Refugees & asylum seekers face unique, complex challenges related to their mental health, with the long Winter months of particular concern. With increased vulnerability linked to pre-migration experiences such as war trauma, & post-migration conditions such as separation from family, poor housing and difficulties with asylum procedures, asylum seekers are five times more likely to have mental health needs than the general population & yet less likely to receive support (mentalhealth.org.uk).

Across the 26/27 Winter months, we will use The Community Table to provide culturally-relevant, arts-based psychosocial support for asylum seekers living in Home Office accommodation in England, particularly large sites & hotels. In addition to our current UK work in London, Essex & Bristol, we aim to reach additional locations, such as East Sussex and Sheffield/Yorkshire. This work will be delivered by a wider team of HCPC registered art therapists, alongside artists from refugee backgrounds.