Yogi, Chef and torture survivor - 40th anniversary

“Freedom from Torture saved my life”

After fleeing persecution and torture in Sri Lanka, Yogi was homeless and suffering from depression. After connecting with Freedom from Torture, who helped him find accommodation and further support, Yogi has found his new path in life – as a successful chef.

I know what it is to have a hungry belly. When I moved to London I had no home for four years. I’ll never forget the nights I spent in Charing Cross and Waterloo stations. After receiving support from Freedom from Torture I finally had a proper place to sleep. But my troubles weren’t over.

My depression and PTSD led me to spend three months in a mental health hospital. Thanks to the initial support I received from Freedom from Torture I was introduced to an organisation that trains refugees to become cookery teachers and chefs.

At the time I couldn’t even make a cup of tea, but I learnt so much and I began studying catering at college. From there I got a chef job at the British Museum, then the Plaza Hotel, and then I ended up running Trampoline, my little Sri Lankan restaurant in Islington.

It was Freedom from Torture that gave me the inspiration and confidence to start my own street food business, and at the end of each day any leftover food is given to the homeless.