Mental health, destitution and asylum. PAFRAS briefing paper number 5

Aims

This briefing on mental health is part of a series that provides concise analyses of key policies and concerns relating to people made destitute through the asylum process.

Methodology

Policy analysis, results of a mental health survey of destitute clients undertaken by agencies in Leeds and data from interviews with people who use the PAFRAS [Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers] drop-in.

Key issues

The paper describes the links between mental health, destitution and the asylum system. Asylum seekers are likely to have pre-existing mental health concerns before they arrive in the UK. Furthermore, destitution in the UK creates mental health problems. Destitution makes effective treatment difficult.

Conclusions

Government plans to withdraw access to healthcare for ‘failed’ asylum seekers would make problems associated with mental health and destitution worse.