Salem came to the UK when he was 17, seeking safety after fleeing conflict in his home country. He arrived on his own, with no family around him, and was placed in semi-independent accommodation supported by the local authority. Although he spoke a little English, he had been through a lot of emotional stress. Settling into a completely new country, culture, and routine was understandably difficult for him at first.
Despite the challenges, Salem showed a strong willingness to learn and adapt. He started attending college, where he enrolled in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. He worked hard and made fast progress, moving up through the levels and eventually passing Functional Skills in both English and Maths. Salem consistently impressed his tutors with his effort, attendance, and positive attitude.
As his English improved, so did his confidence. He became more independent, more involved in college life, and more comfortable communicating with staff and other young people. In his supported accommodation, Salem also learned practical life skills – things like budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and managing his own time. At first, he needed some help and reminders, but over time, he took more control of his daily routine and started making his own decisions.
Alongside his studies and personal progress, Salem has taken on several volunteering opportunities. He’s actively involved in the Children in Care Council, where he helps represent the voices of other looked-after children and care leavers. Through this role, Salem has shared his experiences and contributed to discussions about improving services for young people in care. His involvement has been empowering not only for himself but for others who see him as a role model. He’s passionate about making sure that the views of care-experienced young people are heard and taken seriously by decision-makers.
A major turning point came when Salem was granted Leave to Remain in the UK. Getting that decision gave him a real sense of stability and hope for the future. With his legal status confirmed and his independence growing, Salem was ready for the next step. He moved from semi-independent accommodation into his own supported tenancy, where he now lives independently, with a support worker visiting once a week.
Salem is now thinking about his future. He’s exploring further study, job opportunities, or even more volunteering so he can give something back to the community that helped him. He has shown incredible resilience, determination, and maturity throughout his journey.
His story is a great example of how young people – especially those arriving in difficult circumstances – can thrive when they have the right support around them. With stability, encouragement, and opportunities, Salem has gone from being a vulnerable teenager to a confident and capable young adult, living independently and building a life for himself in the UK.