Hamid’s Story
When Hamid, a talented photographer and filmmaker, first arrived in the UK, he struggled to adapt to a new country and missed his family in Iran. Now, he’s made his home in Birmingham, gained vital voluntary experience and has reunited with his family.
Keep reading to find out how…
On a cold winter night in late December, Hamid landed in London after a long tiring journey. Whilst the majority of the UK were in the comfort of their homes, surrounded by family enjoying the Christmas festivities, Hamid felt vulnerable and alone as he tried to process his new surroundings. He recalled that during his first night in London, where he applied for asylum, an immigration officer asked for his date of birth. Hamid replied ‘December 22nd’ and the officer said, ‘Happy Birthday!’. It was at that moment Hamid realised just how detached from reality he had become as he recalled, ‘I had lost track of the days and time and didn’t know that my UK arrival date coincided with my date of birth. Today this coincidence holds a deeper meaning to me’.
Hamid initially struggled to integrate into British society as he described his journey of adapting to a new land as going through ‘a process of rebirth’, as he had to relearn many aspects of life. He faced homelessness and felt isolated, a feeling heightened by the outbreak of the pandemic which took a toll on his mental health: ‘I felt conflicting and distressing feelings that could lead to the emotional bankruptcy of any refugee. I experienced this mental bankruptcy, especially during the quarantine period caused by the Corona epidemic in the hostel’.
Throughout his emotional and physical turmoil, the city of Birmingham supported Hamid and provided him comfort, safety and guidance during his most difficult days. Hamid described the support he has received, saying:
‘Fortunately, the city of Birmingham embraced me and helped me recover by comforting me. By Birmingham I do not mean the crowds, towers, statues or natural beauties, but the collective spirit that governs the city. The spirit that manifests itself in the density of human culture and morality: that aspect of the city spirit that caresses strangers. Yes, Birmingham welcomed me when its "charities" gave me free food and clothes.
Birmingham welcomed me as passer-by’s smiled at me and guided me. Passing through Victoria Square, with its stunning mansions, became my solitary promenade. Birmingham embraced me as NHS nurses took care of me. The police provided security. I felt safe when its buses took me to my destination. I appreciate the generosity of the British people and government, but as an asylum seeker I also have responsibilities that I must fulfil, and that is to embrace the process of socialization through respect for the culture and law of the host country’.
Hamid commented on his appreciation for ACH, who he said gave him safety and a sense of belonging during the pandemic by providing him with a home and career services that would allow him to rebuild his life one step at a time.
‘I felt supported when ACH gave me a home and its caring staff planned for my future. I would also like to thank Ms. Sukhi, a Careers and Enterprise Officer at ACH and Ms. Lina, my English teacher at ACH for their support and kindness and for treating me like an equal human being’.
They have supported me to grow in confidence, giving me self-worth and value. Creating opportunities to volunteer within ACH to utilise my existing skills in events by taking photographs and creative videos. Thank you so much ACH for giving me hope and raising my aspirations’.
Hamid is a successful film maker, director, and photographer, and he has been interested in this field since he first produced a short film in high school and has been passionate ever since.
His favourite photo he has taken is a ‘ a photo of wall in a pilgrimage, where people wrote beautiful sentences such as ‘life is like washing a plate’ meaning life is simple.’
Hamid has been volunteering at ACH’s Birmingham events as a photographer to gain experience and nurture his skills. This was also a way in which he could occupy himself whilst distracting himself from negative thoughts.
He says, ‘I wanted to volunteer at ACH because it was a period in which I was weak mentally and needed to get out of the house and meet new people doing what I love. During my time here, it has been memorable and worthwhile because I was treated with love and respect. Since then, my overall mental wellbeing has improved a lot and I am grateful for the support ACH has given me’.
Hamid is now in a good place as he has recently reunited through family reunion with his daughter, son and wife who are settling in Birmingham. He aspires to establish his career as a filmmaker and photographer in the UK and will continue to make short films and take photos until he achieves his goals.
