A space to be yourself: The impact of guardianship
As part of our 15th birthday series, we’re speaking to guardians about the impact guardianship has had on their lives. For every blog we post, we’ll make a £50 donation to a charity of the guardian’s choice.
Being a Dot Dot Dot guardian has given Irfan a chance to express himself in his home – something he hadn’t been able to do before. We caught up with him: a joyful, warm person who is excited about life and unafraid to show it.
Finding a rainbow in the sky
“I was living in a house share when I came across Dot Dot Dot,” Irfan tells us. “I was in this place where I just kept thinking about how much money I’d given to landlords, given to London.”
Finding Dot Dot Dot changed that. “It felt like finding a rainbow in the sky,” he says. What drew him in wasn’t just the affordability – it was the ethos. Irfan has been a volunteer for years, and the idea that guardians give back to their communities felt like second nature. “When you do things for other people, it makes you happy,” he puts simply.
A village in the city
Irfan moved to Ham, a quiet corner of west London that feels far removed from the city it belongs to. The change has been immediate and profound.
“Becoming a guardian here has brought me a lot of peace,” he says. “You’re close to the city but you don’t really feel like you’re in it. It’s quiet and you’re surrounded by nature.”
Making space feel like home
When Irfan starts talking about decorating his flat, something lights up. He’s done it slowly, thoughtfully, hunting through charity shops for pieces that feel right.
“It’s been such a beautiful, fun, creative experience,” he says. “I’ve been able to really put myself into the flat.” One of his favourite touches are the butterflies on his front door.
The moment that meant most to him came on a FaceTime call with his sister. “She was so proud, and she could see the happiness on my face,” he says. “Becoming a guardian has allowed me to express myself in a way I haven’t in my home before. When I come home from work, it feels like I am coming back to myself.”
In honour of our conversation with Irfan, we made a donation to a charity close to his heart – Little Lives UK. They provide free mental health resources and tech to disadvantaged children and young people. You can check out the impact they create on their Instagram page.
