Borris’s Story

Borris came to Manchester six months ago after having to leave his home in Namibia, his family and everything he knew behind. At Mustard Tree, Borris has finally found somewhere to feel safe, a sense of community and is hoping he will be able to train as a nurse in the future. While waiting for the Home Office to process his claim for asylum, like any other hopeful refugee, Borris has no right to work, was housed with a group of other claimants and had less than half of what someone on Job Seekers Allowance has to live on – just £35 a week.“I came from Namibia, and was at first sent to Liverpool. I didn’t know anyone or know the area at all. In the house there were four guys. No one spoke the same language. I was just left lonely and afraid in my room with nothing to do. No money, can’t work, no friends. It was really getting to me mentally, I hated it.ʺ Read his full inspiring story here