Our SEEN Ambassador Aya, 17, is originally from Syria but she arrived in Northern Ireland as a refugee five years ago. She shares her experience of what it was like for her and her family settling in the UK and explains what she wants people to understand about being a refugee.
What was it like for you and your family settling in the UK when you first arrived?
“My journey to the UK wasn’t just a change in location – it was a complete shift in language, culture, and identity. I’ve always been someone who observes the world deeply but now I’m learning to speak up and share my story too.
“It was overwhelming at first. Everything was new: the weather, the language, the way people interacted. At school, I felt like I had to start from zero even though I had a whole life before this one.
“I'm also a young carer for my mother, which has shaped a lot of who I am, and for my family – especially my mum – it was difficult adjusting to a place where support systems weren’t always clear or accessible. But slowly we adapted. We found small comforts: friendly neighbours, kind teachers, and people who made us feel less alone.”
Do you have any opinions about how support could be made better for other refugees and asylum seekers?
“Definitely. First, we need more spaces where young refugees can express themselves safely – not just therapy sessions, but creative spaces, peer support, and leadership programmes. Let us be more than our trauma.”
Let us be more than our trauma.
Aya
“Also, information needs to be clearer. When families arrive, they’re often confused about their rights, housing, school – everything. It’s overwhelming.
“Support should be human, not just systems. And we should be involved in shaping the services we receive. We know what works. Ask us.”
What are some of your favourite experiences taking part in SEEN?
“Some of my favourite experiences with Barnardo’s SEEN were the creative workshops and events where we could openly express ourselves. It felt powerful to be in a space where lived experience wasn’t something to hide, it was something that mattered.
“I really valued the chance to be involved in shaping projects that reflected real stories and helped raise awareness. Being part of something that actually listened to young people and took our voices seriously made me feel seen and respected. It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about being real.”
Being part of something that actually listened to young people and took our voices seriously made me feel seen and respected. It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about being real.
Aya
What does your community look like and how do you support each other?
“I found a community in spaces like Barnardo’s and in the people around me. My community isn’t just made up of people who look like me or speak my language. It’s people who see me, who show up, and who make space for others.
“We support each other by listening, by helping each other speak up when it’s hard, and by just being present. Sometimes community is just someone sitting next to you when you’re anxious or sending a message to check in. It’s the small things that build trust.”
Sometimes community is just someone sitting next to you when you’re anxious or sending a message to check in. It’s the small things that build trust.
Aya
What do you think people should understand about what it’s like to be a refugee in the UK?
“Being a refugee isn’t just about moving countries –it’s about losing a sense of home and trying to rebuild it somewhere unfamiliar. People often assume we’re lucky to be here and while I’m grateful for safety that doesn’t mean it’s easy.
“There’s a constant pressure to prove yourself to be good enough for help, to fit in without standing out too much. We carry so much grief and resilience and people don’t always see that. It’s not just about escaping war, it’s about healing, learning, and trying to feel human again.”
It’s not just about escaping war, it’s about healing, learning, and trying to feel human again.
Aya
Is there anything else you want to say?
“I just want to remind people: don’t assume you know someone’s story by looking at them. Ask, listen, and learn.
“Behind every label – refugee, carer, student – there’s a real person with a voice, a past, and a future. I’m not just someone who moved here. I’m someone building a life, just like you.”
“Everyone deserves to be seen as a whole human being”: Leonita’s story
Leonita’s (21) parents came to London as refugees from Kosovo seeking safety and hope for their futures. As one of our SEEN Ambassadors, she shares how that experience has shaped her life, and the lives of her parents, and explains how we could be better allies for others who are seeking sanctuary in the UK.
Children seeking asylum
Under international law, the UK has a duty to offer asylum to people who flee their own countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution.
Families seeking asylum have fled wars or famines in search of a better life - and they have often faced poor health, poverty and hunger on their way to the UK. Despite their parents' best efforts, the children often suffer most and can be incredibly vulnerable.
Do you care for someone else?
You might be a young carer without even knowing. If you’re under 18 and help look after someone with an illness, disability, or substance abuse problem, we can help you. We’ve put together support and guidance to make sure you’re living your life to the full, whatever that means to you.