We are pleased to release two reports shedding light on the experiences of asylum seekers with local health and care services. The reports aim to draw attention to the issues asylum seekers encounter in navigating local health and care services while providing recommendations for policymakers, service providers and the community at large.
Key Findings
Barriers to Access: The reports identify barriers that hinder asylum seekers’ access to essential health and care services. These barriers include language barriers, lack of cultural competency among healthcare providers and insufficient awareness of available services.
Mental Health Challenges: Asylum seekers often face heightened mental health stress due to the uncertainties surrounding their status. The report highlights the importance of tailored mental health support within local healthcare systems.
Recommendations for Improvement: To address the identified challenges, the reports offers a set of practical recommendations for local health and care services. These recommendations emphasise the need for language support and increased collaboration between service providers and community organisations.
Harsha Kotecha, Chair, Healthwatch Leicester and Healthwatch Leicestershire said,
“The reports serve as a call to action for local communities to work collaboratively towards creating a more inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for asylum seekers. By addressing the highlighted challenges, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their immigration status, has access to the healthcare they need.”