A fresh start for Abdurrahman
When Abdurrahman came to Emmaus Bristol in November 2023, he had just received his UK residence permit, didn’t speak much English and hadn’t been able to work for two years.
Since then, he has regained his confidence, learnt English and recently moved on from Emmaus Bristol into a permanent role at a hospital in Emersons Green, working in sterile services. All in less than two years!
Finding stability
“Before Emmaus, I had just got my residence permit. I was living in Plymouth, but I didn’t want to stay there. I had more friends and community in Bristol. I came here and stayed in my friend’s house, but I couldn’t stay for long.
With the residence permit, I had the opportunity to work, but in that short time it was very hard. Everything was new – new country, new language. I was quite nervous and unconfident. That’s why Emmaus helped me so much. I gained confidence and improved my language skills. Those two things contributed to getting my new job.
New language and confidence
When I arrived at Emmaus, I didn’t understand anything. But after one year, I was able to understand everyone’s accents! I was doing an English course, and it was nice, listening to all the different accents from companions and staff. I finished Level 1 and they assessed me to move straight to GCSE level in September.
Emmaus gave me a home, a room, but also a purpose. While I waited for the residence permit, I didn’t work for two years. So, when I started working in Emmaus, there was action. That was good for my mental health, doing something, being a benefit to people and contributing to something.
New career in the NHS
REP, the Refugee Employability Programme, told me about the hospital job and Open Day. I thought it would be great to see it in person and I had the opportunity to talk to the line manager, see the hospital and atmosphere, and meet the staff. It was positive and that helped me decide to apply.
I’ve been working at the hospital for about three months now. This job is quite new for me. It’s more about cleaning and sterilising the tools doctors use in theatre. My old job in electricity was also technical, but this is more about details. I am getting more familiar with everything and I’m enjoying it.
Next steps
I feel settled now. I have been able to communicate with people in the Turkish community and meet with friends once every week. During the summer we went to a picnic as well and hope to have another one.
Over the next year, I want to be successful in my job and complete my education. My GCSE English is one year, possibly two. At the same time, I want to continue meeting people in my community – and by that, I mean Turkish community and Emmaus community. One day I’d like to do a project to match the hospital I work at with Emmaus to help other people have similar opportunities.”
