Asylum seeker experiences of living in West Berkshire

Healthwatch West Berkshire received feedback about the problems asylum seekers placed locally were experiencing in accessing health and social care.  They worked with the local authority who wanted to understand to what extent asylum seekers’ needs could be met by local voluntary sector organisations.  They undertook a survey to which 47 people responded.

The residents are predominantly young males between the ages of 19 -34, with only a couple of families with young children staying in the rural Home Office Contingency Initial Accommodation setting. The residents have no idea how long their applications will take to be processed. The uncertainty of this, and knowing they could be moved at any time, was cited by both asylum seekers and our voluntary sector partners as having a detrimental impact on their mental, emotional and physical health. Added to this is there is a lack of meaningful mental and physical activity available to the residents.

Most of the asylum seekers wanted to be listened to. There is a significant lack of information that is available to asylum seekers, not only about their progress in the asylum process but about life in the UK. Healthwatch heard from voluntary sector partners that isolation, boredom, anxiety and pre-existing trauma are of concern, with asylum seekers displaying increased hopelessness and despair. Steps could be taken to address this.

In terms of all health needs, there is a lack of clear information available to asylum seekers on arrival about how services operate in the UK: 45% of those asked didn’t know about the minor Injuries clinic at West Berkshire Community Hospital, yet 21% had used the ambulance service. Being given the correct information when they arrive and finding out if it's been understood, would stop misinformed practice and misuse of services unnecessarily, for example, when 999 is and isn’t appropriate and the alternative routes to seeking help such as 111 and the local GP surgery.

Clarity is needed for them about what services they have access to. Not just for immediate/urgent health needs, but also screening/prevention and wellbeing related needs. As over 70% do receive ‘leave to remain’, ensuring understanding of the UK system early will help reduce long term misunderstanding and confusion. Relative to their previous life experience, the residents have a safe, secure haven in the UK.