Case study: Birmingham Community Event
All names have been changed along with some aspects of these case studies to maintain anonymity.
Bringing together 37 clients from across the UK, our Birmingham community event was a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new people, and hear about the latest projects at the Gulab Sorkh Foundation.
Held in the heart of the city, the event created space for conversation, support, and shared experiences among those building new lives in the UK.
Held in Birmingham on 19th of July, this event brought together 37 clients, many of whom had not seen one another since leaving bridging accommodation, some even since leaving Afghanistan. The event was organised to offer a space to reconnect, meet new people, and hear about the latest updates from GSF.
For Tamana, the day was a welcome chance to catch up with former colleagues and meet others for the first time, including Case Manager Fereshteh and Trustee Richard. She explained that the event made her feel a part of Gulab Sorkh Foundation and she appreciated the chance to learn about our new programmes.
Ramin also reflected on the value of the event. He said it gave him a sense of comfort and confidence, especially seeing how many others have made progress since resettling, with some even starting their own businesses. He spoke about his experience with depression and said he was glad to hear that the Gulab Sorkh Foundation is planning a Trauma Project, which he felt would meet a real need in the community.
Abbas shared this feedback:
“The event was truly perfect. It was great to see friends, colleagues, and familiar faces after such a long time. This gathering allowed so many of us to reconnect and share our stories once again here in Birmingham. Moments like these remind us of the deep bonds we share.
One of the most meaningful moments for me was reconnecting with the Minister of Veterans, someone we served alongside in Afghanistan. We trained, lived, and worked together so seeing him again meant a lot to all of us.
A heartfelt thank you to the Gulab Sorkh Foundation for continuously supporting us. I’m especially thankful that the Foundation has started a mental health project which is something incredibly helpful for many of us who are facing mental health challenges. This initiative is truly needed and appreciated. Thank you again for inviting us. We hope to see more events like this in the future. A special thanks to the entire Gulab Sorkh team—Pam, Fereshteh, Krista, and everyone involved. You were all so kind and welcoming.”
As above, the event was attended by Alistair Carns MP, Minister for Veterans and People, who also spoke about reconnecting with Afghan veterans he had served alongside. He recognised the challenges many have faced in resettling and emphasised the importance of ongoing support.
This gathering reminded us of the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can reconnect, share what they are going through, and hear directly about the support available to them. Events like this strengthen the connections within our community and help ensure no one feels left behind.