A recent episode of the BBC documentary series Ambulance has brought to light the harrowing story of a Sri Lankan student living homeless in London while seeking asylum.
The episode, which aired in April, follows emergency medical crew members Hannah and Niall as they respond to a call involving a suicidal individual living in a car park.
The patient, identified only as Nadeera, tells the crew he arrived in the UK to study at a university but became homeless due to financial difficulties.
According to the program, Nadeera is unable to pay for tuition or living expenses and is seeking asylum following the reported shooting death of his uncle in Sri Lanka, who had funded his expenses in the UK.
He expresses frustration at receiving no assistance from UK authorities, stating they are “passing the ball” regarding his asylum and welfare support.
Without access to financial aid or mental health services, Nadeera tells the crew he has been living in a car park.
He says he has no contact with fellow students, who avoid him due to his living situation. He also describes being assaulted by a drug user but declined medical treatment out of fear he would lose his sleeping spot in the car park.
Moved by his account, the ambulance crew makes a safeguarding referral in hopes that social services can intervene. Nadeera expresses deep gratitude, saying they were the first people to listen to him and offer help.
The episode concludes by stating that, despite receiving no formal support while homeless, Nadeera secured a job and permanent housing through the kindness of a stranger after two years. (Newswire)