Finding hope in a new community: Nabegha's Story
Nabegha was connected with a community at the RMC Women’s Group that positively impacted her mental health, helping her process trauma and find inspiration to build a successful life in the UK.
Nabegha, a 49-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, arrived in Birmingham with her husband, three sons and two daughters, in 2024 after fleeing the escalating conflict in her home country. The journey was long, dangerous, and traumatic, leaving emotional scars on the entire family, especially Nabegha, who carried the weight of keeping her family safe.
Arriving in Birmingham
Upon arriving in Birmingham, Nabegha felt a mix of relief and anxiety. While grateful for the safety and security, she struggled with the language barrier, cultural differences, and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. The family had to navigate numerous challenges, including finding suitable housing, accessing healthcare, and enrolling the children in school, all while dealing with the emotional aftershocks of displacement.
The trauma of war and uncertainty severely affected Nabegha’s mental health. She experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nabegha felt isolated and disconnected from her community. She missed the familiar faces and traditions of home and felt she had no one who truly understood what she had been through. The constant worry about her family’s safety, coupled with the challenges of adapting to a new environment, left her feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.
A turning point came when Nabegha connected with the Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC). With RMC’s support, she was able to access essential services and find stability for her family. RMC helped Nabegha navigate the complexities of the UK immigration system, access essential services, and connect with other refugees and asylum seekers. Most importantly, she was introduced to the RMC Women’s Group, a safe, welcoming space where women with similar lived experiences come together.
Creating a support network
RMC’s health team established regular women’s groups in Birmingham, funded by Birmingham City Council, to support the wellbeing and integration of refugee women. The groups aim to build social connection, create a safe space for sharing, and promote mental health through learning and supportive practices. Activities include workshops on mental health, healthy lifestyles, and health literacy, as well as exercise sessions, arts and crafts, music and drama, walks to local places of interest, and cultural celebrations. Around 10 to 15 women attend each week, with over 70 women participating in the past six months.
Forming friendships
As Nabegha became more involved in the group, she began to feel less alone. She formed friendships, rebuilt her confidence, and began to see a future for herself in Birmingham. The community she found played a crucial role in helping her process her trauma and rediscover hope. She shared with RMC staff that before joining, she had felt deeply low and on the verge of giving up. But through connecting with women who truly understood her experiences, she found strength. Now, she feels motivated and optimistic about building a new life in the UK.
She is now looking ahead and hopes to continue receiving support from RMC to develop the skills and confidence she needs to improve her job prospects.
Nabegha extends a special thanks to the manager Mandy, Belinda, Nasima, and all the staff for their support and guidance.
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