Moving to the UK alone as a young person is a life-changing experience. For young unaccompanied people seeking asylum, it often means leaving behind family, culture and everything familiar in search of safety.
In this episode, Johnbosco shares his story of arriving in the UK from Nigeria at just 15. His journey highlights the emotional impact of displacement, the challenges of adapting to a new culture, and what it really takes to build a sense of belonging in a new country.
What it’s like to arrive in the UK alone at 15
Johnbosco arrived in the UK, as a young person seeking asylum from Nigeria aged 15. He came alone, leaving behind his family, home and everything familiar, in the hopes of finding safety. Before, his life had felt stable and secure. He grew up around a loving family, daily routines and a strong sense of community woven into all aspects of life. Arriving in England changed everything overnight.
“Every day was just a nightmare for that first six months…I was crying every day”
He had to adjust quickly to a new culture, new systems and a new way of living. At the same time, he had no contact with his family. Even with support around him, the experience often felt overwhelming.
Adjusting to life in a new country and culture
Adapting to life in a new country involves learning many new practical things, but it also involved the complexities of navigating an uprooted sense of identity and belonging. For Johnbosco, the differences between home and this new country, were everywhere. The food, weather, routines and expectations all felt unfamiliar.
Johnbosco quickly became aware of the deep cultural differences in how young people lived and related to the world around them. In Nigeria, responsibility and independence came early, and contribution to daily life and family were expected from a young age. In the UK, things felt slower, less structured and like a complete contrast to everything he’d known.
“I was just trying to understand what was going on”
Where many might instinctively judge difference, Johnbosco chose curiosity and empathy. It’s a perspective that challenges a wider narrative, one that too often places people seeking asylum under scrutiny, rather than seeking to understand their experiences.
Finding familiarity and belonging away from home
When Johnbosco visited Jamie’s Farm, something felt familiar again.
“Having to be in a more natural environment was comforting, because it brought back memories. Memories of growing up in the farm…It was a beautiful thing for me, and I think I felt home. I felt like I was home.”
Being around animals and working outdoors brought back a sense of normality. It connected him back to his childhood and past experiences. Daily routines helped too. Tasks had purpose and structure, which made it easier to settle in. These moments did not change everything overnight, but they gave Johnbosco a space to feel more like himself again.
“My relationship with Jamie’s Farm is a relationship I hold with like the Mother Earth, you know. You’ve got to come to it. It’s got to embrace you. You’ve got to find peace in it. And while finding peace in it, you have to have fun as well”
Building a new life in the UK: connection, responsibility and purpose
Over time, Johnbosco began to build new relationships and a sense of belonging. He values responsibility and believes it plays an important role in shaping young people.
“You’ve got to put in effort…it gives you a sense of responsibility”
Through shared work and connection with others, he found ways to move forward. Today, Johnbosco works in public finance for his local council, driven by a clear sense of purpose to support others and contribute meaningfully to the country he now calls home.
“I’m in public finance and I just want to stay in the public…it’s the opportunity to always stay close to the people, find a way to make a difference in the lives of people. so that’s my, I think that’s my goal right now that’s what I believe I’m here for”
His words reflect a deep commitment to not only his career ambition, but also to the public service and helping those that need it. As a former asylum seeker, Johnbosco’s journey challenges the often-misunderstood narrative that people seeking asylum simply take from society. His story portrays a strong desire to give back, to contribute, and to strengthen the communities around him.
Johnbosco’s journey is one of resilience, highlighting how when young people feel grounded, supported and welcomed, they are empowered to rebuild their own lives as well as help to enhance the lives of those around them.
Listen to Johnbosco’s full story
In this episode of ‘Shift happens’, Johnbosco reflects on arriving in the UK alone and navigating life between two cultures. He shares the challenges of starting again, the importance of responsibility, and the moments that helped him to feel at home.
His story offers insight into what it takes to build belonging when everything familiar has been left behind.
Listen to the full podcast episode about arriving in the UK as a young asylum seeker
