A Journey of Resilience: Aisha’s Path to Stability
Aisha’s* life took a drastic turn last year when she made the difficult decision to flee an abusive home. ‘I fled due to domestic violence. It had never happened in my family; no one I knew had ever had to flee like this.’ As a Muslim woman, she also spoke to the unique challenges she faced. ‘Being from a Muslim family, fleeing from such a situation is not encouraged.’
Her flight was not only for herself but for her primary-school-aged children, as they were also subjected to abuse. ‘It was not only myself I was worrying about. It was for the kids as well,’ she emphasised. The initial period was marked by relentless instability. ‘I was placed into temporary accommodation. However, because my husband found out where I was living, I had to move again. In 12 months, I've moved seven times,’ she recounted.
The instability reached a terrifying peak when she ended up in what she describes as a ‘highly criminal’ area. ‘I was scared because I'd never been alone, never been so responsible or independent in my life,’ she explained. She found herself in an unfamiliar and dangerous environment, witnessing ‘antisocial behaviour, drug misuse, domestic violence on the road, accidents, road collisions, break-ins, and so much more’.
One night, finding herself locked out of the property they were living in, Aisha and her children were forced to sleep on the streets. ‘That was the point where I felt like giving up. I considered either taking my own life or going back to him,’ she said, highlighting the immense pressure she was under, balancing full-time work, her children's needs, and her own deteriorating mental health.
Finding a Lifeline with Beam
It was at this moment that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council connected Aisha with Beam, a social enterprise that supports those facing homelessness into stable housing. ‘The council put me in touch with Beam, telling me there was support available because I needed a safe place to live,’ Aisha recalled. ‘They said Beam would work with me through the process, so I wouldn't be alone. I'd have somebody to talk to and guide me.’
Aisha found an invaluable ally in her Beam caseworker. ‘He was brilliant. He's truly the most empathetic person I've met in the past 12 months,’ she shared. The support was comprehensive, ranging from drafting emails and making appointments to guiding her through conversations with lettings agents. ‘He talked me through how to speak to an agent, what to tell them, and how much information to share.’
After six to eight weeks of working with Beam, they found a property. Beam's support extended beyond just finding a home; they provided crucial financial assistance. ‘Beam paid for the deposit and the moving costs,’ she explained. When Aisha expressed her lack of furniture, Beam stepped in again. ‘They even helped me with furniture, like wardrobes, bedding, and so on.’
A New Beginning and a Message of Hope
Now, six months into her new home, Aisha sees a future filled with possibility. ‘My kids are healthier and happier. I feel this is a success story, and I'm happy to share it with others because I want them to know that help is available regardless of your background, religion, or race.’
She also wants to dispel the stigma surrounding seeking help from the council. ‘There's a stigma around getting support from the council, but I want to say there are people there to support you. We just need to be more open and honest about our situations.’ Recalling an early conversation with her housing officer at the council, she said: ‘He talked to me for hours. He knew that I would be able to stand up independently again, so he referred me to Beam.’
Aisha never envisioned herself experiencing homelessness. ‘It was very scary, and it still is, having gone through that journey,’ she confessed. ‘I had never seen or met anyone who was homeless.’ Her message to others facing similar struggles is one of unwavering encouragement: ‘You've been through a lot, and you will get through it. Yes, there may be turbulence on the journey, but there is a destination to look forward to.’
When asked if she would recommend Beam, her answer was immediate and unequivocal: ‘Absolutely, 100%. There's no doubt about it.’ The most transformative aspect of Beam's service for her was the empathy of its staff. ‘When anyone goes through this kind of situation, they need a shoulder. They need someone to say, 'It's okay. We are here. I'm here to listen.' I feel like Beam staff members have that empathetic behaviour, and that makes them exceptional.’
Aisha’s journey is a testament to the fact that even in the darkest of times, with the right support, a new beginning is possible. ‘Once you are in a stable home, you can progress because home is a safe space for all of us,’ Aisha concluded. ‘Now I can see my future pretty clearly. I can plan for my future, plan for my kids' future—which school, college, or university they want to attend—and start building new friendships, starting a new chapter for life to come.’
* Not her real name