We have provided some case histories given to us by our clients, with their consent. Names have been changed to protect people's identities.
Faduma fled from Somalia with one of her own sons (aged 10) and two younger nephews whose own parents had been killed in the fighting in Somalia. The family was granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK fairly quickly and she found a house to rent.
CLEAR was asked to get involved as Faduma, who spoke very little English and was pregnant, needed help to attend hospital appointments, find a new GP, sort out benefits and introduce the children to local schools. Several volunteers became involved with providing transport, advocacy and friendship.
Unfortunately Faduma's baby was born with multiple disabilities and was rushed to Great Ormond Street hospital where he died two months later. CLEAR helped to support her through this difficult time of travelling between her children in Southampton and her baby in London, liasing with the many agencies involved.
After the baby's death she understandably felt very upset and isolated, particularly as her house was a long way from her friends and the Somali community in the city centre. We helped her to negotiate a transfer to a house nearer the city centre where she has settled happily and now has the support she needs.