“He called me ‘Auntie’ and said, ‘This is my home’,” said a local foster carer about a refugee boy who came to stay after arriving in the UK all alone, having endured a harrowing journey.
He had come all the way from Pakistan, sent away by a mother desperate to keep him safe. The family had already moved on from the troubled situation in Afghanistan.
This week (16-22 June) has been global Refugee Week, which aims to raise awareness of the children and young people forced to leave everything behind in search of safety. A number of events have been taking place locally. Many arrive in the UK completely alone — without a parent or guardian — and are known as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC).
These young people leave their countries for many reasons. Some are fleeing war, persecution, or human trafficking. Others face pressure from families to travel abroad, find work, and send money home — often without understanding the dangers ahead.
Many undertake long, dangerous journeys that leave them traumatised and vulnerable.
When they arrive in the UK, they must navigate a completely unfamiliar world — a new language, new culture, and no family support. The emotional toll can be enormous.
Finding a sanctuary
Earlier this year, our borough was designated by the City Sanctuary organisation as a
‘Borough of Sanctuary’, in recognition of the welcome and support provided to people fleeing violence and persecution.
So, unsurprisingly, the council is committed to giving every young refugee the care, safety, and support they need to begin rebuilding their lives. UASC arriving in the UK are referred to local authorities by the Home Office, police, or port staff. Ealing Council then works to place them in safe, welcoming foster homes.
These foster carers receive specialist training in trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and the asylum process. They are supported by a social worker and receive funding to cover food, travel, and other essential needs.
Long journey from Pakistan
One foster carer in Ealing shared their experience of welcoming the young boy seeking sanctuary.
She said: “I was told a child was coming. He came in the evening. We spoke Pashto, and there was an instant connection.”
The boy arrived from Calais after a long and uncertain journey. His mother had made the heartbreaking decision to send him away, believing it was the only way to keep him safe.
Despite everything he had been through, he was calm, respectful, and eager to settle in. The next day, the carer’s husband met him and was immediately struck by his politeness and warmth.
During the 3 years that followed, the boy became part of the family. He found comfort in the familiar food and language, and he brought a quiet strength into the home. He was deeply considerate — always looking for ways to help.
“If I was brushing the garden, he’d take the broom from me,” said the foster carer. “If I was carrying shopping, he’d say, ‘Auntie, you’re a woman — you shouldn’t lift that.’ He’d carry everything himself, even if it was heavy. He was so caring.
“He called me ‘Auntie’ and said, ‘This is my home.’”
He had never been to school before arriving in the UK, but he was eager to learn and adapt. He respected the household, embraced the culture, and showed a maturity beyond his years.
His presence has left a lasting impact — not just on the family, but on everyone who met him. His story is a powerful reminder that behind every young refugee is a child full of potential and hope.
Could you provide a home?
By becoming a foster carer, you can make a life-changing difference for a child who has lost everything.
You can find out more by visiting the fostering website, by emailing contact@fosterwithwestlondon.org.uk or by calling the fostering team on 020 8753 1075.
