Asylum Seeker Mental Health and Wellbeing (Home Office)
Barnardo’s Boloh Helpline was commissioned by the Home Office to provide mental health and wellbeing support to adult asylum seekers from October 2021- March 2022. This offer included a national virtual therapeutic support service with the provision of practical support provided by helpline advisors and time-bound intensive 1:1 psychotherapy sessions from a team of psychotherapists who speak 15 different languages. Support for service users was provided via the following three tiered system:
- Tier one operated similarly to a traditional helpline where one-off advice, signposting and emotional support is offered
- Tier 2 focused on providing practical support to meet the immediate needs of service users over a longer period
- Tier 3 the offer of psychotherapy and support to meet the immediate needs of service users.
Throughout the funding period we supported;
- 722 adult asylum seekers
- We received 237 referrals for therapeutic support from across the UK
- 464 asylum seekers with food vouchers
- 314 asylum seekers with digital devices (phones and tablets)
“These sessions have helped me to break the barrier. I used to be very angry and now I am feeling much better. I have found peace of mind from these sessions. It has taken away some of my FEAR of meeting people and talking to people. I am getting out of my house more. I have gained HAPPINESS and HOPE for future from these sessions.”
Service user
“Your approach was soft, caring and friendly which helped me to speak about sensitive issues which I have not been able to disclose to anyone. You listened and understood and didn’t judge me. Although I was scared at first and struggled, I began to trust you and now feel that a big burden has been lifted off me. I don’t know how I can pay you back.”
Service user