World Mental Health Day: Eldana’s REP Journey So Far

The Home Office Refugee Employability Programme (REP) supports refugees into sustained employment by providing individually tailored employability sessions, English language tuition, and help with job applications and access to vocational training. 

REP supports individuals with community integration, which may include accessing services such as GPs, job centres, transport, or signposting to community groups and mental health services, with a focus on providing locally informed advice to best support refugees to settle and thrive. 

Eldana explains how REP provided her with practical and emotional support after she was granted refugee status in the UK. 

Eldana’s Story 

I came to the UK from Eritrea about three years ago and was granted refugee status. Claiming asylum and going through the transition period was not easy, and after receiving my papers, I faced homelessness. During this time, friends from the Eritrean community told me about REP, where I was introduced to advisors Goitom and Kifle. I enrolled in the programme, and Goitom became my advisor. From the very first day, he made me feel welcome and assisted me with everything I needed.   

As refugees, we face many barriers, and in my case, the challenges are my lack of work experience and skills in the UK, as well as language. I am working hard to improve my English language skills, which are crucial to finding a job.   

Immeasurable Support 

The support I have received through REP has been immense and immeasurable. Finding people who will listen to your worries and anxieties is not easy, but the REP staff are well-trained to treat people with respect and dignity. They know how to support refugees because they empathise with our situations. When I was homeless, I came to their office in tears; they calmed me down, offered me coffee, reassured me, and helped me find suitable accommodation. They also gave me a beautiful laptop to help me with my studies and a SIM card to connect with my family and friends. However, the emotional support I received has been the most significant – something that cannot be measured.

It was in the middle of winter, and I will never forget the feeling when they informed me that I had found a place to live. As a refugee woman, being on the street in the middle of winter is not just a story but a degrading experience, yet REP alleviated this burden and wiped the tears from my face. 

A New Family 

REP has created a safe space where I can express myself, share my worries and experiences, and not be judged for who I am, which is enormous. They are like a family; I have found a new family. 
I know many organisations support refugees, but REP is different. They do everything they can to help you. Even if they can't assist directly, they listen and make you feel good about yourself. They make you feel welcome.