The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities define vulnerable migrants as:
A rapid needs assessment undertaken by the Doctors of the World showed how COVID and the UK response has disproportionally impacted excluded groups, namely vulnerable migrants, sex workers, homeless people, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and those recently released from prison. These groups routinely face stigma and barriers when trying to access healthcare which has increased their vulnerabilities to health problems and social isolation.
Individuals seeking asylum
More people are migrating than ever before, some of whom have been forcibly displaced and despite the World Health organisation Constitution of 1948 stating that everyone has a right to health, migrants experience difficulties in accessing health services and this has resulted in migration and health becoming well recognised as a global public health priority.
The kind of health and wellbeing issues that might effect migrants are:
Communicable diseases – Often associated with the incidence of certain diseases from their country of origin or ones they have travelled through. The most common ones include cholera, typhoid, fungal infections, scabies, meningococcal disease, influenza, measles, varicella, diphtheria, hepatitis A, B, C and E, HIV, malaria, measles and tuberculosis (TB).
Incomplete immunisation history which may be due to low immunisation rates in the country of origin, interruption of vaccine schedules during transit and lack of records of immunisation status.
Non-communicable diseases where complications can arise due to not being diagnosed or diagnosed but poorly managed, e.g. cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.
Malnutrition as a result of food insecurity.
Obesity postmigration due to the introduction of refined foods to their diet.
Musculoskeletal problems as a consequence of physical stress endured during the migration journey, injuries from torture or violence, or malnutrition.
Oral disease – as a result of poor diet or lack of access to dental care.
Sexually transmitted infections as asylum seekers may have been raped or forced into commercial sex work pre-arrival or post-arrival in England.
Adolescent pregnancy due to limited sexual health awareness and low rates of contraception use.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) which is common in some African and Middle Eastern countries and is associated with a range of complications including transmission of blood borne viruses (BBVs), urinary tract infections, psychological problems, infertility and adverse obstetric outcomes.
Psychological issues – PTSD, anxiety and depression are commonly reported. These problems are not always due to their experiences in their country of origin but down to the socio-political conditions in host countries that create discrimination and marginalisation. Furthermore, asylum seekers are at risk of homelessness and destitution if their claim is unsuccessful which exacerbates mental and physical health problems
'Stakeholder guidance to support the health and wellbeing needs of individuals seeking asylum across Yorkshire and the Humber' (Yorkshire and Humber Migrant Health Group, 2021)
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
Language Barriers
Language may be a barrier to engagement so you may need to use google translate to instigate some conversations initially.
Additionally, if you follow this link you will find a list of translated information on a range of health and wellbeing subjects, translated into over 60 languages. All information targets migrant communities.
Once on the page, scroll down and you’ll see a language drop down box on the left hand side, and all resources listed will automatically translate to the chosen language.
Some local services provide a translation service as well.
Here you will find questions you might ask if you start a conversation with a migrant about their health and wellbeing. Migrants are likely to be wary of the authorities so make it clear that you are here to help and support and try to build trust.
I don’t need to see papers, I want to know if you would you like any help or support in your current circumstances?
Can you speak English? What languages do you speak?
Would you like me to try to connect you with someone who you can speak to you in your language about your situation?
There are organisations who support refugees and asylum seekers, providing advice about applying for accommodation, financial support and accessing health services? Would you like details of those services?
Do you have a safe place to stay at the moment?
Do you need access to a GP or health professional as I can provide some service information to help you with that?
See Act Section for information about national services or click on your local area for local support information
Assist
Please click on the below regional links for information about Migrant Health and Wellbeing support services relating to your locality.
The following links provide information and support that may be of assistance to Asylum Seekers
Migrant Help protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma. Core services include Asylum Support, and those seeking asylum in the UK can come to MH to seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed. MH can advise individuals in their language on issues such as:
Accessing healthcare
How to claim asylum
Applying for asylum support including accommodation
Notifying the Home Office if your circumstances change
Finding legal representation
Telephone: 0808 8010 503 - A free asylum helpline available 24 hours a day
Provides a list of translated information on a range of health and wellbeing subjects, translated into over 60 languages. All information targets migrant communities and subjects include:
Praxis provide expert support to migrants and refugees in the UK. They are a leading expert in finding pathways out of destitution and supporting migrants facing homelessness, as well as survivors of trafficking and domestic violence and young people. They provide free immigration advice over the phone. Support includes securing rights, safe housing, influencing and advocacy and interpreting and training.
