice regarding his age dispute.
Young Roots’ staff supported Riak to secure legal representation, register with a GP for mental health support, with a dentist, and to enrol on an ESOL course at college, as well as providing consistent emotional support during this difficult period.
Riak became a regular at Young Roots’ youth activities, particularly enjoying our weekly football project, and taking every opportunity to practice his English.
As a result, his confidence grew, his language skills improved and he built a strong social network, all of which improved his wellbeing.
The best thing is the education which you have helped me with, I was dreaming of this, it is very important.
Riak recently joined a theatre trip with a group of young Sudanese people, to see a comedy about two best friends’ imaginary journey through Sudan.
This new experience gave the group an opportunity to engage with the arts in London, and to connect with positive aspects of their shared cultural background.