Heman arrived in Derby in May 2022 as an asylum seeker, accompanied by his wife and two young children—a warm and resilient Kurdish family from Iran. He first connected with our charity through the weekly Food Share Service, and it wasn’t long before he expressed a sincere desire to give something back. Heman quickly became a dedicated volunteer, supporting food collection and distribution, and helping maintain our premises with care and commitment.
Determined to improve his prospects, Heman regularly attended our English and IT classes, steadily building his communication skills and confidence. In December 2023, he was granted refugee status by the Home Office—a life-changing milestone that opened new doors. With our support, and through his determination and a strong work ethic, he pursued job-related training, earned his UK driving licence, and successfully passed the MOT Test Centre examination.
Today, Heman continues to volunteer with unwavering dedication. Every Saturday, he drives the FEE van to collect and distribute surplus food, and remains a dependable presence for maintenance tasks whenever needed. His journey is a powerful testament to the impact of community support and personal resilience. Heman’s compassion and commitment to helping others make him an invaluable part of our organisation. His story is one of hope, perseverance, and the transformative power of belonging.