Promoting the Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health of Unaccompanied Young People Seeking Asylum in the UK - Research Summary.
Author(s): A. Knight E. Chase J. Statham
This research summary provides an overview of findings from an 18-month research project that attempts to explore, from the perspectives of unaccompanied children and young people themselves, the factors affecting their emotional wellbeing and mental health in different living situations. It aims to create insights into the types of social and health care programmes, actions and interventions that might positively impact on these dimensions of their health. The study comprises a review of relevant literature to contextualise the study, in-depth discussions with 54 children and young people seeking asylum on their own in the UK and interviews with 31 professionals in one London borough. The results of the study demonstrate that the circumstances surrounding each young person's departure from their home country and their journey to the UK are unique and need to be treated as such. Moreover, for those young people who have experienced more severe mental health difficulties, uncertainties surrounding their immigration status are likely to add a further stressful dimension to their situation. However, the understanding of emotional wellbeing and mental health commonly held in the UK may be different to that understood by young people from other countries and cultures. Young people may come from cultures where the concept of focusing services and therapies specifically on emotions and feelings is unknown. Overall, young people describe both positive and negative interactions with general practice, health services and social care. Finally, the report indicates the importance of additional sources of support, although professionals need to exercise caution about automatically linking children and young people into community organisations. While some community groups are clearly supportive, it is important not to make assumptions about the usefulness of such organisations for young people.