How we help

Physical

• We help people to access local health services
• Our nurse-led clinics provide thorough health checks and screening.

Talking

• We help people adjust to a new culture, to understand new patterns of behaviour and social norms.
• We talk people through their experiences, allowing them to speak freely and release the burden of their trauma.
• Often we are the only people they feel they can talk to we use counselling techniques that guide people
• towards a safer future and that help them realise that the past cannot hurt them anymore.
• We assist people to access relevant mental health services depending on their specific needs.

Practical

• We liaise with social services, health and housing agencies to help secure food, shelter and warmth
• Our Advice Team empowers people to know their rights and become more self-sufficient, often with the help of social support networks and community groups.
• Our Day Centre helps destitute people with their basic needs such as a hot meal, a shower, companionship and clothing
• We help people integrate into their new surroundings through induction programmes, courses, practical advice on adapting and English lessons.
• We offer the support of a community psychiatric nurse.

Every day we help some of the most vulnerable people in the UK, many of whom have lived through terrifying situations; the need for our services will never stop as long as people’s suffering continues – but with our effective support, we have seen people grow, move forward, reclaim and successfully rebuild their lives.

The Refugee Council offers a unique lifeline...

Our Specialist Team offers emotional support, practical advice and comfort to people who are experiencing psychological or emotional damage as a result of their terrifying ordeals. The abuses many have suffered – combined with the trauma of escape and the difficulties those seeking asylum face in the UK – can make it extremely hard for them to open up and share their experiences. Many view mental illness as a weakness and a cause of great humiliation. We steadily try to build a trusting relationship, offering individuals every chance to work through their painful experiences and move towards rebuilding their lives.

The highly trained professionals in our team are sensitive to the individual cultural needs of all the people we help. We show that we care – by listening carefully, by understanding the complexities of their situation, and by considering their physical, emotional and mental health, as well as their cultural and social needs.

Last year, over a third of people assisted by our Specialist Team had been tortured and were suffering mental and physical trauma as a result. Donate today to help us give them the support they need.