Lahja is a resilient woman in her 40s, originally from Namibia. She spent many years living in neighbouring war-torn Angola before arriving in London in 2023. Her migration journey was shaped by a series of traumatic experiences, including domestic and sexual violence, which left her facing complex emotional and psychological challenges.
In 2024, Lahja was referred to Waterloo Community Counselling. Her initial engagement with the organisation was through WCC’s social groups and activities for refugees and asylum seekers. For Lahja, these activities included the Gardening Club, seaside trips, and a visit to London’s Saatchi Gallery. Attending the regular groups provided a gentle and supportive entry point into the community, helping Lahja begin to rebuild trust and connection.
During one of the group outings, Lahja expressed a desire for counselling support. Following an initial consultation, she was offered 14 sessions of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, delivered by one of WCC’s counsellors on a one-off basis. Lahja shared her hopes for therapy:
“I wanted to feel normal again and deal with trauma. Boost self-esteem and confidence.”
Throughout her EMDR sessions, Lahja remained actively involved in group activities, becoming a central and uplifting presence. Her therapy concluded in February 2025, and she reflected on the experience with gratitude:
“I would like to thank you for the opportunity to understand myself, it has changed me. I never had someone listen to me before. I was able to open up completely for the first time. I can take this and continue to work on this.”
Recognising her ongoing mental health needs, WCC offered Lahja further counselling support in July 2025. She resumed sessions and continued to engage deeply with the wider WCC community. Beyond counselling and group support, WCC has been able to support Lahja with practical needs, such as attendance letters and printing, provision of a mobile phone and more. Lahja now attends college regularly and participates in multiple groups and activities. She has been invited to contribute to WCC’s Experts by Experience group, and also joined external initiatives, such as women’s group and in the Citizens of the World choir, In December the WCC team were able to see her sing at their Christmas concert!
Lahja describes WCC as a place where she feels “safe and supported.” Her involvement has not only aided her personal healing but has also helped foster a sense of community for others.
*Lahja kindly consented to sharing her story with her real name but we have changed her name according to our policy.