We recognise that mental health is a vital part of rebuilding life in safety. Many displaced people experience stress, trauma, anxiety, or loneliness — and you do not have to face these challenges alone.

This month marks two years since we launched our Afghan Project in September 2023. Since then, we have supported hundreds of individuals and families across the UK through 1,426 consultations.

We hope you had a restful break over the summer and are settling into September with renewed energy. We begin with an urgent matter that has affected many in our community in recent weeks.

Summer might be a time for rest for many — but for us at USPUK, the work never pauses. Every week, we’re helping Ukrainians and Afghans find safety, reunite with loved ones, and take their first steps toward rebuilding their lives in the UK.

Thanks to our partnership with Trussell Trust, USPUK is able to offer additional support through a network of foodbanks across the UK. You may be eligible to receive free essential food items, and in some cases, basic household goods.

We know many of you have heard the recent news. The UK Government has now closed ARAP and ACRS Pathway to new applications.

I am deeply grateful to USPUK and my sponsor for their invaluable help, generosity, and constant support. Their kindness has made my new beginning in the UK so much easier and filled it with hope and comfort.

This case highlights the challenges that newly arrived refugee families often face due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with UK systems and timelines.

We want to express deep gratitude for all the donors, hosts and supporters who are with us in this work. With your help we are able to deliver crucial information and advice to displaced Ukrainians and Afghans and work daily to support their needs.

In this edition, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most - the real concerns you’ve raised, the barriers you’re facing, and the small but important steps that can help.

Schemes like Help to Save offer vital support for refugees to build confidence and stability in their new lives. Understanding how to save and manage money in the UK is a key part of integration.

We’re proud to share the first ever edition of our Afghan community newsletter. This is something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time – a space just for you, shaped by the questions, concerns, and experiences many of you have shared with us.

We want to express deep gratitude for all the donors, hosts and supporters who are with us in this work. With your help we are able to deliver crucial information and advice to displaced Ukrainians and Afghans and work daily to support their needs.

Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to begin again — and that kindness and community can help transform even the most uncertain beginnings into new chapters of hope.

As we start our 4th year we’d want to express deep gratitude for all the donors, hosts and supporters who’ve been on this journey with us. Your support means a lot and with this May newsletter we’d want to share what we’ve been working on lately.

USPUK continued to provide guidance on navigating local systems. We supported the family in registering with a GP, helping with information on enrolling the children in school, and understanding how to access financial and community-based support where eligible.