Telephone: 020 7749 7608 or 020 7749 7605 - Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm and Thursdays from 10am to 12:30pm
A person can contact the free Shelter helpline if they have nowhere to sleep or might be homeless soon, they have somewhere to sleep but nowhere to call home or could be at risk of harm. Their website also has specific information about accommodation options for Asylum Seekers.
Telephone: 0808 800 4444 - The helpline is open 365 days a year and accessible at the following times:
Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support provide advocacy, advice, support, education, and a welcoming communal space for asylum seekers in the region. Accessing legal representation, financial support, and appropriate housing. DCRS provide social support and a welcome into Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that asylum seekers can seek sanctuary whilst the UK government decides on their claim.
Address: Masiande Centre, 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DH
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
British Red Cross
Immediate help and longer-term support for survivors of trafficking and exploitation is available from a range of British Red Cross services. Refugee Support teams can provide help (including material assistance) for trafficked refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. The Devon-based team can be contacted at:
Telephone: 01752 831619 or 07711 085135 (for normal calls, WhatsApp and messages)
The British Red Cross support line 0808 196 3651 is available Mon- Fri 10am-5pm and 10am-8pm on Wednesdays and can provide support in more than 200 languages, supporting people who are lonely, worried, and finding it difficult to access food or medication.
Drop-in sessions: Monday 9am-2pm: triage, signposting and appointment booking done, hot meal provided. An opportunity to socialise.
Address: 18 Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD (Advisable to book an appointment apart from emergency cases)
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Pentreath Community Development Workers (CDW)
The CDW service is for people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities including migrant workers, gypsies and travellers. This can be 1:1 support case work, support to access mental health services, support patients admitted to hospital because of mental health difficulties and training service providers to improve health outcomes for these communities. They work with individuals, families, carers and communities.
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS)
Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support provide advocacy, advice, support, education, and a welcoming communal space for asylum seekers in the region. Accessing legal representation, financial support, and appropriate housing. DCRS provide social support and a welcome into Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that asylum seekers can seek sanctuary whilst the UK government decides on their claim.
Address: Masiande Centre, 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DH
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
British Red Cross
Immediate help and longer-term support for survivors of trafficking and exploitation is available from a range of British Red Cross services. Refugee Support teams can provide help (including material assistance) for trafficked refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. The Devon-based team can be contacted at:
Telephone: 01752 831619 or 07711 085135 (for normal calls, WhatsApp and messages)
The British Red Cross support line 0808 196 3651 is available Mon- Fri 10am-5pm and 10am-8pm on Wednesdays and can provide support in more than 200 languages, supporting people who are lonely, worried, and finding it difficult to access food or medication.
Drop-in sessions: Monday 9am-2pm: triage, signposting and appointment booking done, hot meal provided. An opportunity to socialise.
Address: 18 Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD (Advisable to book an appointment apart from emergency cases)
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council-PDREC
Their aim is to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups. They support many areas for Minority communities depending on the needs of the individual. Areas of support include; Migrant health, reporting a hate crime, domestic abuse, social isolation, and financial support including access to benefits. The service covers the whole of Devon including Torbay and Plymouth.
Telephone: 01752 224555
Opening hours: Monday -Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am- 4:30pm
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Ubuntu Devon Counselling
Ubuntu Devon Counselling provides holistic and evidence based multi-cultural counselling service for all communities, Ubuntu Devon works alongside community networks to ensure cultural sensitivity and accessibility. Providing counselling and practical support using multi-lingual, cross-cultural support workers and volunteers.
Diverse Ethnic Communities Service Directory for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
This updated directory contains details of the many organisations and agencies, from all sectors, that offer support services for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities in Devon. It provides a more extensive list of available support across Devon, in addition to those services listed above.
Sunrise Diversity is a charity which promotes equality, diversity, and social inclusion in rural communities. Sunrise Diversity is looking to reduce the barriers and challenges faced by individuals with diverse identities and promote a welcoming inclusive community.
Address: 25 Castle Street, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1DR- by appointment/referral only
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS)
Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support provide advocacy, advice, support, education, and a welcoming communal space for asylum seekers in the region. Accessing legal representation, financial support, and appropriate housing. DCRS provide social support and a welcome into Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that asylum seekers can seek sanctuary whilst the UK government decides on their claim.
