With stable accommodation now in place, Mohammed is continuing to move forward and build his life in the UK with greater security and confidence.
The support young people receive is made possible by a community that chooses to show up consistently.
He told us: “All of this support made a big difference for me and helped me get through that period. I truly appreciate the help and kindness from the organisation and everyone involved. Thank you again for supporting me and helping me move forward.”
After being granted refugee status, Mohammed experienced a period of homelessness. He was living with uncertainty at a time when he should have been able to feel more settled. Consistent support helped Mohammed get through this period of instability.
When young people choose to recommend us to their friends, it speaks to the sense of community they find here. M, a young person who attends our services, was asked if he would recommend Young Roots He said: “Yes! Once you been here you no longer have to live alone.”
For many young people, arriving at a new service takes courage. What makes the difference is not just what is offered, but how it feels to be there. Feeling welcomed, understood, and knowing there are others who are in similar situations to you.
Regular giving means showing up consistently. It helps us provide steady, reliable support in an unpredictable system — so young people aren’t left to navigate these challenges alone.
Every gift matters, no matter the amount so if you’re able, become a regular giver today.
No one should have to face homelessness or navigate a new place alone simply because the system makes it harder to belong. Right now, young people are trying to rebuild their lives while living with instability, isolation, and uncertainty.
This is where collective action matters.
Our activities offer more than something to do, they are safe spaces for young people to be themselves, build friendships, and feel part of a community. A chance to take a break from worry and stress, even for a moment. Hear more about our activities here: www.youngroots.org.uk/newsletter
We are aware of the BBC’s investigation into individuals allegedly helping people fabricate LGBTQI+ asylum claims. Read the full statement on our website:
📢 Please take one minute to email your MP and ask them to attend.
Every invitation helps ensure young people are heard. action.youngroots.or...
The young people we work with are desperate to restart their lives, often telling us about their hopes and dreams for the future. On 20 May, we are holding a drop-in event in Parliament, giving MPs the chance to hear directly from young people about how these policies affect their lives.
The government is also proposing to increase the time refugees must wait before they can apply for permanent settlement, from 5 years (the current wait) to 20 years. These changes from the government are the very opposite of what people need to rebuild their lives and become part of the community.
The Government is making major changes to the asylum system that will impact the young people we work with. Refugees are now granted permission to stay in the UK for just 30 months instead of five years as was previously the case, forcing people to live with constant uncertainty and fear.
Both raising vital funds to help young people seeking safety. If you’d like to support our runners, follow the link to their fundraisers below.🏃♀️
🧡Belfast Relay Fundraiser: eventmaster.ie/fundr...
🧡London Marathon Fundraiser: www.justgiving.com/p...
There’s something special about seeing our community take on incredible challenges for young people. This year, we have one of our supporters running the London Marathon and another group of supporters running the Belfast Relay Marathon.
Four people dead. 42 more people who've survived but now have to live with the trauma and terror of a near-death boat sinking.
All completely avoidable.
Our Government chose this. They can chose differently. Safe routes save lives.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Celebrations have been in full swing at Young Roots. In Brent, young people came together for a joint Eid and Nowruz party, and in Croydon we marked Eid and Easter with food, henna and plenty of fun. Young people came together to celebrate different cultures and traditions, it was wonderful.🧡🌟🌿
M told us how they celebrate Easter by spending time with family and eating injera — a reminder of how important food, culture, and togetherness can be at this time of year. Wishing everyone a peaceful and joyful Easter!
This artwork was created by one of our young volunteers, M, who wanted to share joy and celebration with our whole community today.
When young people, communities, and organisations come together, we’ve seen that it can shift what’s possible. What we want is simple. A system where young people are not pushed into homelessness and where rebuilding a future isn’t made harder by the system meant to protect them.
Young refugees and asylum seekers continue to face a system that can feel overwhelming and, at times, deeply hostile. Even when progress is made, many young people are still left navigating uncertainty and instability.
That’s why collective action matters.
We've seen poor decision-making and young people have experienced an interrogative approach - hardly the centre of excellence it was suggested the NAAB would be.
Read more in this briefing refugeechildrenscons...
The National Age Assessment Board is 3 years old today and we remain adamant that it cannot operate independently while it is part of the Home Office.
We’re so proud of everything he brings to our community, and we’re deeply grateful to all our volunteers who make Young Roots the supportive, welcoming place it is.
Here’s what young people say about him:
“He is a very authentic person. He is very kind and friendly with everyone; he helps everyone; he has a lot of good and new ideas about how to make Young Roots better.”
Listosa grew from a young person accessing support, to progressing through our young person’s volunteering programme, and becoming a Young Roots Volunteer.
Meet Listosa.
He first came to Young Roots in 2022, after staff at the hotel where he was living told him about our support. At the time, he needed help with his age assessment and asylum claim.
Almost three years later, his journey came full circle.
“I came from an isolated place where I didn’t know many people and then I felt very welcome at Young Roots.”
Young people have to navigate a new country and a complex asylum system that can feel overwhelming and isolating. Creating spaces where they feel welcomed and supported is essential.
Z’s story shows what the right support can make possible. With a safe place to stay, clear information, and someone walking alongside her, she was able to find a home, start working, and build a life she feels confident in.
Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating.🌙
From all of us at Young Roots, we’re wishing you a day filled with peace, joy and time with the people who matter to you.
