We spoke to Rem* in Aberdeen to hear him share his experiences of moving to the country and finding his feet in a new community.
“I always try to help myself emotionally – but I felt my strength was finished because my situation was so hard to deal with.”
I’m Rem. I am originally from Turkey.
A few years ago, I moved to England but I had some very hard situations, so I came to Scotland. I felt like I’d lost my way; I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what my rights were. I didn’t know which door to knock.
It was a very hard situation for me because I was a stranger in this country. I’m originally a psychological counsellor – I always try to help myself emotionally – but I felt my strength was finished because my situation was so hard to deal with. It’s not easy to do this by yourself. I almost gave up.
Then I met my Link Worker, Robynn – she really touched my life. She showed me a way and gave me some hope. After meeting with her, I saw a bit of light in my life. Before, I was trying to be positive, but I was living in the dark. Then, with Robynn, the sun came up.
She brought me to the Toastie Club where I met Kam and Ali. They were warm-hearted, welcoming and supportive. I felt like I was with my family when I was at the Toastie Club. Everything felt more manageable when I was with them.
Finding somewhere to stay was a challenge. I was staying on the street as I was not eligible for benefits or housing assistance. Through support, I was able to work through the process and make a homeless application, but there was a lot of uncertainty.
“I know if I need help, there are people I can call on who will help me.”
During this time, I was attending the Toastie Club each week. They gave me food parcels, they gave me sleeping bags. They even sorted a Christmas parcel for me.
With help, I eventually found a temporary housing solution and now I am in my permanent home. I know where I’m staying tonight; I can feel safe after the hard times. This is what makes me feel secure for the future: I know if I need help, there are people I can call on who will help me. When you feel safe – when people care for you and are watching out for you – that’s what it means to have a home.
I feel I am home now, not only because I have a flat, but because I have good friends.
* Rem’s name has been changed to protect his identity.