At GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) we offer support to those seeking asylum in Gloucestershire, welcoming them when they arrive, advocating for them in their daily struggles, supporting them if they face being sent back as well as helping them adjust to their long term future if they are recognised as refugees.
Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS)
Telephone: 01452 550528
General enquiries: info@garas.org.uk
Administrative enquiries: admin@garas.org.uk
www.garas.org.uk
Director
Adele Owen
For the past few weeks I have been waiting, waiting for some news. I was informed I should hear this week, but I am still waiting.
It is incredibly stressful, I check my inbox all the time. Never has my spam been checked so much ( just in case!). I am sleeping badly, I get up during the night and I worry.
But maybe today….
I am sure you have had similar experiences.
So what is it like to wait for years?
On Wednesday I spent time with a client who I had just told has his substantive interview in March. He has been waiting for this for 18 months! He cried gently in my office with relief that something was finally moving.
He has been through so many emotions over the past year or so. He has been frustrated and angry, he has not slept and has been questioning. And most of the times I have had no answers for him, except I am sorry, be patient, it will happen, you are not the only one, please don’t take it personally.
Now, finally he is starting the next part of his journey. This is not the final decision, there is still a long way to go. But he does now know he is in the system and he can start to make his voice count, he can start to explain, why him.
He is not alone, there are countless like him, playing the waiting game, watching and hoping, listening for the post, watching their inbox, hoping and praying. Some much longer than him. It teaches me a lesson in humility and of a remarkable courage.
And, hopefully, today, I will hear.
Adele