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Find out how your support is helping Meron find safety and opportunity.
Meron fled conflict and political oppression in Eritrea, hoping to find greater safety and opportunities in the UK.
Feeling that he had no choice but to leave his mother and siblings with no certainty of ever seeing them again, Meron embarked on a long and dangerous journey. He told us that he was relieved and grateful to finally reach the UK.
Sadly, Meron’s first experience here was not a happy one.
He was given a room in a shared house, but some of the other occupants were struggling with drug and alcohol dependency and Meron didn’t feel safe there.
With no other options, Meron was forced to sleep on a park bench – utterly alone and so far from anyone or anything familiar or comforting.
After a few desperately uncomfortable and frightening nights, Meron found his way to YMCA.
When he arrived, he was tired and feeling low. He needed help. You’ll be glad to learn that he was given a warm welcome, a hot meal and a safe and comfortable room.
“When I first arrived, they smiled and welcomed me. I’m happy here. When I need help with something there are kind people I can ask.”
Mero told us, “When I first arrived, they smiled and welcomed me. I’m happy here. When I need help with something there are kind people I can ask. I like the area and living in this house. Everything’s good!”
Since then, with the support of his key worker, Meron has been rebuilding his life. He has enrolled in classes in Maths and English at a local college, where he’s making friends. He’s working on his carpentry skills and has even been able to return to painting, which he’s loved since he was a boy. Meron has also found community and companionship at his local church, where he volunteers at the coffee shop on his days off.
Meron has also spent time with YMCA Staff completing a life skills programme. This will help him learn to manage a budget, pay bills and how to take care of himself when he’s ready to move on to independent living.
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When other young people come to YMCA, Meron is warm and welcoming. He is grateful for the wide-ranging support he’s had from YMCA and wants other young people to feel welcome, too. Despite everything he has been through, his heart is still open.
Meron is now looking to a bright and exciting future. His determination to drive changes that will lead to better things for himself and others is a testament to his resilience and bravery. It’s not hard to imagine why a life that is safe and stable would mean so much to him, after everything he has experienced. And with the support of kind people like you behind him, it can only be a matter of time.
