On 10 January 2013, at 6 o’clock on a dark and terrifying morning, my mother woke me up in panic. Her voice was trembling as she screamed, “We have to go now! The army is about to enter our village—they’ll kill anyone they find. We need to leave, or we’ll be caught in the airstrikes and rocket fire.” We fled our home, leaving behind everything we had ever known, never to return.
Our destination was Lebanon, but the reality there was harsh. As Syrians, we faced immense security and economic difficulties, viewed as burdens on a country already struggling. After spending six years in Lebanon and in 2019, the UNHCR contacted us, offering resettlement in the UK.
Arriving in England felt like a victory—a moment of relief. Yet, after just a month, I realised the journey was far from over. In the UK, refugees are sometimes scapegoated for the failures of government. Certain politicians and policymakers often cast us as the source of the nation’s problems. But there are many in society who see us for who we truly are: fellow human beings, deserving of dignity and the same opportunities as anyone else.
Being a refugee is not a one-dimensional experience. It comes with both its rewards and challenges. There are always those who extend a hand of welcome, and others who make us feel like perpetual outsiders. The weight of the “refugee” label can be overwhelming, pressing down on those who are not resilient enough, breeding feelings of alienation and isolation.
The struggles of a refugee
Refugees in the North East face many different challenges, as follows:
Poverty
One of the most immediate and pressing issues refugees face is poverty. Banned from working while their asylum claims are processed, many are forced to live below the poverty line, imagine that your total income is £8.86 a week and you are not allowed to work at all. These restrictions not only impact an asylum seekers financial stability but also erodes their sense of purpose and self-worth. With limited resources, refugees often struggle to meet basic needs, leading to days filled with uncertainty and hardship.
Waiting
The wait for a decision on asylum claims can stretch on for months, even years. This prolonged period of uncertainty takes a significant toll on mental health, leaving individuals in a constant state of limbo. The anxiety of not knowing whether they will be granted the right to stay or be forced to return to a place of danger can be overwhelming. The waiting game becomes a cruel and endless cycle of hope and despair.
Hatred and violence
Refugees often find themselves targets of violence, attacks, and racist abuse. The fear of being attacked or harassed because of one’s background is a daily reality for many. These acts of hatred not only endanger physical safety but also deepen the emotional scars that refugees carry with them, reinforcing feelings of unwelcome and isolation.
This issue comes to the fore especially in the recent racist riots, refuges faced a huge difficulty as they felt threatened all the time. Things escalated until local councils informed refugees and asylum seekers not to go out unless they must, and they should avoid towns and busy streets so that they do not get attacked by extreme right riot groups. This if shows anything it shows how vulnerable these people are.
Isolation
The inability to speak English is a significant barrier to integration. Luckily personally I did not have to experience the above stages myself as through the UNHCR, but I know exactly what isolation means and how hard to restart from zero as I experienced it myself. I remember crying myself to sleep every night, feeling like I was drowning in the middle of an ocean, surrounded by people but unable to communicate with them.
The skill I had learned at two years old—speaking—had become foreign to me. The fear of not being understood made me avoid even the simplest interactions, like responding to a “good morning” on the street. It was a level of suffering that words can hardly capture.
Eventually, I began to speak some English and started to feel better, but then the second stage of hardship began. I had been an accountant back home—could I resume that career here? The answer was “no.” I needed to start from scratch, rebuilding my social network and acquiring new qualifications. This is not just my story—it is the story of every refugee.
Restarting from zero is a nightmare. Back home, it took years to build a network, and here it feels like it will take even longer. Many refugees hold degrees from their home countries, yet they are forced to start over, studying everything from scratch just to be recognised in their new home. For some, the struggle is even more profound—they arrive without their families, leaving children or parents behind in dangerous situations. Life could not be harder when you have fled your home but left a part of your heart behind, constantly worrying about their safety.
The positive side
Despite the overwhelming challenges and hardships that refugees face, there is also a bright side—a side rooted in hope, resilience, and the opportunities that come with rebuilding a life. While the struggles are real and often long-lasting, there are meaningful, life-changing positives that can emerge with resettling in the North East. These positives are not only about survival but also about finding new pathways, personal growth, and thriving in ways that may have seemed impossible at the beginning of the journey.
A place to call home
One of the most profound experiences for a refugee is finally finding a place to call home here. After fleeing danger and living in constant fear and uncertainty, the feeling of safety that comes with resettling in the North East is indescribable. The word “home” takes on a new meaning—no longer just a physical place but a symbol of security, peace, and a fresh start.
Many refugees, find that despite the challenges, there is an immense relief in knowing that they are in a country where their basic human rights will be respected. For the first time in a long while, they can focus on building a future rather than simply surviving day to day. This sense of permanence and belonging can bring a deep sense of emotional and psychological healing after years of displacement and instability.
The warmth of welcoming communities
Although refugees face hostility from some corners, the North East is also home to many welcoming and compassionate communities. People who have experienced loss, trauma, and upheaval are often met with kindness and support from those who recognize their humanity. For many refugees, the kindness of strangers and the warmth of new friends offer a lifeline of hope. These relationships are essential in helping refugees navigate the complexities of integrating into a new society.
A new start
For many refugees, their time in their new country marks the beginning of a second chance at life—a chance to pursue dreams that were once out of reach due to war, persecution, or displacement. Education is often at the heart of this transformation. Refugees who had to interrupt or abandon their studies due to conflict are often able to pick up the pieces of their academic careers in the UK. The opportunity to return to school or university is a significant turning point for many, offering them a chance not only to reclaim their former lives but also to build entirely new ones.
For me, this has been transformational. After fleeing Syria and losing out on years of education, I never thought I would be able to continue my studies. But after only two years in the UK, I learned the language and began pursuing my dream. This year I have graduated from the politics and IR department at one of the best universities in the world, Durham University. I am working towards a master’s degree in international law. This kind of opportunity, which once seemed impossible in my home country due to the war, is now within my reach.
My story is not unique—there are countless refugees who, with the right support, have been able to pursue their ambitions and rebuild their lives in ways they never thought possible.
Making a positive impact on society
Another significant positive side of being a refugee is the potential to contribute to the host society. Refugees bring with them a wealth of knowledge, skills, and cultural diversity that can enrich their new communities. From doctors and engineers to artists and entrepreneurs, many refugees have gone on to make significant contributions to the countries that have welcomed them.
In the UK, there are numerous examples of refugees who have become successful business owners, community leaders, and advocates for change. They bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can have a lasting impact on the economy. Far from being a burden, many refugees work hard to give back to the communities that helped them, becoming integral members of the social fabric. This in turn make them feel that they are a part of this society like any other citizen
Conclusion: hope, resilience, and the future
The dream of a refugee family is not to be rich or go on a holiday to the Maldives but to have a safe place to resettle. The refugee experience is one of profound struggle, but it is also one of hope and resilience. The challenges refugees face is daunting, but the positive side of their journey should not be overlooked. Refugees find safety and a place to call home, often forming deep connections with welcoming communities. They are given the chance to pursue education and rebuild their lives, tapping into their resilience and discovering new strengths along the way.
The potential for refugees to thrive and contribute positively to society is immense. With the right support and opportunities, refugees can go on to achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to the societies that have welcomed them. They bring with them stories of survival, hope, and determination—stories that enrich the fabric of their new communities and remind us of all of the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
