The Zimbabweans gather once a month to share stories
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Beverley says she had to get out of Zimbabwe in a hurry.
She describes how she had to leave her two-month-old son behind when she fled her homeland.
That was eight years ago and Beverley has not seen him since.
Her eyes well up as she talks about her heartbreak but Beverley told BBC East she cannot go home because of her membership of the Zimbabwean opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and her brother's position within the party.
Adding to her problems is that she cannot officially work in the UK because she is a failed asylum seeker.
"I do private jobs. I've got my mother here with me who is in the same predicament.
"We are always living in fear that the UK Border Agency is going to come after us", she said.
Beverley is in a church hall in Southend for a regular meeting of local MDC activists.
Buy coffins
They are part of a large community of Zimbabweans living in Essex and they gather once a month to share stories, catch up on news and continue their opposition 4,500 miles from home.
The meeting begins with a prayer and everyone sings "Ishe Komborai Africa" - God Bless Africa.
A collection is taken and the branch treasurer gathers the subs, explaining how the money will fund the party's activities and even buy coffins for members who have been killed in Zimbabwe.
Stories of murder, torture and intimidation are told.
One man describes how the families of exiled MDC activists are targeted back home.
Another claims that the children of party supporters are being refused entry to schools.
Margaret Chipandambira used to own a string of off-licenses: "I used to have my own place where I lived in Kadoma and two weeks ago my house was destroyed. They've taken everything from my shops."
Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai at the signing of a deal
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According to latest Home Office figures, around 80% of Zimbabweans who come to the UK seeking asylum are refused, but deportations are on hold at the moment pending a test case going through the courts.
They are also the third largest nationality group seeking refugee status in the UK.
Only Iraq and Afghanistan provide more applicants.
The people gathered speak of the hardship and poor living conditions they have to endure because of the restrictions on working.
More than one person explains how those in work end up supporting friends and family in both countries.
They also say the system in which failed asylum seekers have to report to the police can compound their misery.
Stanford Biti is the local MDC branch chairman: "We have somebody staying in Southend but he's reporting in Birmingham... we have some people who stay here in Southend and they go as far as Edinburgh to go and report."
Many of the exiles in the church hall are well educated professionals.
Beverley had just completed her A-levels when she fled, Stanford is a school teacher, and they want to rebuild their country.
According to Washington Ali, a former UK chairman of the MDC: "When things change in Zimbabwe believe you me, people would like to go back."
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