Request for help for Javad

A few months ago, HOT reported on Javad’s case (see links below) – a young autistic man from Iran who is seeking safe asylum here in the UK. He’s lived here since his early teenage years and now has a home with two kind and caring local people, Terry and Stuart Alexander, who care for him very much and want him to be able to stay in this country. Your letters of  support are a much-needed contribution to Javad’s case. HOT’s Zelly Restorick writes. 

I can vouch that this is a genuine case of a young man – much younger than his age – seeking a safe haven here: I know him, Terry and Stuart, so have a direct connection.

Terry writes: “Javad opened a new file with his solicitor last Thursday. We aim to have one last go at claiming status this way, then, aware that this might be unsuccessful, we plan to have one try at a paid application. We have been in contact with Amber Rudds’ office again, who are checking out that we are trying the most sensible route.

“Javad has been studying hard lately and really enjoying his Art & Wellbeing class and his ESOL Healthy Lifestyles. He has made me a new waistcoat and several aprons at Hastings Autism. He has also got involved with a community project along our road and spent the weekend digging over some wasteland and planting flowers and seeds.”

Even though Javad experiences some difficulty with language, both English and Farsi, his English has improved considerably over the past few months, due to the regular time Terry, Stuart and other friends invest in his personal development. “I’m Iranian because I was born in Iran, but I grew up here,” he says. “I don’t understand the culture of Iran now.”

For more information about Javad in his own words, please read this page of his recently updated website: Message from Javad.

How can you help?

I asked Terry what help she would like from people in our community?

“I want to remind supporters that Javad is still out there and we’d love them to look again at the website and share the petition again with their friends and networks. Lots of people have offered to help: friends and acquaintances – and also complete strangers who empathise with Javad’s situation: autism, bereavement – he is an orphan who had no known family in Iran, seeking asylum, etc. We want to put the message out there that this is the time to help and there is something people can do. Ones from people who know him are best, but all positive responses would help.” (My italics. ZR)

“We are starting a new application for Javad and his solicitor has asked us for letters of support for his file. Here’s what is needed.

*Please include something personal about how you know Javad or the changes you have seen in him

*Do you have any experience of any of the difficulties he faces? Orphan, family tragedy, autistic, learning/ communication difficulties, transition from child to adult, seeking asylum.

*How important do you feel his ‘family life’ with Stuart and me is?

*What contribution has he made to the community/your life?

*How is he fitting in to our society/culture?

*How would it affect you if he were to be sent back?

* Include your address, date and signature.

*Address your letter to: To whom it may concern.

*Send to Terry Alexander, 157 Pinders Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 5PW or terryhewitt900@hotmail.com.

*Hand written letters are best. Mistakes are fine.”

More information can be found at Javad’s website, which includes a recently added piece from Javad explaining why he felt he needed to leave Iran.

Please spread the word.

And thank you all for your continued support – it means so much to Javad, Terry and Stuart.

Links to previous articles about Javad: Save Javad from deportation and Help local family save Javad from deportation.

Also in: Hastings People

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