Case Study Archives - Refugee Women of Bristol

Survivor from Domestic Violence

“When I first sought help, I was a mother of two children, and struggling with isolation and the trauma of a violent, controlling marriage. My ex-partner made me feel unable to do anything, even simple tasks like buying groceries or going to the corner shop. After my daughter’s nursery teacher signposted me to Refugee Women of Bristol (RWoB), I finally found a safe space to share my vulnerabilities.

Working closely with the Health and Wellbeing Coordinator (HWC), I received life-changing emotional support. She helped me understand that the abuse was not my fault and facilitated vital referrals to Next Link, the Bristol City Council’s Homelessness Team, and emergency accommodation. This combination of tangible assistance and guidance has been transformative. The HWC constantly reaffirmed that I am a strong mother, teaching me to manage my anxiety and helping me feel safe for the first time in years.

The HWC provided essential practical assistance, including referring me to Citizens Advice for visa and credit support, resolving housing issues, and coordinating a move to a more convenient nursery for my child. Additionally, they advised me to use interpreters during meetings, which significantly boosted my confidence.

The support I received from HWC encouraged me to rediscover my self-worth and truly empowered me. As a result, I felt confident enough to volunteer at my child’s nursery and participate in school trips. I have since begun attending workshops, monthly coffee mornings, and local ESOL classes to improve my English.

Today, I am a regular participant at the Welcome Centre, where I am building meaningful connections with other women. I am now confident enough to deal with my own bills and household matters independently. I am no longer a scared, struggling mother; I have become a hopeful woman navigating a bright new path for myself and my children.
My journey is a testament to the fact that with the right support, every voice truly matters”.

RWoB Member – March 2026

My Journey to Safety and Belonging

Case Study

“I am a young woman who came to the UK in 2025 by boat. It was a very dangerous journey. I was escaping death in my country and searching for safety and a better life.

When I arrived, the Home Office sent me to Bristol. I stayed in a hotel for two months. During that time, I received my status, but then I was told I had to leave the hotel within 28 days.

I went to the city council as a homeless person, asking for help, but unfortunately they refused to support me. Suddenly, I found myself on the street in a new country where I didn’t know anyone. I was homeless for one week, surrounded by strangers and sometimes drunk people. I felt scared and lost. I kept asking myself, “Where shall I go?”

Then I remembered an organisation that had visited us in the hotel. I went to them, and they referred me to Refugee Women of Bristol (RWOB). For me, that was a light of hope.

I came to the Welcome Centre around 2 o’clock. When I started registering, I couldn’t hold my tears. I started crying. A community worker came to me and tried to calm me down, but I was not okay. I will never forget that day. All the staff supported me and did their best to make sure I felt safe.

They referred me to Citizens Advice and helped me understand what to do next. I also remember one volunteer who stayed with me until I found a safe place. That meant a lot to me. The staff kept calling me to check if I was okay.

After that, I came back to the Welcome Centre regularly for two weeks. Then one day, the community worker called me and asked me to come and complete my registration. When I arrived, everyone welcomed me warmly. At that moment, I said to myself, “This is my place. I feel like I belong here.”

Now my life is different. I am attending English classes, and I am also volunteering. I know many people in the community, and I feel connected.

The community worker also helped me find a beauty course, which I was very interested in. I have now completed it and received my certificate. I am proud of myself and I want to become a professional in this field.

Today, I feel safe, motivated, and more confident. By coming regularly to the drop-in centre, I am improving my skills and building a better future for myself.

Thank you, RWOB, for everything. You have helped me build my new future”.

RWoB member March 2026

From Support to Service: Empowered by RWoB

Case Study

“My children and I came to Bristol as asylum seekers. We struggled to survive and faced life-threatening situations in our home country. As a mother, I did everything I could to keep my children safe and give them stability. However, when we arrived in Bristol, we faced many new challenges that weighed heavily on us.

We were introduced to Refugee Women of Bristol (RWoB), where we received a warm welcome and compassionate support. They provided a safe space, nourishing meals, ESOL classes, and practical guidance. They referred me to partner organisations to better understand the asylum process, to Citizens Advice for help with housing, and to a Family Hub so my children could enroll in school.
Through English classes, one-to-one reading support, and conversation clubs, I improved my language skills. I also made new friends, which helped me feel less isolated and more connected to the community.

As I became more settled and attended RWoB’s Welcome Centre regularly, they encouraged me to volunteer. Volunteering allowed me to give back to the Bristol community, rebuild my confidence, and develop new skills. It also opened doors to further opportunities, as I was connected to other organisations where I could continue contributing and learning.
After we were granted refugee status, RWoB also supported my path into employment by providing internal and external training, guidance, and encouragement. When I experienced prejudice in my first job, their emotional support helped me stay strong. With their continued help, I secured a second role that I truly enjoy- one that reflects my passion for supporting others and allows me to make a meaningful difference.

Thanks to RWoB, I have regained my independence and confidence. Their support has not only helped us rebuild our lives, but also empowered me to give back and contribute positively to the community that welcomed us.”

RWoB member March 2026

Finding Hope and Community

Case Study

“I came to the UK in June 2023 on a visa with my two daughters, hoping to build a better life for them. We stayed in London for two months before being relocated to Bristol. Looking back, moving to Bristol was one of the best things that ever happened to us.

During my first year in Bristol, I was mostly at home and felt very isolated. My youngest daughter is autistic, and it took time for her to be accepted into school. Once she finally started school, things began to change for me.

My social worker referred me to BRR, and from there I was introduced to Refugee women of Bristol RWoB. The first time I attended the Welcome Cnetre, I felt an immediate sense of comfort. Meeting other Arabic-speaking women made me feel happy and less alone. It helped to relieve a lot of the stress I had been carrying.

I joined the English classes and asked to become a volunteer, especially because I also speak French. I started volunteering in the kitchen, where I learned a lot. We come from different cultures, backgrounds, and speak different languages, but we come together through food and shared experiences.

Tuesdays quickly became very special to me. From the moment I arrive, I feel at home. As a single mother with an autistic child, having this space gives me time for myself, which I really need.

Although I still do not have my immigration status or a stable income, I continue to find joy in attending the Welcome Centre. We celebrate events like Christmas, Eid, and International Women’s Day together. I have also received support such as gift vouchers, bus tickets, and Ramadan food parcels.

Through this experience, I have learned that there is always hope. We just need to look for the opportunities around us.
My goal is to become a trustee with RWoB next year, and one day I hope to work there as a staff member”.

RWoB member 2026

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