Hurray!! I’ve made it! In fact I had more of a blow-out yesterday, spending my last five pounds on a couple of pints (one for me, one for long-suffering Tim) in the fabulous Fanny’s Ale House. Today my biggest indulgence has been topping up my phone.
I’m so glad it’s over, but reflecting on my challenge there have been some good things. It’s made me get to know my local area better, and visit places like Brixton Market and the Tate Britain which are practically on my doorstep, yet I never really appreciate. It’s been great for my mental arithmetic, and I’ve done lots more walking. It’s also made me appreciate the things I’ve got and have the financial freedom to do.
I know I’ve had it easy – much easier than for someone who was really having to survive on asylum support. I’ve spent nothing on basics like clothing, very little on transport (just three single bus journeys on top of visits to see family), and been able to spend a minimal amount on food because of the choice of shops and the market within walking distance of home. I’ve also had a support network of people looking out for me and slipping me the odd bit of free food or buying me a drink, the ability to speak English, and invaluable knowledge of all sorts of things, from where to buy the cheapest food, to bus routes and how to get cheap phone calls.
But it’s really opened my eyes to how much of a role hope and security can have on your quality of life – without knowing that there was an end in sight, and that it would be OK (the equivalent of an asylum seeker being granted leave to remain), I would have found the whole experience infinitely more difficult.
Thanks for following my blog. I’ve had some great conversations with people over the last few weeks, about what I’m doing, and about poverty and asylum issues in general. If you’d like to know more about refugee and asylum issues, check out the websites of some of the organisations that are part of the Still human still here coalition. Members of the Get fair campaign work on poverty more widely in the UK.
well done Christine. really great blog and initiative. see you soon. I’ll be buying!
Comment by Vicky — April 7, 2010 @ 8:35 pm
I meant to say well done ages ago – sorry. Thanks for a very insightful blog.
Comment by whoshouldshipleyvotefor — April 20, 2010 @ 4:56 pm
Thank you for a very interesting read! I am looking to start a volunteering project with young refugee and asylum seekers and came across your blog quite accidentally whilst researching. I feel like I have a greater awareness now of some of the issues these young people may face, monetry wise.
Well done on such a worthwhile challenge, I would love to say you deserve all of the luxuries you enjoy…but at the same time, as you’ve pointed out counteless time, asylum seekers don’t get that privilidge.
Thanks again.
Comment by Fiona — September 3, 2010 @ 12:58 pm