Alan is a biomedical student at a London University, working hard each day to achieve his life-long childhood dream of becoming a doctor. He also arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker fleeing civil war and has experienced what it’s like to be without money or a home in a land that’s not his own.
Alan came to the UK when it was no longer safe for him to stay in his own country, but he never forgot his dreams. When he was granted leave to remain by the Home Office he was thrilled and determined to make a new life for himself and pursue his scientific studies. But that hope quickly turned to despair:
“As soon as my immigration status changed, I was evicted. Everything was suddenly cut off – the accommodation, the support, I had nothing and no one to turn to.”
Alan searched online for help and found Nightstop:
“When you don’t have a roof over your head it’s constant worry. You can’t think of anything else” he says. “When I found Nightstop it was a real sanctuary. A place you can walk into and find safety, food, and most importantly kindness.”
Alan stayed with different Nightstop hosts over a period of three months. He kept studying hard and applying for university, he even joined a local football team and made friends with the other players. But it was the small gestures from his hosts that made a big difference.
“One family I stayed with ironed my shirt once,” he said, “which was something wonderful. I appreciated this small gesture of kindness. No judgement. No interrogation. Just help.”
It wasn’t always easy admits Alan. “I was uncomfortable at first” he said. “Living in someone else’s home, not knowing them, not wanting to be a burden. I’m a person of faith. I don’t eat pork, but I’d think I don’t want to impose. But the hosts were amazing.”
It was during this time that he received an offer to study at a top London University, funded through a government scheme. “When the offer came through, it was the best day of my life” he said.
“I love science. I’m fascinated by how cutting-edge technology can help deliver improvements in healthcare. In how we can use equipment to diagnose diseases, to analyse data and improve people’s lives.”
Today, Alan lives in supported accommodation in London but is hoping to move into shared private accommodation as soon as he can. He’s also thrown himself into student life – holding the role of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Officer at his Students’ Union.
“We’ve celebrated different cultures and religions, made sure everyone felt welcome and heard” he said. “That sense of belonging, it’s everything. It’s what Nightstop gave me, too.”
“Nightstop changed my life. Full stop” Alan emphasised.
“They gave me hope at a time I felt there was nowhere else to go. I hope they never stop doing what they do. Helping others who are in need and in times of hardship is amazing. They are heroes who have hearts of gold, they’re very, very kind. I would love to follow their path. One day, when I’m a doctor, I want to pay it forward. Free care, kindness, dignity, just like they gave me.”
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Thank you to Egis, The Julia Rausing Trust and Egis.