Viktar
Previously supported by Boaz, Viktar now uses his free time to advocate for a fairer, more compassionate asylum system.
“I love drawing sometimes, just sitting and drawing something, just what I feel.”
For Viktar, arriving in the UK was an anxiety-inducing, lonely and disorientating experience. Having fled Belarus, he came to the UK seeking safety, but instead found himself facing street homelessness.
“When I came to England, it's been a time when I worried about and scared about everything. What’s next to me, about the people, because I've been alone in that time, and expecting that someone will support me and help me - it's been like, oh, something unbelievable.”
After his asylum claim was refused by the Home Office, Viktar accessed accommodation through the Boaz Night Shelter that was in operation at the time. He later moved into a Boaz house.
“I've been alone, not expecting any help from any sides. But Boaz Trust helped me, and that one, what I still thinking about, it's like a rescue from my life.”
Having somewhere that was safe to stay was a turning point for Viktar. The security that came from having stable accommodation, alongside the holistic, person-centred support of Boaz staff meant he could take steps to resolve his immigration status. With the help of his support worker, he was able to access legal advice and submit a fresh asylum claim.
Now Viktar has his refugee status and is working as a bespoke furniture maker. It’s a profession he loves.
“I really like my job, and I have passion and inspiration to do my job.”
In his spare time, Viktar advocates for people seeking asylum to be able to experience this same satisfaction and self-sufficiency through employment. In particular, he has been involved in the ‘Lift the Ban’ campaign to see people seeking asylum given the right to work.
“My life in total if do the line, drawing a line, it will be like going up, straight down, and now a little bit rising again. So this is how I can describe my life, and most important, and that rising take Boaz Trust, because trust, it's not only like something loyal, it's also about the trust which people need.”
Years after coming to the UK in search of safety, Viktar has finally found it. But he shouldn’t have had to wait this long. People who seek safety here should feel safe as soon as they arrive, not in further danger or left in limbo for months or years. Despite this, and against all the odds, Viktar has built a new life for himself here in Manchester – and Manchester is all the richer for it.
