A refugee who survived years of hardship, displacement and violence across multiple countries is rebuilding his life in Lancashire thanks to the support of First Kick Foundation and its Empower Them Programme.

Now living in Skelmersdale, the man who is originally from Kuwait says the programme has given him stability, friendship and hope for the future after a lifetime marked by uncertainty and trauma.

The Empower Them Programme was created to support refugees and asylum seekers by improving mental wellbeing through football, physical activity and social connection. Delivered by First Kick Foundation, the initiative provides a safe and welcoming environment where participants can meet others, build confidence and develop a sense of belonging within their local community.

For this participant, the impact has been life changing.

Born into the Bedoon community in Kuwait, he grew up facing severe discrimination and exclusion. The Bedoon people are a stateless group who are often denied access to basic rights, including education, healthcare and employment opportunities.

From the age of eight, he worked as a shepherd to help support his family and never had the chance to attend school. Childhood was dominated by work and survival rather than education or social opportunities.

Following the death of his father, his situation became even more difficult. Without family support and with limited opportunities available to him in Kuwait, he felt he had no choice but to leave in search of safety and a better future.

His journey to the UK was long, dangerous and deeply traumatic.

Travelling through nine countries, he eventually spent six years living in Egypt, where he worked as an electrician to survive. However, some of the most harrowing experiences occurred during his time in Libya.

While attempting to continue his journey, he was captured by militia groups on three separate occasions. During these incidents, he was subjected to violence and forced to pay more than £11,000 in total to secure his release.

Despite these experiences, he continued his journey through Italy and France before finally arriving in the UK.

After initially being housed in Dover, London and Liverpool, he eventually settled in Skelmersdale, where he says he experienced feelings of safety and happiness for the first time in many years.

Today, he lives with three housemates and is focused on building a new life. He attends college to improve his English language skills and volunteers at a local food bank, giving back to the community that has supported him since arriving in the area.

Although adapting to life in the UK has presented challenges, including difficulties navigating transport systems and finding employment, he says the support available through the Empower Them Programme has helped him feel less isolated.

The programme’s football sessions and social activities have provided routine, structure and an important outlet for stress and anxiety. They have also helped him build friendships and regain confidence after years of instability.

He continues to experience symptoms linked to undiagnosed post-traumatic stress caused by his past experiences, but organisers say his progress has been significant.

Staff involved in the programme say stories like his highlight the importance of community-led initiatives that support refugees beyond basic accommodation needs. By creating opportunities for social connection, physical activity and wellbeing support, programmes such as Empower Them can play a vital role in helping people recover from trauma and successfully integrate into local communities.

For the participant, the journey is far from over, but life in Skelmersdale has given him something he had been searching for over many years – safety, opportunity and renewed hope for the future.

The Empower Them Programme would not be possible without the continued support and commitment of partners and organisations dedicated to helping refugees rebuild their lives. Special thanks go to UK for UNHCR and UNHCR for their ongoing support, alongside everyone involved in delivering opportunities, guidance and hope to those seeking safety and a fresh start in the UK.