Meet Lyn who was once a beneficiary we helped to support and now is a member of our team who uses her lived experience, empathy and compassion as a Bespoke Women’s Co-ordinator to help support other ESEA women to thrive in the UK.
Where are you from?
I was born in Quezon City, Philippines, to loving but very poor parents. From a young age, my mum noticed how determined I was when it came to studying. I worked hard and was consistently placed in the top section throughout primary and high school. I went on to receive a full university scholarship, which covered all my tuition fees.
What job did you do after University?
After graduating, life wasn’t easy. I juggled one short-term job after another until I finally secured a government post with the Social Welfare Office. I stayed there for five years, but had to stop working when my dad suffered a massive stroke that left him partially paralysed. It broke me. I moved out to live on my own in Intramuros and started working for the Election Office.
What is important to you?
During this time, I also served as a volunteer lector at the Manila Cathedral, which gave me peace and purpose.
Eventually, I passed the Civil Service exam and got a job with the Competition Office. Around this time, I met the man who would later become my husband. We agreed it was too hard to live apart, so we got married and I moved to London to build a life with him.
What was moving to the UK like?
But moving to the UK turned out to be incredibly difficult. From the moment I arrived, he made it clear that I was a burden. He reminded me constantly that he had spent money on my visa, flight, and requirements. He accused me of things I never did, often saying I was living a life of luxury while he was the one feeding me. Even eating became difficult—I felt guilty with every bite. His behaviour became controlling, hurtful, and emotionally abusive. That dark period lasted for two years.
How did you find help?
Eventually, I took a leap of faith and fled the abuse. That’s when I found a Filipino charity that gave me the support I needed.
I found the Filipino Charity in Filipino-British Facebook groups about their advertisement of the Charity (Kanlungan).
Solace Women’s Aid later helped me apply for the Domestic Violence Concession, which allowed me to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. When the result came back, and it was successful, I couldn’t believe it. I was finally safe, and I could stay in the UK legally—on my own terms.
What did you do next when you began to feel safe, secure and confident?
I began volunteering with the same Filipino charity that helped me, supporting other women facing abuse—helping them access benefits, secure housing, and apply for visas, just like I once had to.
Eventually, I met a new partner and moved to Leicestershire. I found work with the NHS, then as a Clerk for the local council, and later became a Women’s Support Officer for SEEAWA, where I still work today.
In January this year, I applied for British Citizenship. The result came back in March—approved. My citizenship ceremony was held on April 24, which is also my birthday.
After everything—the pain, the fear, the resilience, the faith—I am now a British Citizen.
Every hardship I endured, every step I took, every act of courage—it has all led me to this moment. And though the journey was far from easy, I am beyond grateful.
Because now, I’m free. I’m safe. I’ve come full circle. And I know this is just the beginning.
My Own DV journey in today’s society: SEEAWA Digital Story under Let us Lead the Change Programme:
What do enjoy about being in the UK and your work?
The mixture of richness in history and hidden gems with a very nice touch of nature and delicious meals
I am a very family oriented because it’s a Filipino culture I love the family I built here in UK.
Charity Family that I worked with to give back to the community. Found a special someone who is my long-time partner now and his family that makes me feel that I’m not alone. The friends of my partner became my friends too.
