Losing Myself: Mental Health in a Hostile Environment

Episode 6: Trauma

On today’s episode I am joined by Angeliki and Kasun from the Helen Bamber Foundation. The Helen Bamber Foundation is a Human Rights Charity giving survivors of torture and trafficking the strength to move on through therapy, legal protection, medical advice, housing, help with integration and other services.
We talked about the intricate and complex web that makes up NHS mental health care, and how easy it is for migrants - particularly vulnerable people fleeing trauma and cruelty - to fall through the cracks as they are moved around the country, face language barriers or encounter services that struggle to build a sense of trust and safety. 
We chatted about different ways of understanding mental health around the world, and the ways practitioners could adapt their services to better meet the needs of refugees and migrants.
https://www.helenbamber.org/
 
 

Episode 5: Mental Capacity Advocacy

In today’s episode, I spoke to Brian and Amy about the Migrants Mental Capacity Advocacy - or MMCA - project. 
Adults with severe mental health issues receive little support navigating the immigration and social welfare system, though they may lack the mental capacity to do so. As a result, many are unable to regularise their status and face the full brunt of the hostile environment.
The project is the first and only project of it’s kind in the UK, offering direct support for people in the legal system while organising for systemic change. Brian works for Migrants Organise and is one of the MMCA rproject’s main organisers, while Amy is a litigation friend, and otherwise works as a barrister.
Find out more about the project here: https://www.migrantsorganise.org/our-campaigns/migrants-mental-capacity-advocacy-project/
Support Solidarity Knows No Borders here: www.firmcharter.org.uk 
Contact Brian about Mental Capacity Advocacy: info@migrantsorganise.org

Episode 4: Detention

*CONTENT WARNING* - Suicide, Trauma
On today’s episode I am joined by Agnes, Carenza and Gemma from Women for Refugee Women. Women for Refugee Women is an organisation that  empowers refugee and asylum-seeking women to speak out, become leaders and advocate for change.
We talked about the arbitrary nature of UK’s detention system, and it’s similarities to a prison you can be sent to without trial. Agnes shared her personal experiences inside Yarl’s Wood and amazing campaigning work around Derwentside. We discussed the expense, cruelty and hypocrisy at the heart of detention, and some of the ways Women for Refugee Women supports people.
 
Things you can do:
Sign Agnes’s petition to shut down Derwentside detention centre for women: https://www.change.org/p/the-home-secretary-stop-the-new-detention-centre-for-women
Support women who are currently detained in Derwentside detention centre with vital hardship support, such as phone credit so they can stay in touch with their loved ones and legal representatives and hardship support so they can buy necessities from the ‘shop’ such as toiletries and hygiene products: https://www.refugeewomen.co.uk/support-derwentside/
 
Follow Women for Refugee Women on social media to keep up to date with our work, hear more about our campaigns and how you can get involved to support refugee women and advocate for a fairer and more welcoming asylum system. Twitter / Instagram: @4refugeewomen
 

Episode 3: Hope

*CONTENT WARNING* - Suicide, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
On today's episode I talk to Hope about her experiences battling the Home Office while going through serious cancer treatment, raising a daughter and experiencing post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We talk about how she found strength through her faith, her community, and the support provided by Migrants Organise.
Listeners should be aware that this episode contains discussion of suicide and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). If you are affected by any of the issues discussed issues, you can contact The Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123 or the Refugee Council Helpline 0808 196 7272 (Mon, Tues, Thurs mornings)
Migrants Organise: www.migrantsorganise.org / @migrantsorg

Episode 2: Claiming Asylum

On today’s episode, we are joined by Erfan and Jo. Erfan is a community organiser, campaigner and refugee from Iran with recent experience of the UK’s asylum process and the infamous Napier Barracks. Jo Wilding has experience working as a barrister supporting migrants and refugees, and now works as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Brighton.
We explore the feelings of powerlessness, dehumanisation and anxiety that people going through the UK’s asylum and immigration system can experience; the importance of support and the struggles to find it when resources are thinly stretched; and – once again – the power people can have when they organise.
Migrants Organise: www.migrantsorganise.org / @migrantsorg

Episode 1: The Journey

On today’s episode, we are joined by Yeser, a Trustee for the Refugee Buddy Project, and a refugee herself. We discuss the journey people make coming to the UK, the heartbreak of leaving home, and the importance of community and solidarity in the struggle to make a new life here.
The Refugee Buddy Project started out in 2017 as a community group to welcome people who had recently arrived in Hastings and the surrounding area who were seeking refuge and safety. They are a registered charity supporting over 25 families through buddying, advocacy and financial and emotional support.
Twitter: @Hastings_Buddy
 
About Migrants Organise: 
Migrants Organise is a platform for refugees and migrants to organise for power, dignity and justice to enable meaningful inclusion and integration. We combine advice and support for individuals affected by the hostile environment immigration policies with community organising, advocacy, research and campaigning to help dismantle structural racism.
Email: Info@migrantsorganise.org 
Twitter: @migrantsorg