'I packed my bags and moved my family to Oldham for a better life'

A former refugee who moved to Oldham with her young children after fleeing domestic violence has praised how "welcoming and warm" the UK has been as it's given her "stability at last".

Mum-of-two Kana Josée, who was born in Rwanda, had been living in the Netherlands until 2012 when she packed her bags and took her children - then aged 11 and 7 - on a coach to a friend in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

One week later, Kana, 43, moved to Greater Manchester where she and her family have lived ever since. She says she feels it has given her a 'sense of belonging'.

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Speaking of the decision to leave the Netherlands, Kana told The Mirror: "I was the victim of domestic violence in The Netherlands, which led to difficulties trying to settle and feel safe to raise my kids. I wanted a brighter future and to be in ahappy place, a stable place.

"I found the UK instantly more than welcoming, particularly as I was alone with my two children, who were eleven and seven at the time. They loved it and I loved it as well within one week.”

Kana, who is now a business professional with an online fashion company and a charity worker, says it was the best decision she has made for her family.

"I was a bit nervous at first. It was a big, serious decision to move the kids over,” Kana explained. “It was difficult. I was thinking 'if I move to the UK, will this be my stable home' because I was afraid of moving.

“I was born a refugee in Rwanda to Burundian refugee parents, and I was tired. But I am stable, and I feel so welcome and I am so, so grateful.

"When I moved, it was surreal. I was like 'Oh my gosh, I am in The Queen's land, and I feel welcome'.