Voices From Our Community: Reflections on Mental Health, Support and Belonging
Following our recent community mental health event, led by Afro Innovation Group (AIG) through the Getting Help in Neighbourhoods (GHIN) NHS partnership, we spoke with participants about their experiences of accessing support, settling into Leicester and taking part in the event.
The conversations were recorded in Arabic, with one additional interview conducted in Kurdish through a live interpreter.
Participants spoke about experiences ranging from homelessness and domestic abuse to isolation, finding community connections and accessing practical support. Their reflections also highlighted what they valued about the event, including meeting new people, receiving information in an approachable way and having somewhere they felt comfortable asking for help.
Below, we share the original audio recordings alongside their English translations, allowing participants' experiences to be heard in their own voices.
Mohamed Ahmed
Mohamed arrived in the UK in 2024 and settled in Leicester. He described how friends introduced him to AIG when he was experiencing homelessness and needed help navigating local services.
English Translation
"My name is Mohamed Ahmed, and I came to Britain in 2024 and settled in Leicester.
I have been supported with a lot of things right from the beginning when I moved to Leicester.
My friends referred me to this place when I was homeless, and I received all the support I needed, starting with referrals to other charities, contacting the council, and registering with a GP and a college.
This support has helped me settle in and feel more relieved, knowing that I have a place where I can get support."
Racheda Cheroud
Racheda moved to Leicester two years ago after arriving in the UK five years ago. She spoke about receiving support from AIG after leaving an abusive relationship, and reflected on the opportunity to meet others and learn new information at the mental health event.
English Translation
"My name is Racheda Cheroud. I came to Britain five years ago and moved to Leicester two years ago.
The support I received from Afro Innovation Group was really significant, especially as I had just left a domestic violence relationship, had no connections here in Leicester, and was in desperate need of support for myself and my children.
I am really grateful for this generous support.
Regarding the event today, I am glad that I was able to attend, as I got to meet and know new people and learn new information.
Such events do make us feel better, and I am really happy that I can receive this sort of support, which I would not be able to get anywhere else."
Nesrine
Nesrine, who has lived in the UK for just over three years, reflected on the atmosphere of the event and how the information was presented to participants.
English Translation
"My name is Nesrine, and I have been in the UK for three years and four months.
The event was really good. I loved the welcoming atmosphere and how everyone greeted each of us when we came in.
All the information was presented in an easy, simple, friendly and fun way.
We were taught how to deal with different matters and how to navigate our issues in the best way possible for us.
I really thank you for this great effort."
Mina Buzrif
Mina, who is originally from Morocco and has Italian nationality, has lived in the UK for three years. She described the practical support and community connections she has developed through AIG, including the importance of receiving guidance in Arabic.
English Translation
"My name is Mina Buzrif. I am Italian and originally from Morocco. I have been in the UK for three years.
This charity has supported me a lot from the first day I came to the UK.
I got to know new people and was directed to places where I could get the right support.
All the staff here are very dedicated and hardworking, and Sister Houda has helped us all a lot, particularly Arabic-speaking and Moroccan people, as she speaks Arabic.
I wish all the best for this charity as they continue their hard work and support. I can already see more and more people coming.
The event today was really good, and everyone wishes you continued success.
We hope to continue receiving this support and having you by our side.
The information provided today was really helpful, and we wish you more successful events."
Maria
Maria, a Kurdish-speaking participant, shared her experiences of homelessness, isolation and raising her child as a single mother.
During her interview, interpreted into English by Sana, she explained how AIG supported her in contacting the council and accessing temporary accommodation.
She also reflected on how that support had affected her confidence and sense of belonging, describing AIG as somewhere she could turn when facing difficulties.
What These Experiences Tell Us
Although each participant described different circumstances, several common themes emerged from the interviews.
Practical challenges affect wellbeing. Participants described how homelessness, domestic abuse and difficulties accessing services had affected their lives. Receiving practical help was an important part of feeling more secure.
Language and communication matter. Being able to understand information and speak with someone in a familiar language can make services easier to navigate.
Community connection reduces isolation. Meeting others, developing friendships and knowing where to turn for help were recurring themes throughout the conversations.
The way information is delivered makes a difference. Participants particularly valued the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to learn in a friendly, understandable environment.
These experiences reinforce the importance of AIG's work through the GHIN NHS partnership, connecting practical community support with wider conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
They also highlight why AIG continues to bring community organisations and health professionals together, ensuring that people's experiences contribute to how support is understood and developed.
Continuing Our Work
We would like to thank everyone who agreed to share their experiences and contribute to these recordings.
The interviews form part of our wider work to capture community feedback and understand the barriers people experience when accessing support.
Read more about the community mental health event and the organisations involved.
Need support or want to learn more about AIG's health and wellbeing work?
Email: info@afroinno.org.uk
Telephone: 0116 208 1341
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