Help save two lives

“I arrived in London in 2018 seeking asylum after escaping war-torn Syria – leaving behind my widowed mother, siblings and dog Jacko.

Following almost a year in the limbo of asylum, I received refugee status and, despite Covid putting things on hold again, managed to build a life in London. A life which included being reunited with Jacko my golden retriever after a British charity kindly flew him to the UK.

And yet, in a few short weeks in the autumn of 2022, after my landlord sold my rented flat, I lost a home once again. I couldn’t find anywhere to live with a dog at such short notice and, thanks to the stress of it all, I lost my waitressing job too.

Jacko and I found ourselves on the streets of London.

Being homeless was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me – even worse than the war. 

Together Jacko and I slept on the streets for several nights before I was given a room at the St Mungo’s hostel in Lewisham where Jacko and I were supported by the St Mungo’s team.

With their help and a roof over my head, I started to feel safe again.”