Signposting and Resources for Guests and Hosts
Many hosts have fed back that they are unsure where to signpost guests who need support with their mental health. We have put together a list of resources that may be helpful. Your guests have been through a lot and may be experiencing mental health difficulties as a consequence, but please remember that as hosts it is not your responsibility to ‘fix’ anyone’s mental health. You are already doing a huge amount by providing a safe living environment and some emotional solidarity; these are the crucial foundations that your guests need. By signposting guests to some of these resources you can guide them in the right direction, but mental health difficulties should be treated by professionals, at a time when your guest is ready to engage with this support.
General wellbeing and stress management
This resource is translated into several languages, including English and Ukrainian. It is a fantastic guide to basic self-care and managing stress and trauma. Remember: the more severe the issue you are experiencing, the more important it is to go back to basics and focus on these strategies. This resource is helpful for both guests and hosts.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003927
Accessing NHS services
Refugees should have access to NHS services, so you can support your guest to access services in the same way that you might signpost a loved one. The GP is often a good first step to make referrals to the appropriate mental health services in your area. You are entitled to request a double appointment to allow time to discuss complex difficulties.
Anyone accessing the NHS may face difficulties such as long waiting lists. Don’t hesitate to get onto a waiting list and continue to look for additional support in the meantime. You can always cancel the appointment later if you don’t need it by the time it is offered.
Detailed information regarding mental health support for migrants (including eligibility criteria) can be found on the government website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mental-health-migrant-health-guide#post-traumatic-stress-disorder
Accessing interpreters
Language barriers present an obvious difficulty when accessing NHS appointments. For any NHS appointment you can also request an interpreter in advance. Here is a guide:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/language-interpretation-migrant-health-guide#requesting-an-interpreter
You can find further links to translation and interpreter resources here:
https://www.iti.org.uk/ukrainian-crisis.html
Accessing support from other organisations
Other non-NHS services that support the mental health of migrants include:
Refugee Council works directly with refugees to support them to rebuild their lives.
Freedom from Torture is a medical foundation for the care of victims of torture.
Helen Bamber Foundation works with survivors of trafficking and torture.
Rethink is a mental illness charity.
Information on trauma
PTSD symptoms can be extremely distressing and confusing if we don’t understand what is happening to us. While an individual is waiting for professional support, providing information on trauma and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) can be very helpful and validating. Here are some information resources that have been translated into Ukrainian.
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/translations/ukrainian
https://ourcimh.org/announcements/ukrainian-translations-of-trauma-resources
Talking to children about trauma
Here is some guidance specifically for supporting children to understand and cope with trauma:
https://beaconhouse.org.uk/resources
Supporting guests when they experience further bereavements
Any new traumas or bereavements should be approached like any other crisis. You cannot fix the situation, you can only validate the distress the person is feeling and give them options for support they may or may not wish to access. For example: “I know that nothing I can say to make this better, but I’m here if you want to talk. I’m also here if you don’t want to talk but just want company. And if you want space and time alone that is also completely fine”. You can also check if your guests need access to anything to mark the loss in a way that is meaningful to them (but remember they may not feel ready to do this while the conflict is ongoing). Further resources can be found here: