Manu from Algeria – a Groundswell volunteer story
My name is Manu and I’m from Algeria. I was homeless in Westminster for 12 years. I was ill but too scared to go to hospital – I didn’t have papers and thought I’d be deported.
Dennis from Groundswell met me and helped me go to hospital. He had been homeless too. He talked to me and came with me to all my appointments.
When I started volunteering for Groundswell, I was so happy. When you’re in a position to help it makes you appreciate life and things are better.
I was still having issues with benefits, immigration, and my housing. Groundswell’s Progression team provided any help I needed. They came with me to the doctor, to the job centre, to immigration meetings.
“If it wasn’t for Groundswell I wouldn’t be sitting here now”
The Progression team work 100% from the heart. They do an amazing job – they help me so I have time to help others.