Thanks to comprehensive support from the Refugee and Migrant Centre, spanning 2 years, Muna and her son are no longer living in crisis. They have safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive in the UK.
Fleeing conflict
Muna, a single mother from Sudan, arrived in the UK with her young British son, who has severe autism and ADHD. They had fled conflict and arrived destitute, struggling to meet even their basic needs. When Muna first came to RMC, she spoke very little English, was living with her son in a hotel provided as temporary accommodation, and did not know how to access the services her son urgently needed.
Rebuilding a life one step at a time
Over the following two years, RMC provided vital support to help Muna and her son build stability. We offered interpreting in Arabic, helped her open a bank account, register with a GP, and navigate the complex benefits system.
Our caseworkers supported Muna to access Universal Credit and apply for child benefit and Disability Living Allowance, ensuring her son’s additional needs were recognised.
We provided digital upskilling, showing her how to access her UC account online and interact with essential UK services.
This helped Muna gain confidence in managing her finances, communicating with public services, and integrating into life in the UK.
With RMC’s advocacy, her son was referred to CAMHS and given access to specialist health services.
Immigration uncertainty
When Muna’s initial status as a Sudanese evacuee was coming to an end, the Home Office guidance at the time was limited. RMC stepped in to provide expert legal advice. Our IAA Level 2 regulated caseworker helped her understand her options and supported her to make an informed decision about the best route to remain in the UK.
Later, the Home Office invited Muna to claim asylum as someone escaping the war in Sudan. During this period, Muna’s benefits were wrongly stopped, which we successfully challenged, so she could continue caring for her son
Working together
At one-point Muna presented with a serious injury that made it difficult for her to care for her son. RMC submitted a safeguarding referral, spoke with the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team and advised her to go to A&E urgently. The MASH team then contacted the hospital directly to ensure she was seen the same day. RMC also liaised with Muna’s son’s school so that his needs were understood while his mother received treatment. This multi-agency response ensured both Muna and her son were safe and supported at a critical time.
Beyond advice and guidance
Beyond immigration advice and safeguarding, RMC worked with Muna across all areas of her life. We helped her access holiday activities for her son, enabling him to take part in the community and meet other children. We assisted Muna to register utilities, apply for council tax reduction, book vaccinations, and navigate daily life in the UK. This wraparound support helped her overcome the many barriers she faced as a new arrival and enabled her and her son to begin integrating fully into their new community.
Muna has now been granted refugee leave to remain. Her son is thriving in school, and receiving the specialist support he needs. Muna is improving her English, growing in confidence, and feels safe and secure. She is able to focus on caring for her son and building their future.
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