No one should have to choose between feeding their child or feeding themselves.  

Mahmoud escaped persecution in West Africa and arrived in the UK three years ago. But he had to leave behind his wife and young son.  

He used to split his £40 a week asylum support allowance between his needs and sending money back home for his family. But rising costs have made this nearly impossible.  

No one should have to choose between feeding their child or feeding themselves. 

“I have missed some of the most precious moments of my son growing up.  His first words and when he started walking. I’ll never get those moments back.  

I’m no longer whole, as a human being. I always dream of being reunited with them. 

I will give up everything to protect my family from hardship. I used to spend £10 on my weekly grocery shop and send the rest of my money to my wife and son. 

But now costs are making this impossible.

When I bought food, I used to cook a big meal and eat it gradually through the rest of the week. Now, I only eat plain rice. 

I suffer from severe depression, anxiety and isolation. 

Whenever I have needed them Refugee Action has supported me. They’ve helped my mental health and have signposted me to different services. But it is tough to manage. 

I have so much to offer. I used to have a job with an adequate income to meet my needs without anyone’s help. 

I feel useless and cut off from society. It feels like I am in a massive cage. It’s pure mental torture.” 

Your support means more people like Mahmoud can be reached by our services. You are helping ensure that they aren’t forgotten as costs continue to soar.  

Thank you for being a lifeline for those seeking safety in the UK. 

Donate Now

could provide one month’s worth of mobile data to keep people connected to their loved ones 

could stop people seeking asylum going hungry by providing supermarket vouchers

could help 10 people in crisis to access a session with a case worker providing support and legal advice

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