“I had to save my life and protect my wife and baby. But they couldn’t leave the country with me.”
CONTENT WARNING: The following article contains references to threats of violence, mental health crisis, and suicidal feelings. Please read only if you feel comfortable.
The 2020 pandemic changed Mounir’s life in Morocco forever. His export business collapsed, and he could not repay his business loan. Then he discovered something terrifying. His trusted business partner had connections to dangerous gangs. After facing violent threats and beatings, Mounir had no choice but to flee.
Left alone in the UK, confined to small hostel rooms, Mounir watched his life slip into limbo. Separated from his wife and baby son, his mental health deteriorated rapidly.
“It felt like a prison. I became suicidal.”
Luckily, staff found me and took me to a mental health hospital where they helped me in that moment of crisis.”
A Refugee Action caseworker became Mounir’s lifeline, helping him access urgent mental health support and secure temporary accommodation. But his journey to safety was far from over.
“My wife and now two-year-old son had to make a dangerous journey. I didn’t hear any news about them for three months. I didn’t know if they were still alive or dead.”
After two years of agonising separation, Mounir’s family was finally reunited. But their joy was short-lived.
“When we were finally reunited we were told we’d be moved into accommodation suitable for our family. But we got there and it was infested with rats. We couldn’t believe it.”
To make matters worse, the Home Office refused their joint claim for protection – news that could have meant the end of their hopes for safety.
But they weren’t alone. Our caseworker stepped in immediately, securing legal aid for their appeal.
They are still waiting for a decision on their claim, but now they know they have someone by their side.
“My caseworker was amazing, whenever I had a question or called her, she always found a solution. She was so helpful, more than she’ll ever know. The team were angels.”
YOUR SUPPORT SAVES LIVES
Every day, our crisis teams are contacted about some of the most complex asylum cases – people who fall through the cracks. Your support ensures we can be there when people need us most.
Will you help provide urgent mental health support for people seeking sanctuary in the UK?
