Housing, health and hope: Experiences of living in and moving on from asylum accommodation

This project examines the health impacts of living in and moving on from Home Office asylum accommodation for newly recognised refugees. It is prompted by evidence that the move-on period represents a time of heightened housing insecurity, alongside growing recognition of housing as a key determinant of physical and mental health. 

The research explored lived experiences of people who had recently moved, or are expecting to move, out of asylum accommodation after receiving a decision on their asylum claim. It involved workshops with refugees and asylum seekers, as well as interviews with staff and volunteers from voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and health services. Engagement was delivered in nine languages with interpreter support. 

This project was supported by a steering group of VCS groups, Community Health Ambassadors, healthcare professionals, Public Health staff and people with lived experience of the asylum process.

Based on our findings, we developed a set of recommendations for care providers. We asked providers to respond formally to these recommendations, to demonstrate what they are doing, or what they will do, to improve their services. Responses from providers are linked below. Outstanding responses will be added on a rolling basis.

If you would like to read the report, summary version, or any of the responses in a different language, please contact ruman@communitysouthwark.org