11 inclusion The second grant was from the Fibrus Community Fund, to provide IT equipment such as Wi-Fi-loaded dongles and refurbished laptops. Volunteer Piers Jones said: “It very soon became apparent that these people had lots of pressing concerns: connectivity, isolation, not being able to keep in touch with family. They are without what most people take for granted. The way housing has been allocated, they have no internet or phone. “They need to be able to print out material or access videos for English lessons. We help them with that.” Yousef was placed in Moor Row when seeking asylum from Iran. He has been granted permission to stay and now lives in Whitehaven. “I like it here,” he said. “I would like to stay in Cumbria. The people are very friendly and it’s a beautiful place. “These people are very helpful for us. When we arrived here, we didn’t know anyone. We were depressed. These people very helped us. This group is very good for our mental health. “Actually, I love Rachel like a sister. We haven’t any family here. They are like our family. They always support us.” I will always be grateful to the people of Cumbria Abdullah arrived in the UK from Afghanistan in May 2024. After two nights in Basingstoke, then two months in a hotel in Liverpool, he was placed in a house in Egremont. "I left my wife and son, who is 26 months, behind to come here. I have had anxiety and depression for the last four months. I started coming to this group and they helped me to go to English classes in the library. Two or three times a week, I go into Whitehaven on the bus to go to the mosque and buy halal food. It costs £6 each time and we only get £49 a week. Rachel helps with bus fares. They help us with everything. I’m alone here. I don’t have my wife or child or other family members. Rachel is like my mum. These people are my family. I thank everyone for the wonderful help they have given me. In March, my asylum claim was refused but recently I had a positive decision, so I can stay in the UK. I was a farmer back home. I’m moving to Sheffield to start a job with a recycling company. I have one friend in Sheffield; he has helped me find a job and I can share a house with him. If I’m successful, then I will help others. I will always be grateful to the people of Cumbria. They helped me so much. They are my family." Rachel Holliday with asylum seekers and volunteers Abdullah, from Afghanistan
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