QADIR claimed asylum in the UK three years ago. Since then, the Pakistani national has been rebuilding his life here in Manchester.
Despite the meaningful friendships he's made and the help he's received, like many refugees in the UK, he still feels unwelcome sometimes. Yesterday - Valentine's Day - some of Greater Manchester's most influential figures wrote a love letter to refugees like Qadir.
The letter, which is signed by Wigan poet Lemn Sissay, Manchester Pride's Mark Fletcher and Bishop of Salford John Arnold, expresses love and solidarity with refugees in the city-region, making it clear to political leaders that refugees are welcome in their community.
"The welcome of local people means everything," Qadir said. "I have had amazing support and made some wonderful friendships
"But it can be isolating and difficult too. Sometimes I fear that people like me are not welcome in the UK. So this letter means a great deal.
Denne historien er fra February 15, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 15, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DON'T PANIC
KOVACIC CONFIDENT BLUES CAN OVERCOME SLUMP
Zlatan not ruling out Vic switch
AC MILAN advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic has refused to rule out the possibility of United centre-back Victor Lindelof joining the Italian club next summer.
Carsley gives respect to Ireland after Greece win
INTERIM boss Lee Carsley says celebrations are on ice as England look to follow up their impressive win in Greece by sealing promotion back to the Nations League top tier by beating the Republic of Ireland.
Young Heskey aims to step out of dad's shadow with Blues
\"IT'S the normal,\" says one of the latest City academy strikers catching attention in describing his upbringing.
Safety pledge for Brits going overseas for ops
THE Health Secretary has said he will work to improve safety for Britons travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures in the wake of several deaths.
£15m 'wasted' on migrant camp site
THE Home Office spent £15m buying a derelict prison contaminated with asbestos amid political pressure to stop housing migrants in hotels, according to Whitehall's spending watchdog.
Experts: Climate talks 'no longer fit for purpose'
THE process of UN climate negotiations is no longer fit for purpose and requires a comprehensive overhaul, leading experts have warned.
McCall reveals tumour diagnosis
CELEBRITIES have flocked to wish Davina McCall well after she revealed she has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, with fellow TV presenter Amanda Holden sending \"so much love\".
'Revenge' shooting teen faces years behind bars
BOY BLASTED AT CLOSE RANGE WITH SHOTGUN IN PREMEDITATED AND PRE-PLANNED' ATTACK
'It was dark, the waves were very high - it was very, very hard'
THE M.E.N. SPEAKS TO ASYLUM SEEKERS WHOSE HOUSING AT A HOTEL HAS DIVIDED A TOWN
