Restrictive policies on healthcare, education,

accommodation, welfare support and employment

are functioning to socially exclude and marginalise

refugees and asylum-seekers, both exacerbating

existing mental health problems and causing

mental distress. Current government policy is

inherently contradictory. On the one hand mental

health policy recognises the increased vulnerability

of asylum-seekers and refugees and the need to

support them. On the other hand asylum and

immigration policy creates an environment which is

having a devastating impact on the mental health,

wellbeing and long-term integration prospects of

refugees and asylum-seekers. Mind’s latest research

has found that despite experiencing high levels of

mental distress, refugees and asylum-seekers face

many challenges accessing mental health services

in England and Wales.

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