The moment that changed everything for me
Hope & Belonging is where we share the hopeful things happening every day that don’t always make the news.
People rebuilding their lives.
Communities coming together.
Small moments that help someone feel they belong.
Here’s one of them.
The moment that changed everything for me
My name is Habtom.
I arrived in the UK in November, alone. Everything was new — the country, the culture, even the cold weather.
Back home, Christmas is a time for family. But here, I had no one. I never expected anyone to think of me.
But something happened that changed everything.
I received a gift.
When I opened it, I felt joy and surprise. More than anything, I felt valued as a human being.
Because of that kindness, I wanted to give something back.
About one month later, in January 2025, I started volunteering. I helped with hotel outreach, delivered food, wrapped gifts and supported people who were new to the UK — just like I was.
From the beginning, I felt like I was surrounded by family. Within three months, I knew all of Birmingham. Supporting people became my passion.
I received my refugee status in March 2025. Now I am studying at college, still volunteering, and I recently started a job.
When I think about how far I have come, I know that support like this played a big role in my journey. It helped me when I had no one. It made me feel valued. It gave me opportunities to learn, grow, and feel part of something again.
And that moment — receiving that gift at Christmas — stayed with me. It made me feel that I belonged.
Last Christmas, I helped wrap gifts for people arriving in the UK who might be feeling the same uncertainty I once felt. And as I did, I found myself thinking about the people behind those gifts — and what a difference something small can make at the right moment.
What made the difference?
For me, it started with a small act of kindness.
Being remembered, being thought of, being treated like a person.
That was enough to change how I felt and what I believed was possible.
Gifts like this often come from simple acts of kindness — like Migrant Help’s shoebox appeal.
👉 Read more about the shoebox appeal
Climbing together
Refugees Rock is helping people seeking sanctuary build confidence and feel part of something — through climbing and shared experience.
👉 Read the Refugees Rock story
A bike that changes everything
For many people, a bike is more than transport — it’s access to work, appointments and community.
👉 Watch The Bike Project story
How people are helping this week
This May, we’re joining charities and community groups across the UK for A Million Acts of Hope — recognising everyday acts of kindness, care and connection. Many of the families we support are seeking safety and living in temporary accommodation, often in cramped conditions with little space or community around them. So our frontline teams are creating simple moments of hope — a picnic, games day and shared activities that help people feel welcomed, connected and less alone.
Thanks for reading,
Mandy
You’re part of a growing number of people who believe in looking out for one another. Thank you.
