Wham! took the world by storm in the 80s and 90s, their music loved by everyone from teenagers to housewives. But behind their catchy tunes lies a powerful story of immigration. George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, both sons of immigrants, helped shape British pop culture in ways we can still feel today. This article dives into how immigration has not only shaped the soundtrack of Britain, but also continues to enrich our society.

Join me, a volunteer at AARC, as I take on the £8.86 challenge – living for a week on the same amount people seeking asylum in the UK receive. From walking miles to the supermarket to stretching ingredients to their limit, I learned just how tough it is to make ends meet. Along the way, I reflected on the isolation and challenges faced by those living in temporary accommodation. Here's how it all unfolded.