Who do people think refugees are?

Today I visited the mum of these two beautiful Eritrean boys, and it got me thinking about who people think refugees are?

I was there to deliver a double buggy that had been donated by a kind local person. I also took toys, books, clothes, nappies, a high chair and other things for the baby. Their mum was so, so pleased to see everything, especially the buggy, which means they’ll now all be able to get around together.

The eldest boy is two, and goes to nursery near their home in Greater Manchester. He already speaks English well, and he was telling me all the colours of the toy cars I’d brought him. Then he took me to see his sleeping baby brother, beaming with pride. “I help mummy look after him,” he told me, showing me where the baby clothes were kept.

His mum told me that he really did look after his brother, and loves to help her make the porridge the family eats in the morning. My heart just melted when I heard that!

I’ve known the mum for a few years – since I first met her in her hotel shortly after she arrived in the UK from Eritrea. Just over a year ago, I brought her some other donations of toys, clothes, and kitchen equipment. This time she had politely asked me if I knew where she might get a double buggy, and when I found out we didn’t have one, I put a message on the community Facebook page of the town where I live, asking if anyone could help. 

Within a few days, someone had come forward, saying they were happy to support refugees like this. It made me realise once again how kind and compassionate most people are.

The mum is such a thoughtful, intelligent young woman, who appreciates the support shown to her and her children by the vast majority of British people. It’s lovely to see her and her family settled and expecting their Home Office interview shortly. 

I wish people who spread hate about refugees could see this little family, and the amazing progress they have made since coming to the UK. I’m so sad about the thugs who came out to terrify desperate asylum seekers last Friday, in Liverpool of all places, which is so welcoming. If only they could meet the wonderful people I meet as a Care4Calais volunteer, then they’d know refugees are just normal people like you, me, and this family. 

Pauline, volunteer

Our volunteers like Pauline make a huge difference to young families trying to find their feet in the UK – could you help too? If you’d like to try, email today: [email protected]