Our Stand with Refugee Families appeal is raising much-needed funds to help support those in financial hardship. Here, a client at our Women’s Drop-in, Rana, talks about the difficulties her family faces.

For Rana*, a mum-of-three living in Newcastle, life is a daily struggle to make ends meet. Every month, she faces a difficult choice. Find £146 for bus fares or risk her children missing school.

“I can’t get my sons into the school closest to my house, so I have to take the bus every day and it is very expensive,” she explains. “I buy a weekly ticket for £20 for myself and tickets for my sons cost £1.10 each per day.”

Rana spends £146 per month on school bus tickets

Rana (pictured left in the main photograph, having a manicure with one of our volunteers) and her husband came to the UK from Lebanon seeking safety and a future for their children. But despite their resilience, financial hardship is a constant reality. Her husband suffers from mobility problems and recently missed a Universal Credit appointment, leaving the family struggling even more.

“Sometimes there’s not enough money. This month has been very hard.”

Her journey has been far from easy. For over a year, Rana was alone in Lebanon with her three young sons while her husband sought asylum in the UK. As soon as he was granted refugee status, he applied for family reunion and in May 2024, they were reunited. But rebuilding a life from scratch can be overwhelming.

Welcoming space

Rana now attends our women-only InterAction Drop-in every Wednesday – a safe, welcoming space where migrant women can find support, friendship and practical help. Here, she gets assistance with documents, free SIM cards to stay in touch with her family back home and essentials like food, clothes and toys for her children.

“It’s a nice place to meet other women and their children, I’ve even persuaded my friends to come along.”

The Drop-in offers an English conversation table, crafts and free beauty treatments like hairdressing and manicures, simple things that restore dignity and confidence.

Families like Rana’s have already endured so much. They’ve shown courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Now, they need us to stand with them.

We launched our Stand With Refugee Families appeal because they need urgent financial support. Rising costs mean parents are forced to choose between heating their homes and sending their children to school. Your donation can help turn hardship into hope.

  • Our client’s name has been changed to protect her anonymity