‘Sometimes I feel I can’t breathe…’

*Ama's name has been changed to protect her identity.

The last year has been one of the hardest for Ama. She’s a single mother of three, balancing working in the NHS, caring responsibilities and studying, while trying to build security for her family.

She arrived in the UK 23 years ago, and is originally from Ghana. She says life has always had its challenges, but she still wasn’t prepared for the stress of losing her home. 

“My mental health has been suffering since my landlord decided to evict all the tenants. I'm a single mum with three kids and I was so worried about my children."

As the eviction process started, the stress became difficult to handle. She spent every day searching for somewhere to live while trying to keep life as normal as possible for her children.

"Every day I was looking for accommodation, then they sent the bailiffs in. My stress levels went through the roof. I couldn't sleep, I was depressed, and very agitated."

It had an impact on her mental health. Ama went to see her doctor and was prescribed medication. She says, "It's helped a bit." 

The housing crisis also brought legal challenges. "I had to go to court and ended up with court fees to pay. The local law centre has been helping me, but it's still been so stressful."

Ama and her children are currently living in temporary accommodation. Her 17-year-old son is autistic and her daughters are aged 9 and 5. Although they are grateful to have somewhere safe to stay, it’s difficult when things are uncertain. 

"At least we have a roof over our heads again but the worry is ongoing, what will happen? Where will we go? How can I manage everything?"

Throughout these challenges, one place that has provided comfort, friendship and support is Touching Safe Ground.

"I don't know what I'd do without the Touching Safe Ground group every week. This is my community here, with other women who understand my problems because they've been through it themselves."

The group gives Ama a chance to connect with others, and feel less alone.

"We are all supported by a very kind team. I come here to socialise and share experiences, it's very good medicine, all the solidarity and sense of support."

One of Ama's favourite activities is the weekly yoga session, which helps her manage both stress and physical pain.

"Yoga helps with stress a lot. I love it. It helps with my aches and pains and I try to do what I can remember of the yoga when I'm at home. I make it a priority to come here, it's almost as important as Sunday church is to me."

Ama works part time as an NHS maternity support worker. She is also studying for her GCSEs and hopes to continue her education by training as a nurse or midwife in the future.

"There's so much to do every week, sometimes I feel I can't breathe, then I remember the yoga and slow down a bit."

"It's only six months ago that I got my permanent residency so that I can apply for British citizenship. I've experienced so many immigration problems year after year here, I've lost count."

Despite what she’s been through, she still remains hopeful. "Touching Safe Ground is a lifeline. It helps keep me going and believe in myself."

"If I can juggle all this, working, children, studying, housing problems and more, I think I can be a good nurse and help other people one day."

For Ama, Touching Safe Ground has been more than a weekly group, it has been a lifeline.

By supporting women like Ama, you're not only helping someone through an incredibly difficult time, you're investing in a future where they can thrive, give back and strengthen the communities we all depend on.