'For the first time in my life, I felt like I had a home.' 'We Belong is my safe haven.' '...a stepping stone to everything I do today.'
This three-minute video showcases the difference our work is making to the lives of young people growing up in the UK without permanent immigration status. The film, shot in London and Manchester by Nutmeg Productions, features 12 inspiring young people who turned to We Belong for support after finding they were being held back by their immigration status.
From Feeling Lost to Finding Purpose
The film introduces us to Ilsa, 21, who describes the uncertainty of waiting for the Home Office to resolve her status as 'running on a treadmill with no destination. You are just running and running.' After finding out her unresolved status would prevent her from attending university, Ilsa contacted We Belong during her A-levels. Despite her initial setback, We Belong helped Ilsa find purpose and empower her to help others. 'I can do so many things with my life. I can help so many people.'
Also featured in the film is Sami, 20, whose immigration status bars him from working or studying. Before contacting We Belong, Sami spent months barely leaving the house as his friends went off to university or began their careers. We Belong's one-to-one support and Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) programme had been transformative: a stepping stone to everything I do today.'
He says of We Belong: 'They give you an accredited qualification to feel empowered to be able to make the difference you want to make. I struggled with my mental health, anxiety and depression. It was the one-to-one support that made me feel comfortable, that encouraged me to grow and do things I wouldn't have imagined.'
As well as being part of the Manchester core group, Sami now volunteers at multiple social justice organisations, is a trustee of a charity, fundraises, and writes about his experiences to help other young migrants.
A Sense of Community and Belonging
Amina, 24, another young person impacted by We Belong's support, speaks to the feelings of insecurity and isolation she experienced due to her immigration status. The film highlights how We Belong provided her with a sense of direction and confidence. She says: 'I didn't know what I wanted to do. I didn't have a sense of direction. Coming here gave me that confidence to do so many amazing things.'
Jaya, 24, a member of the London core group, recalls her relief after just one phone call with We Belong: 'I felt, Oh my gosh. I am not in this alone.' She describes We Belong as 'my light' after feeling lost by her situation. Abdullahi, 22, another success story, is now pursuing a master's degree after We Belong helped him secure scholarship funding. He considers We Belong his 'safe haven.'
The film beautifully captures the importance of community for these young migrants. Ilsa shares how We Belong provided her with a sense of belonging: 'For the first time in my life, I felt like I had a home,' whilst Milana, 22, describes the organization as a "power-up" that empowers her to move forward. Milana contacted We Belong after discovering she wasn't eligible for a student loan and is now in her second year of a psychology degree.
Empowering Young People to Reach Their Full Potential
The film showcases several success stories, including Tahj-Li, 22, who has lived in the UK since age 1. Tahj-Li was packed and set to drive to university when she was informed her student loan application had been refused. With We Belong's help, Tahj-Li successfully overturned the Student Loan Company's decision and secured the funding she was legally entitled to receive. We Belong has also helped in other ways by pointing her towards opportunities that will help her future career. 'There are so many options for you, that I didn't even know existed.'
The film concludes with a message of hope and unity: "I belong. You belong. We belong!"
Background to the Film
The idea for the film came from We Belong's core group, which meets regularly in Manchester and London, and plays a key role in shaping the organisation's work and priorities. The group wanted a film that would reassure other young migrants facing emotional and practical difficulties due to their immigration status that they are not alone. The film's key message is that We Belong offers an extensive range of youth-led support, tailored to you and your situation.
Thanks to our film participants (in alphabetical order): Abdullahi, Amina, Faiqa, Hillary, Ilsa, Jaya, Kodou, Noura, Peace, Saleh, Sami, Tahj-Li, and Tobi.
Thanks to Nutmeg Films and the We Belong staff team.
About We Belong
We Belong is the only UK-wide charity set up and run by young migrants. It has offices in London and Manchester and was set up in 2019. We Belong services include access to immigration support through our partnerships with Coram International; personal statement workshops; mentoring; support accessing university funding; social gatherings; and accredited leadership programmes such as the Emerging Young Leaders programme.
To find out more explore our website and learn how you can get involved!
