The neighbour i’ll never forget
From the headlines, it can sometimes feel like the UK is more divided than ever.
But that’s not the full picture.
Every day, people are showing up for each other in small, practical ways.
My neighbour who changed everything
When people ask how I managed to settle into life in the UK, I talk about one woman — Mary.
I was about to have my baby, alone in a country where I didn’t know anyone.
And then Mary appeared. A neighbour with a “Grandma” cardigan and a heart big enough for two.
She would pop round to check on me, make me tea, and remind me I wasn’t doing this on my own.
Within days, she had found me a washing machine, a fridge — the kinds of things that make a house feel like home.
She didn’t have to be there for me, but she was — again and again.
Because of her, everything started to feel different.
What once felt uncertain slowly began to feel steady.
And over time, something shifted.
Because of her, the UK began to feel like home.
It wasn’t one big thing. It was someone showing up. Again and again.
My neighbour Mary who cared. She gave me practical help when I needed it most.
A reminder that I wasn’t alone. That’s what made the difference.
Stories like this happen every day — small acts of kindness that help people feel they belong.
👉 Share Hope & Belonging with someone else
Bringing Easter joy to families in Kent
The mood at an accommodation was gloomy. Migrant Help's Neil Wildman fund helped fund an Easter party to bring a bit of joy to families and younger people in the hotel.
👉 Read the story
Creating spaces of safety and connection
In Glasgow, Migrant Help have helped to fund a Family Room and a Community Room to give a sense of belonging and to reduce isolation.
👉 Read the story
Refugees help restore historic Bath pub
A Bristol man is helping restore an historic pub near Bath while teaching refugees an important skill. Daahir Mohamed came to the UK from Somalia as a refugee himself and is now a skilled lime plasterer.
He's currently working on the 500-year-old Hop Pole pub in Limpley Stoke, which was saved from development by the community in 2022.
👉 Read the inspiring story from 2024
In our Hope Exchange you can choose small, practical ways to support people rebuilding their lives.
Everything goes straight to someone who needs it.
Thanks for reading,
Mandy
You’re part of a growing number of people who believe in looking out for one another. Thank you.
