‘They’re lifesavers’: the Birmingham clinic giving hope to traumatised asylum seekers
MSF-run centre offering intensive psychological care has received more than 350 referrals since opening last year
TL;DR
- MSF has opened a trauma clinic in Birmingham offering specialized psychological care to refugees and asylum seekers.
- The clinic has received over 350 referrals and provided 521 consultations, with many patients having endured conflict, persecution, and violence.
- Data shows 88% of reviewed cases documented violence, and one in three detailed suicidal thoughts.
- Azad, an asylum seeker from Iran, shared his experience of fleeing persecution and the positive impact of MSF's support.
- The clinic notes that the rise in anti-migrant sentiment and hostility in the UK exacerbates the mental health struggles of their patients.
- MSF highlights that intensive care is crucial for healing the trauma associated with migration journeys.