Yasmin’s Story

Before KHL I felt very isolated. I was home a lot due to family commitments and I felt I was losing myself. My friends wanted me to start making some more time for myself, to be able to do something just for me. I felt at a stage where I felt incapable of doing anything, and I really needed a lift and to feel like I had a purpose in life again.

When a friend told me about KHL I was intrigued, as I love spending time with other women, socialising and helping people, so I thought the “Give it a Go” group sounded really exciting. I wondered if it might give me the opportunity to not only spend time with others, but support people too. I wanted to help people who were perhaps feeling the same as me, or were struggling with mental health issues. I also felt I might be of help to people who were facing language barriers. I was really nervous before I went, and I felt myself deliberating a lot about going. It took a lot to push myself, but with the support of Nasrat who works at KHL, who gave me the encouragement I needed, I finally found the courage to go and I am so happy that I did. The value of that social interaction, and the opportunities that have followed, have been invaluable to me.

The group made me feel so welcomed and I instantly felt comfortable. Everyone was really friendly and it was lovely to relax in the company of others, sharing stories, having fun, and supporting each other. The group is very diverse and it was also lovely to celebrate that diversity in a really inclusive way. We got to try so many different activities, such as crafts, self care, and we also had the chance to enjoy a wonderful Eid party.

I soon got involved with various other sessions, for example, helping prepare food and supporting people with with translation needs.

I also attended a cycling course at KHL, something that I have wanted to do for a while, but never knew how to get involved with before. I had never even held or been on a bike before, let alone tried to ride one, so this was really exciting to me, and I really enjoyed it. The opportunities at KHL are endless and being involved with KHL has really broadened my horizons in so many ways.

Once my confidence started to develop, I enquired about volunteering opportunities, and I am now proud to say that I am volunteering for the “Give it a Go” group, and I am also in training to help with reception and project support. I am really looking forward to what the future brings and the doors that volunteering will open for me.