Caritas Shrewsbury is the social action agency within CSAN operating across Cheshire and Shropshire and parts of Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Derbyshire.
Rani and Priya* approached their local parish church office when they had emigrated from India to secure a more economically viable career. The two ladies’ husbands remained in India and Rani had brought with her, her 8-year-old. Having been promised work with a local care agency, after 3 months Rani and Priya were still waiting for the work to materialise. Despite having the initial funds to move to the UK, they soon had little money to live on and were living in compromised accommodation in the city. Scared and tearful, the ladies were referred to Caritas Shrewsbury. Fortunately, Priya was able to temporarily secure a job during this time. Rani, however, was afraid to talk (even though she had a legal visa) because of potential repercussions and felt lonely and frightened in a country that she had found to be quite hostile.
Caritas was able to offer financial support, giving £300 to the women over the course of a few weeks. On Rani and Priya’s behalf, Caritas liaised with Citizens’ Advice Bureau regarding their rental accommodation, and their employment contract. It transpired that they needed new sponsorship as the first care agency was closing homes. They were able find new sponsorship and Rani and Priya received help from Caritas in completing the job application process (which involved sorting out their CVs and making sure they understood the process). Rani was accompanied to her interview, and Priya took this virtually from Wales. Thankfully, both were offered jobs with a new care agency and Caritas supplied a character reference on request from their new agency for both ladies on their job offers.
Having secured employment for Rani and Priya, Caritas contacted numerous letting agencies on their behalf and accompanied them to flat viewings and was able to liaise with a particular agency regarding the properties they chose, helping sort out their finances and rental applications. To furnish the flat, Caritas took Rani and Priya shopping and bought some household items (including part funding for a washing machine) with the ‘Caritas at Christmas’ crisis grant funding. This was urgent as the ladies were continuing to live out of their suitcases. Once the flats had been secured, Caritas communicated with the utility provider and showed them how to operate items in their new properties.
Rani and Priya expressed their gratitude to Caritas as they faced relocation, new sponsorships and new homes. Their families have now been able to visit and move in. They have often mentioned the invaluable emotional support they have received throughout the last year. At last, they are now happily settled into their new life in England.
I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support [Caritas] provided to me during my transition to the UK. Your guidance and assistance in finding a new job, securing a new home, and setting up our household have been invaluable beyond measure. Furthermore, your kindness in helping my daughter settle into her new school and providing toys for her has brought immense joy to our family. Your generosity and thoughtfulness have made a world of difference during this challenging time. Thank you for being such a pillar of support and warmth in my life. Your kindness will always be remembered and cherished.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for being an unwavering source of support during one of the most challenging periods of my life. Your assistance in navigating the difficulties of moving to the UK, finding a new job, and securing a new home has been nothing short of miraculous. Moreover, your constant presence and support during tough times for both me and my family have been invaluable. Your generosity in helping us purchase essential items for our new home has made the transition so much smoother. Your kindness and selflessness have touched us deeply and we are forever grateful for your friendship and support.
Rani and Priya have been able to settle in their new sponsorships and have immersed themselves into the local. Rani’s husband and child have been able to emigrate from India to live with her. Their daughter attends a local school, and Rani’s husband has been working in a café which he greatly enjoys. They have attended the Stronger Together group (a Caritas Shrewsbury initiative) and the Caritas Family Fun Day earlier in the summer.
It is clear that work is fundamental for ‘human development and personal fulfilment’ (Laudato Si, 127). Securing their new positions had allowed Rani and Priya to settle into their new life in the UK. Caritas Shrewsbury’s commitment to the ladies over the last year has reinforced this notion of the dignity of work and its essential role in leading a fulfilled life.
*Names changed for privacy reasons
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