*Name has been changed and stock photo used to protect identity Farah* moved to the UK to seek asylum and start a new life in Manchester. Originally from Iran, Farah had an education and had many jobs in her home…
Life Stories
Alex’s Story
Alex came to Mustard Tree to build his confidence and explore his love of cooking. Alex is neurodivergent and has learning difficulties and hadn’t had a paid job before – he was looking to gain experience and a new sense…
Ahmed’s Story
Ahmed’s name has been changed and a stock image used to protect identity Ahmed arrived in the Manchester in 2021, knowing very little about the city and without many connections. He enrolled in Mustard Tree’s Freedom Project, hoping to build…
George’s Story
George* came to Mustard Tree extremely distressed and anxious due to his financial circumstances. He was in arrears, close to £29,000, and as they went unpaid each passing month they were getting higher and higher. George, who relied solely on…
James and The Rug Seller
When James joined Mustard Tree he had been out of work for a number of years and wanted to gain confidence and work-ready skills. James was an existing client of Mustard Tree’s and found out about the Freedom Project during…
Helping with Hardship: Trish’s Story
Trisha* came to Mustard Tree in severe financial hardship. She worked in care for most of her adult life but, due to ongoing and intense physical pain, she needed to go on long term sick leave. Trisha received £411.51 per…
Julita’s Life Story
Julita* first came to Mustard Tree to get support around employment and to learn new skills. This is an account of how Mustard Tree creates opportunity for anyone looking to make a positive change. “I felt useless and wanted to…
Katie’s Story
Katie joined Mustard Tree’s life-skills and employability training placement ‘Freedom’ after a period of homelessness caused by multiple factors. “I was in a major depressive state” Katie* has bipolar disorder and has had problems with mental health in the…
Soulemann’s Story
Soulemann has been living in the UK since 2012, after fleeing persecution in his home country. He came to Mustard Tree to pursue his dream of owning his own business. “Because I live with my partner, I lost all…
Jason’s Story
Jason joined Mustard Tree’s life-skills and employability training placement ‘Freedom’ back in April 2019, after being referred by a staff member at Wilson Carlisle House. “I was down in the dumps. I had no self-esteem or confidence… I was bored”….