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How we support people who’ve experienced trauma and displacement
Starting life again in a new country can bring hope - but also uncertainty, loss and the lasting impact of trauma.
Inspired by the lives and experiences of people seeking sanctuary, this year’s Refugee Week theme is courage.
For refugees around the world, courage is often a daily necessity - learning new languages, navigating unfamiliar systems, and rebuilding a life in a place that may feel uncertain or unknown.
We see first-hand how these experiences shape people’s wellbeing. Many people we support have lived through violence, displacement, or separation from loved ones. These experiences can affect mental health in different ways - from anxiety and low mood to complex post-traumatic stress.
We also see the extraordinary strength it takes to begin again.
As one clinician working closely with refugees and people seeking asylum explains:
“Starting again, often after experiencing profound loss and uncertainty, takes immense strength - and a powerful sense of hope for the future.” – Livia Ottisova (Clinical Psychologist)
Across our Trust, services are continuing to develop and adapt to better support people who have experienced trauma and displacement, with a focus on improving access and reducing inequalities in care.
In Islington we have a “Resettlement Scheme Wellbeing Project” that provides specialist mental health support for refugee families who have been housed in the borough under government resettlement schemes and for individuals.. The service offers clinical assessments and long-term trauma‑focused therapy for people living with complex PTSD, alongside support accessing care for a range of mental health difficulties linked to forced migration. It also provides workshops and group support and has developed translated and easy-read materials so people can better understand services and access support more easily.
The project works closely with Islington Council, community organisations and other NHS services, taking a joined-up approach to supporting individuals and families. This includes training and reflective practice for staff, helping to build confidence and understanding around trauma-informed care.
There is also dedicated support for specific groups. Through Op COURAGE, the NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, Afghan veterans who worked alongside UK Armed Forces and have been resettled in the UK can access psychological support through specialist and local services.
Together, this work reflects a wider commitment to improving equity of access - making sure people can get the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
It also challenges some common misconceptions. Refugees and people seeking asylum are entitled to NHS care, including mental health support. However, barriers such as language, digital exclusion, complex administrative procedures and past experiences of discrimination can make it harder to access services.
Rather than seeing people as “hard to reach”, our teams are focused on how services can better adapt - recognising the barriers people face and removing them wherever possible.
As one colleague involved in this work explains:
“For many people, arriving somewhere safe is only the beginning. The experiences they carry with them don’t disappear - and it’s our role to listen, build trust, and support people to feel safe again.” – Eileen Walsh (Clinical Psychologist)
We are working to be more refugee-informed - recognising the additional challenges that can come with displacement, including loss of community, uncertainty, and navigating new systems. This approach is about responding with empathy, curiosity and respect, and making sure care is shaped around people’s experiences.
We know that people often want support - but may face barriers in accessing it. Our focus is on removing those barriers and helping people to rebuild a sense of safety, connection and hope.
Refugee Week which runs from 15 June- 21 June has been an opportunity to reflect on the importance of compassion and understanding - and to recognise the strength of people who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing profound challenges.
This report demonstrates how refugees add substantial value to UK communities by filling critical workforce shortages, contributing millions in taxes, and enriching society through cultural diversity, entrepreneurship, and volunteering. They strengthen local neighborhoods, foster social cohesion, and bring valuable skills in priority sectors like healthcare, engineering, and technology.
We are proud to stand alongside the communities we serve, supporting people to feel safe, connected and hopeful about the future.
Some helpful information:
· Signposting to refugee and asylum seeker support organisations in London
Some helpful information for staff:
· Resources and Training - Doctors of the World
· HBF Trauma Informed Code of Conduct 2nd Edition.pdf
