Based on true stories, these anonymised first-person accounts, and related images, shine a spotlight on real people’s journeys as refugees and the critical role our partner NGOs have played in their safety and protection in Europe.

Warning: some sensitive content.

I very recently arrived in France and, for the first time in a long time, I was able to take a hot shower, using nice soap, for as long as I wanted. It felt so nice. Afterwards, I put my only spare t-shirt in a washing machine, charged my phone, was given phone credit to call my mum, and even called a friend who came to cut my hair.

Alongside these small, but important, comforts, NGO Vents Contraire gave me useful information translated into Arabic. It told me about the local services I could go to and gave me information about my rights in France.

These everyday things might seem small at first but they’re very important. And, if it wasn’t for Vents Contraire, they would be out of reach for people on the move like me.

I’m so grateful for these moments of kindness and support. They make a big difference in my difficult journey and keep me hopeful about my future.