Access to mental health and wellbeing support
Last updated on: 22 February 2024
We are living in challenging times as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. This has had an impact on all Londoners, but is likely to be more severe for migrant Londoners – in particular those who have insecure immigration status, or have been undocumented for a long time. This includes young Londoners who have grown up undocumented, or European Londoners dealing with the consequences and insecurity of Brexit.
These Londoners can suffer from mental health problems, including anxiety about the future. The sudden realisation that you do not have legal status; a long-term inability to resolve your immigration situation; and the dramatic change in your rights and the way you are treated since Brexit, can cause many people to feel worried and anxious. You may want to talk to someone if your mental health and well-being is being affected by your status, such as trusted friends, family or the following organisations:
- Brighter Futures is run by Praxis and Kazzum Arts and is open to migrant Londoners aged 18-30
- MIND provide advice and support to people experiencing a mental health problem
- Mental Health Foundation provides information and help for anyone with mental health problems and learning disabilities
- Samaritans is a confidential support for people experiencing distress or despair
- Papyrus offers a helpline service to people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Rethink Mental Illness provides support and advice for people living with mental illness.
Everyday challenges at home or work can affect how we feel and can sometimes cause us to worry or lose sleep. Over time, these problems can start to build up; make us feel stressed; and affect us emotionally. Feeling scared, anxious, down or worried, or being unable to sleep, during unsettling times is normal; but this also can have a negative impact on you and the people around you.
If this sounds like you or someone you work, live, or spend time with, you can access advice on how to manage these feelings and keep your mind healthy.
Good Thinking is a free, NHS-approved, digital health service to support people who want to improve how they feel every day while they are living, working or studying in London. It offers safe tips, ideas and tools to help with wellbeing – including advice for managing anxiety, depression, stress and sleep.
It is an anonymous service, accessible from your phone or laptop, in the privacy of your home, whenever you want. You can go straight to some self-help tools; or you can answer three simple questions about how you are feeling, and depending on your answers, Good Thinking will recommend tools for you to explore on your own. There are over 120 sources of help available including mobile apps, websites, downloadable guides, and further information about health services.
Doctors of the World, in partnership with the Mayor of London and Thrive LDN, have put together a list of little things you can do to keep yourself well and some useful sources of support if you are finding it hard.
If you are feeling anxious or stressed about work, housing or financial difficulties, then explore the helpful range of resources and guidance on the Mayor's COVID Hub – particularly the pages on mental wellbeing support.
A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. In seeking help, you will not be wasting anyone's time. If you have an existing mental health condition and an assigned care team or care worker, it is important to contact them.
NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages. You can call for:
- 24-hour advice and support for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for
- help in speaking to a mental health professional
- an assessment to help decide on the best course of care.
Alternatively, when life is tough, the Samaritans are here to listen, at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that is troubling you, no matter how difficult. Calls are free to 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website.
Shout offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance. Text SHOUT to 85258 or visit Shout Crisis Text Line.
The bereavement care charity Cruse is helping families affected by coronavirus. Call free on 0808 808 1677 or visit the Cruse website.
Thrive London has prepared guidance and resources to support Londoners with their mental health and wellbeing, including dedicated information for Ukrainians and Afghan refugees.
Further information
If you are working in primary care and would like to know more about removing barriers to care for migrant patients, you many benefit from the support of Doctors of the World. This organisation provides practical resources and a professional training programme for NHS clinical staff.
Doctors of the World and the GLA have also developed a link workers' Toolkit for supporting Migrant Access to Healthcare, which social prescribing link workers may find useful.
You can also download NHS England Posters for Patient awareness.
A new Inclusion Health Self-Assessment Tool is available to help primary care networks (PCNs) assess their performance.
Patients not Passports helps you advocate for people facing charges for NHS care.
Medact campaigns for fairer healthcare.
Maternity Action provides advice and training for those supporting or advising vulnerable migrant women who are pregnant or new mothers.
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, along with Doctors of the World and Doughty Street Chambers, have produced toolkits to help clarify the legal and practical operation of rules governing how NHS bodies – such as hospitals – are supposed to charge those considered “overseas visitors” for NHS services. This is a particularly problematic issue for undocumented migrants.
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