Case studies

These case studies are the real words of real people in London who are living in poverty. We hope that they help to bring to life the statistics on this website.

These case studies were collected by Christine Bacon at Ice and Fire

Case study: Samitha

Samitha is a 25 year-old Bangladeshi mother of three, who came to London at the age of 16. In Bangladesh, I had a happy life. Before I came here, I thought I could learn how to speak English, and I... More...

Case study: Zara

Zara is a 20 year old British citizen who grew up in north-west London. Despite living in a poor and violent household and being kicked out of home at 15, she managed to excel academically and is now attending university.... More...

Case study: Rudi

Rudi, aged 53, is a German citizen who spent most of his life in the USA. After a series of convictions, he was deported to Germany, and came to the UK in 2004. I've been on drugs and in and... More...

Case study: 'Amina'

'Amina' is a 51 year old Somali lone parent and has lived in London for 22 years. She has seven children including a disabled daughter. My husband died many years ago in a car accident. My daughter was also in... More...

Case study: Kenan

Kenan is a Turkish man, aged 49, and has lived in London since 2000. Following a three-year prison sentence for his political activity and constant police harassment, he left Turkey and claimed asylum in the UK but was refused. My... More...

Case study: Daryl

Daryl, a British citizen aged 53, spent most of his life in the USA. He returned to the UK in 2006 after a divorce. He worked as a truck driver in the USA and ran a cleaning business. When I... More...

Case study: Laura

Laura, aged 45 has lived in London most of her life. She worked in low-skilled jobs until becoming a mother. With no support from the father, she found it difficult to cope. I know there's many people out in that... More...

Case study: Daniel

Daniel, aged 59 grew up in Cornwall. For a number of years he was in the RAF, later becoming a lorry driver. He divorced after 23 years of marriage and ended up homeless in London. Because of my age, and... More...

Case study: 'Thompson'

'Thompson' is a 53 year old man from Ecuador who has been working as a cleaner in London without legal papers since 2000. He left Ecuador in 1999 when the economy collapsed and there was massive unemployment. I am a... More...