‘How cycling helped me to overcome isolation’

My name is Yonatan and I am an asylum seeker from Eritrea living in the UK.

Life as an asylum seeker has not been easy, and I have faced many challenges since arriving here. One of the biggest obstacles I have encountered is isolation.

As an asylum seeker, I am not allowed to work, and the amount of money I receive each week from the Home Office is barely enough to cover my basic needs. This has made it difficult for me to socialise with others and explore my local area.

However, I am not one to give up easily. I am determined to find ways to overcome these challenges and make the most of my time in the UK. So, I decided to take up cycling as a way to explore the area around me and break out of my isolation.

My first destination was the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham. It is a beautiful nature reserve with several walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and a lovely café. I spent hours exploring the reserve, admiring the natural beauty around me and taking in the peaceful surroundings.

My next stop was the Kennet and Avon Canal in Thatcham. It is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling, and I loved cycling along the towpath and enjoying the stunning views. I felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration that I had not experienced in a long time.

Moving on to Newbury, I visited the West Berkshire Museum. It is a small but fascinating museum that showcases the history and heritage of the local area. I learned a lot about the town’s past and found it interesting to see how it has evolved over time. Another spot I enjoyed in Newbury was the Victoria Park. It is a beautiful park with plenty of green spaces, a pond, and even a small skatepark. I loved taking my bike and cycling around the park, enjoying the fresh air and exercise.

Finally, I visited the Newbury Racecourse. It is a world renowned horse racing venue that attracts visitors from all over the UK and beyond. Although I could not afford to attend any of the races, I enjoyed walking around the grounds and admiring the beautiful horses.

One of the best things about cycling is that it allowed me to interact with the community. I would stop at coffee shops and chat with people, and I discovered that the local Pret a Manger had a coffee for only 90p, which was affordable for me.

I felt a sense of belonging and connection with the people around me, and my mood improved.

In conclusion, life as an asylum seeker has its challenges, but I have found ways to overcome them. By taking up cycling and exploring the area around me, I have been able to break out of my isolation and feel more connected to the community. I have discovered some incredible places in Thatcham and Newbury, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to experience them.