Working with asylum seeking populations and refugees
The experience for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK
Refugees and asylum-seeking populations have often experienced severe trauma in their home country and during their journey to the UK, which is then compounded by their experience on arrival to the UK. A recent survey by the Refugee Council in England found that 61% of asylum seekers experience serious mental illness and are more likely to suffer from depression, PTSD and other anxiety disorders.
There needs to be urgent action taken to support refugees and asylum seekers with their mental health; equipping them with a toolkit to manage their stress and anxiety which will help with their long-term integration into the UK.
How we’ve been helping
We have been offering TM courses to refugees and asylum seekers across the UK, giving them a tool to increase their mental resilience, reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and stress, and enable them to rebuild their lives in the UK.
On completion of the TM course, participants are fully equipped to practice the technique independently, and will have it as a tool for life to improve their mental health and well-being
An evidence based approach
TM is proven to reduce anxiety, stress, symptoms of PTSD, insomnia and burnout, while also improving energy levels, mental well-being and personal relationships.
Click here to read the 2013 study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress that found that 90% of Congolese refugees with high levels of PTSD symptoms decreased to non- symptomatic levels within 30 days of learning the TM technique. In contrast, the non-meditating control group showed no reduction in PTS symptoms.