One of the great things about Action Foundation is the way in which services dovetail for clients. For example, Karim first came to us because he was homeless and needed the support of our accommodation team – but now he and his family are reunited in a comfortable home, his daughters have begun coming to our Young Lives sessions. This is the kind of wrap-around care we can provide – but only with your help. You can help us continue this kind of support by giving to our Stand With Refugee Families winter appeal this year. Every donation of £250 or less is doubled so that means twice the impact for our clients. Thank you!
This Christmas will be extra special for Karim. For the first time in six years, he will sit around the table with his wife, Fatima and two daughters, Sara and Asma, exchanging gifts in their new home in Gateshead. More than just a holiday, it will mark the start of a new chapter filled with hope, belonging and freedom.
Karim grew up in Iran, where he converted from Islam to Christianity. His decision brought with it immense challenges. In his home country, diversity of belief is not tolerated and Christians are not allowed to celebrate Christmas openly. Karim recalls quietly honouring the season in secret, never able to share the joy of his faith with his community. Karim explains:
“It was not possible to live there because they don’t accept diversity in beliefs. We respected the season in our home, but we could never celebrate openly.”
Six years ago, Karim fled Iran, leaving behind his wife and two young daughters but he made a promise that they would be together again before too long. After several years in Germany, he arrived in the UK alone, carrying the weight of separation and uncertainty.
In November 2024, the Home Office granted him refugee status, but with that recognition came another challenge – he was ordered to leave his asylum hotel with just a month to find accommodation. Without references or a deposit, Karim had nowhere to go. In the freezing winter temperatures, he had to sleep outside in Gateshead’s Saltwell Park, his clothes and blanket soaked through with mud and rain.
That was when he found Action Foundation. After being referred to us by Gateshead Council, Karim was offered a place in a shared house through our Letting service. He had a warm bed, a private room and the dignity of a safe space to call his own.
“I felt Action Foundation stood with me. They understood my critical situation and provided me with shelter.”
Alongside housing, our support worker helped Karim enrol in English classes at Newcastle College, giving him the tools he needed to start building a future.
Every time Karim had a meeting with our team, we checked in on his family reunion application. On August 23rd this year, Karim arrived at Manchester Airport with a bouquet of flowers, waiting to embrace his wife and daughters. When he had left Iran, his little girls were just six and eight years old. Now, at twelve and fourteen, they ran into his arms, finally reunited after years apart.
Sara & Asma with Bridget Stratford, Solace Surf Club
Today, Karim and his family live in social housing with a garden and kind neighbours who stop by to offer help and friendship. His daughters are thriving at school and have joined Action Foundation’s Young Lives project, taking part in activities from homework clubs to surfing at Tynemouth. Karim beams with pride as describes how they’re settling into their new community.
“It was truly hard for me to leave my family behind. It was even harder for my children to be without me. Action Foundation has made a significant contribution to me and my family.”
Karim understands just how fortunate he is. Mere weeks after his reunion, the Government suspended refugee family reunion applications, leaving many others in heart-breaking uncertainty. “I would be very disappointed if I could not see my family again,” he says quietly.
This Christmas, Karim’s story is a reminder of the power of compassion. With your support, Action Foundation can continue to provide practical help and perhaps most importantly, hope, to families like Karim’s. Your donation to our winter appeal will help ensure that more refugees are welcomed and given the chance to celebrate life’s milestones in safety and joy.
Together, we can make sure that Karim’s first Christmas in the UK is not just a celebration for one family, but a beacon of hope for many more.
- Thanks to interpreter, Farhad Jalal for translating Karim’s story.
