Moving back from Zimbabwe with just a suitcase
Oct 12th 2007, 3:46 am
#1
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Moving back from Zimbabwe with just a suitcase
My friend was born and worked in England until her mid-twenties and then left to live abroad with her husband. About 20 years ago they moved to Zimbabwe. Conditions have got seriously worse and worse and with the death of her husband a year ago it is all now too much and she is desperate to move back. She has 2 sisters in this country, neither of whom are able to financially support her on her return as she will be returning with just what she can carry and very little savings (about £1000.00)
What support can she ask for from the Government? Should she just arrive in this country with nowhere to go or should she book into a B&B for a few days and then see the various agencies and take it from there?
What support can she ask for from the Government? Should she just arrive in this country with nowhere to go or should she book into a B&B for a few days and then see the various agencies and take it from there?
Oct 12th 2007, 1:39 pm
#2
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 107
Re: Moving back from Zimbabwe with just a suitcase
My friend was born and worked in England until her mid-twenties and then left to live abroad with her husband. About 20 years ago they moved to Zimbabwe. Conditions have got seriously worse and worse and with the death of her husband a year ago it is all now too much and she is desperate to move back. She has 2 sisters in this country, neither of whom are able to financially support her on her return as she will be returning with just what she can carry and very little savings (about £1000.00)
What support can she ask for from the Government? Should she just arrive in this country with nowhere to go or should she book into a B&B for a few days and then see the various agencies and take it from there?
What support can she ask for from the Government? Should she just arrive in this country with nowhere to go or should she book into a B&B for a few days and then see the various agencies and take it from there?
Oct 12th 2007, 3:42 pm
#4
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Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Atwell, Double you A
Posts: 769
Re: Moving back from Zimbabwe with just a suitcase
My friend was born and worked in England until her mid-twenties and then left to live abroad with her husband. About 20 years ago they moved to Zimbabwe. Conditions have got seriously worse and worse and with the death of her husband a year ago it is all now too much and she is desperate to move back. She has 2 sisters in this country, neither of whom are able to financially support her on her return as she will be returning with just what she can carry and very little savings (about £1000.00)
What support can she ask for from the Government? Should she just arrive in this country with nowhere to go or should she book into a B&B for a few days and then see the various agencies and take it from there?
What support can she ask for from the Government? Should she just arrive in this country with nowhere to go or should she book into a B&B for a few days and then see the various agencies and take it from there?
Oct 12th 2007, 4:09 pm
#5
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Moving back from Zimbabwe with just a suitcase
I really hope that some assistance (benefits, help looking for work, accommodation etc) is available. She is British and has strong family links to the country. book herself into a B and B and then get down the nearest social security offive.However, I wouldnt be surprised if the authorities give no help whatsoever.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/bene...les_abroad.asp
It's fair to say that she's unlikely to be able to live a life of luxury on welfare benefits, although something should be available.
For housing, first step should be the website of the council where she intends to live (in the area where family live is recommended) and see what options may he available. The Shelter organisation may be able to give advice: http://www.shelter.org.uk/
Again - it's unlikely to offer a life of luxury but may be better than nothing.
Oct 12th 2007, 7:20 pm
#6
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2
Re: Moving back from Zimbabwe with just a suitcase
Thanks everyone for the replies. Regarding the New Zealand suggestion I'm sure that is too good to be true, but I'll look into it. Thanks Hoyo.
Addiestubbs, thanks for the message of support, I'm sure our country won't let her down.
JAJ, thanks for the link to the benefits for those from abroad. I'm still working my way through it. Would it be worth while her contacting the councils where her sisters live now regarding Housing and other Benefits, before she leaves, or would this give the councils enough time to find excuses not to help or would it be better just to turn up and declare yourself homeless?
At the moment in Zimbabwe there is vast shortages of food and no electricity 3 days a week, so anything is going to be better than that.
I really appreciate the fact that you have all found the time to offer advice. Thanks.
Addiestubbs, thanks for the message of support, I'm sure our country won't let her down.
JAJ, thanks for the link to the benefits for those from abroad. I'm still working my way through it. Would it be worth while her contacting the councils where her sisters live now regarding Housing and other Benefits, before she leaves, or would this give the councils enough time to find excuses not to help or would it be better just to turn up and declare yourself homeless?
At the moment in Zimbabwe there is vast shortages of food and no electricity 3 days a week, so anything is going to be better than that.
I really appreciate the fact that you have all found the time to offer advice. Thanks.
