Amir’s case demonstrates how the involvement of voluntary sector organisations such as the Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC) within the Pathfinder model can help families to live independently, build the confidence to self-advocate and work towards the outcomes that matter most to them.
Names changed within story to protect identities
Background
Amir had recently been resettled in the UK with his children, when his family back in Afghanistan found out that their visa applications to enter the UK were not successful, leaving Amir as the sole carer for his young family. Amir was finding it difficult to care for his children on his own while adjusting to life in a new country and found forms and applications difficult due to limited English. The children were also struggling to adjust, with significant difficulties in reading and writing. Four had complex health needs, worsened by the poor condition of their home. The family were also facing financial hardship with limited means to cope.
As of 2025, many UK families continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, with child poverty highest in the West Midlands at 43%. When families also face language barriers, separation from support networks, and unfamiliar neighbourhoods, it becomes even harder to know where to find help.
Amir did not know where to turn. Although schools and social workers had tried to help, the children were reluctant to engage, and Amir found it hard to explain their situation. Recognising the family’s difficulties, the social worker referred Amir to RMC’s Pathfinder mentorship programme.
Finding help
The RMC Family Help Mentor began by building rapport with the family. Although Amir’s children were initially reluctant to engage, they gradually grew to trust the mentor, with one later saying, ‘I feel comfortable talking to the family mentor.’ The mentor provided direct support to all the children, using tools like the Three Houses to understand their needs, and offered practical help such as food parcels and Christmas gifts. The family also attended RMC social events, including a Christmas ‘family fun session’ for Pathfinder families.
Amir was shown how to book medical appointments and informed of his right to an interpreter when accessing NHS services. Support was also provided with registering household bills, completing applications, and accessing available discounts. Through advocacy, the mentor ensured housing concerns were escalated and addressed and supported Amir in meetings with his housing officer and landlord so he fully understood the actions taken.
The mentor continued to advocate for the family and attended multi‑agency meetings to keep all professionals updated on their progress. Amir expressed his appreciation for the support, saying, ‘The family mentor has helped me a lot.
Building their new lives
Amir and his children have built a strong, trusting relationship with their RMC Family Help Mentor. They now have a clearer understanding of their rights and feel better equipped to handle the challenges they face. Attending RMC events has helped them settle, socialise with other families, and begin integrating into their local community. The children have developed greater awareness of managing their health needs, expressing their emotions, and improving their literacy skills.
With their mentor’s support at multi‑agency meetings, the family can ensure their support plans reflect what matters most to them and are beginning to advocate for themselves.
"The Family Help Mentor has formed a positive relationship with the four children, and they enjoy attending sessions with her."
Wider impact
The long‑term value of the RMC Family Help Mentor role extends beyond direct support to individual families. The project offers student social workers meaningful experience supporting families with complex needs, helping them build skills in statutory practice. It has also strengthened partnerships and multi‑agency collaboration that will continue beyond the project’s lifespan.
This highlights the wider impact of Pathfinder‑style support, and the lasting improvements RMC Family Help Mentors contribute to service provision across both statutory and voluntary sectors.
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