Immigration Removal Centres in England: a mental health needs analysis

Authors:
DURCAN Graham, STUBBS Jessica, BOARDMAN Jed
Publication year:
2017
Pagination:
49
Place of publication:
London

Sets out the findings of a rapid mental health needs assessment across Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) in England. Ten IRCs were assessed to explore the wellbeing of detainees, the services in place and the perspectives of people working with those detained. The report finds that people detained in IRCs often face significant challenges to their mental health and that levels of distress, problems with living conditions and lack of both certainty and liberty, all had a significant impact on the wellbeing of those detained. The most commonly reported problem was depressed mood or anxiety, and the most severe reported problems were hallucinations or delusions. The report finds some positive examples of services, such as psychological therapy, wellbeing groups and the support provided by chaplains. But it also finds that most detainees felt that they were not listened to, not taken seriously, or treated as if they were lying. Similarly, some staff reported that it was easy to become assimilated into a culture which disbelieved detainees. In addition, mental health care staff face significant challenges working in IRCs where people may be removed at short notice and face high levels of uncertainty about their future. The report highlights the multifaceted wellbeing needs of people in immigration detention, and makes recommendations to address this. It calls for greater lengths to ensure that those with a marked vulnerability are not detained; mental health awareness training for all IRC staff; 24/7 access to crisis care; and greater provision of alternative support such as peer support and relaxation groups. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
mental health services, immigrants, custodial institutions, mental health problems;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
England
Link:
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