Navigating the first years of resettling in the UK can be a tough and overwhelming journey.

But guess what? You’re not alone in this. Many people from our Ethiopian and Eritrean expat communities have faced and are facing similar challenges. That’s why we’ve launched MyEthiopia—a new platform to help us connect, support one another, and grow stronger together.

Starting fresh in a new country is hard. You might feel isolated and lonely, especially in the beginning. The trauma and violence some of us experienced before and during our journey here have left deep scars. And now, adapting to a new culture can add to the stress and anxiety. Sadly, many refugees, including those in our community, don’t use mental health services as much as they need to because of cultural stigmas and the lack of accessible, understanding support.

Our culture shapes how we cope. We often keep things to ourselves, stay silent, and try to forget. Many of us lean on our faith, seek support from friends and family, and sometimes turn to formal health services. While these methods help, they might not be enough to heal the deep wounds of long-term displacement.

But here’s the good news: there’s hope and strength in our shared experiences and cultural heritage. By coming together, we can build a supportive network where everyone can thrive. MyEthiopia is here to help create that sense of unity and support.

Here are some ways we can strengthen our community: [We can add links]

1. Create Safe Spaces for Sharing: Let’s encourage open conversations about mental health and our personal experiences. Sharing can break the silence, reduce stigma, and bring us closer through understanding.
2. Organize Community Events: Regular gatherings, cultural celebrations, and community meetings can help fight isolation and foster a sense of belonging. Engaging with the Ethiopian community in your local church can be a fantastic way to get involved. See the Faith https://myethiopia.co.uk/faith page of MyEthiopia to find your local church. 
3. Support Systems: Let’s build a network where we help each other with everyday challenges, from language barriers to navigating the healthcare system.  The Ethiopian Community Association https://ethiopiancommunity.co.uk  is a great resource for all Ethiopians living in the UK
4. Promote Mental Health Awareness: We need to educate our community about the importance of mental health and the services available. Let’s work towards making these services more accessible and culturally sensitive.
5. Encourage Engagement in Cultural Practices: Keeping our cultural traditions alive can provide comfort and a sense of identity, even in a foreign land.
6. Leverage Technology: Platforms like MyEthiopia can keep us connected, share resources, and provide mutual support.

By rallying together, we can overcome the challenges of resettlement and build a resilient, thriving community. MyEthiopia is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can create a brighter future for all Ethiopian and Eritrean expats in the UK.

Let’s embrace this journey and support each other along the way.., watch out here more our articles.