Joseph's story

I’m from Uganda and a victim of political violence.  I fled Uganda in fear for my own life after members of my family got murdered.  I sought asylum in the UK 15 years ago, but my application was refused. 

Since then I have lived in a state of limbo.  15 years is a very long time to have your life on hold. It’s been agonising to carry on sometimes.  As my future remains uncertain, I still live in fear.

In 1996 I was diagnosed with Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder caused by my experiences, and sometimes aggravated by my immigration status. To live with this illness I’ve depended on counselling, anti-depressants, and sleeping pills. Life has sometimes been unbearable.

Despite all my troubles I’ve always tried to channel my suffering into positive things that I find rewarding, like studying and voluntary work. 

When I came to UK 15 years ago, I didn’t know anyone and therefore felt isolated and lonely.  However, it wasn’t until I moved to Teesside in 2003 that my longing for God in my life intensified.

One Sunday morning I went out looking for a Catholic Church and found one in my local area.  I remember feeling very emotional that morning at Mass. I began meeting parishioners who became friends and were very supportive.
 
Now I can take part in some parish ministries to share my faith, encourage and support others.  I have a sense of belonging and purpose in life thanks to God’s love and my friends’.