Address: Masiande Centre, 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DH
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
British Red Cross
Immediate help and longer-term support for survivors of trafficking and exploitation is available from a range of British Red Cross services. Refugee Support teams can provide help (including material assistance) for trafficked refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. The Devon-based team can be contacted at:
Telephone: 01752 831619 or 07711 085135 (for normal calls, WhatsApp and messages)
The British Red Cross support line 0808 196 3651 is available Mon- Fri 10am-5pm and 10am-8pm on Wednesdays and can provide support in more than 200 languages, supporting people who are lonely, worried, and finding it difficult to access food or medication.
Drop-in sessions: Monday 9am-2pm: triage, signposting and appointment booking done, hot meal provided. An opportunity to socialise.
Address: 18 Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD (Advisable to book an appointment apart from emergency cases)
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council-PDREC
Their aim is to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups. They support many areas for Minority communities depending on the needs of the individual. Areas of support include; Migrant health, reporting a hate crime, domestic abuse, social isolation, and financial support including access to benefits. The service covers the whole of Devon including Torbay and Plymouth.
Telephone: 01752 224555
Opening hours: Monday -Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am- 4:30pm
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Asylum Seekers and Refugees Mental Health Team (Livewell)
Livewell Southwest offers a specialist service dedicated to supporting the health and mental health needs of asylum seekers and those who have sought refuge in the UK. In addition to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of refugees, they also provide a health screening clinic where people can discuss their general health needs, such as: how to register with a GP in Plymouth; arranging a blood pressure check-up; booking chest X-rays or measuring people’s height and weight.
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Ubuntu Devon Counselling
Ubuntu Devon Counselling provides holistic and evidence based multi-cultural counselling service for all communities, Ubuntu Devon works alongside community networks to ensure cultural sensitivity and accessibility. Providing counselling and practical support using multi-lingual, cross-cultural support workers and volunteers.
Address: Ubuntu Devon, Exeter Community Centre, 17 St David's Hill, Exeter, EX4 3RG
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
First Response Service (24/7) (NHS Mental Health Crisis Support)
Livewell First Response Service is a 24/7 crisis line providing advice, supporting and signposting for people experiencing mental health difficulties. It's available to anyone in Plymouth at the time of experiencing a mental health crisis.
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Diverse Ethnic Communities Service Directory for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
This updated directory contains details of the many organisations and agencies, from all sectors, that offer support services for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities in Devon. It provides a more extensive list of available support across Devon, in addition to those services listed above.
Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support provide advocacy, advice, support, education, and a welcoming communal space for asylum seekers in the region. Accessing legal representation, financial support, and appropriate housing. DCRS provide social support and a welcome into Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that asylum seekers can seek sanctuary whilst the UK government decides on their claim.
Address: Masiande Centre, 7 Whimple Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DH
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
British Red Cross
Immediate help and longer-term support for survivors of trafficking and exploitation is available from a range of British Red Cross services. Refugee Support teams can provide help (including material assistance) for trafficked refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants. The Devon-based team can be contacted at:
Telephone: 01752 831619 or 07711 085135 (for normal calls, WhatsApp and messages)
The British Red Cross support line 0808 196 3651 is available Mon- Fri 10am-5pm and 10am-8pm on Wednesdays and can provide support in more than 200 languages, supporting people who are lonely, worried, and finding it difficult to access food or medication.
Drop-in sessions: Monday 9am-2pm: triage, signposting and appointment booking done, hot meal provided. An opportunity to socialise.
Address: 18 Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD (Advisable to book an appointment apart from emergency cases)
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Plymouth & Devon Racial Equality Council-PDREC
Their aim is to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups. They support many areas for Minority communities depending on the needs of the individual. Areas of support include; Migrant health, reporting a hate crime, domestic abuse, social isolation, and financial support including access to benefits. The service covers the whole of Devon including Torbay and Plymouth.
Telephone: 01752 224555
Opening hours: Monday -Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am- 4:30pm
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Ubuntu Devon Counselling
Ubuntu Devon Counselling provides holistic and evidence based multi-cultural counselling service for all communities, Ubuntu Devon works alongside community networks to ensure cultural sensitivity and accessibility. Providing counselling and practical support using multi-lingual, cross-cultural support workers and volunteers.
Diverse Ethnic Communities Service Directory for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
This updated directory contains details of the many organisations and agencies, from all sectors, that offer support services for people from Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse communities in Devon. It provides a more extensive list of available support across Devon, in addition to those services listed above.