In the UK, refugees and asylum seekers often struggle to obtain the comprehensive services they need after making dangerous journeys to reach the country. 

In partnership with Doctors of the World, MSF ran mobile clinics to assist people being held at Wethersfield mass containment site in Essex from late 2023 until April 2025. During this time, we identified several people as having acute mental health needs, which led us to begin a mental health programme for refugees and asylum seekers being housed in different accommodation in Birmingham and Sandwell. 

In these locations, MSF provides a range of services, including outreach activities, initial assessments, and individual and group therapy sessions. With these activities, we aim to facilitate access to care, identify needs, and refer elsewhere as necessary. 

Once we identify a person as needing psychological support, we conduct an initial assessment to determine whether our trauma programme is suitable for them. People with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are enrolled in a seven-week trauma treatment programme designed to support symptom management and improve emotional stability. 

At the end of each programme cycle, people have follow-up interviews to measure their progress and determine whether they need a referral for further treatment. Throughout this stage, we support them to deal with administrative and bureaucratic barriers.