Due to political and security concerns, my husband and I fled Iran nine years ago. We are from Iran’s Kurdistan province. My husband was in jail for 11 years as a political prisoner. We have been through a lot of traumas.

My husband has an artificial leg and is unable to work due to his disability. He also has cirrhosis and a lung issue.

We are facing severe financial difficulties. I don’t always have enough money to buy clothes for my daughter, let alone feed her properly. Of course, people all over the world face financial difficulties, but for asylum seekers, the situation is even more difficult. Because you always feel like an outsider and alone. We enjoy visiting the Van Impaired Persons and Their Families Association (VIED) because we are welcomed and respected there. It’s also helpful to talk to people who are in similar situations. To me, they are like family. My psychological well-being has greatly improved as a result of the activities at the VIED. I received psychosocial support. When I’m here, I feel safe and calm.