Uncertainty about their future Waiting to see if you will be given asylum and allowed to stay as a refugee can take a long time. People who left in a hurry may have had to leave important documents behind. Trauma People who have seen or experienced bad or scary things can sometimes suffer from shock (trauma). This can make it hard for them to concentrate on their schoolwork and they might have strong up and down feelings like anger and sadness. Moving around The government will give asylum seekers somewhere to live but this be anywhere. People may have to move from place to place and this makes it hard to build any kind of normal life. Language Many asylum seekers or refugees may not speak English. Trying to get help when you don’t speak the language can be very difficult. It would be harder to make friends or go to school too. Belongings Asylum seekers may arrive with only the things they can carry. They may not have even basic things they need like clothes, shoes, bedding, plates and pots. It can be hard for them to get these because they are not allowed to work to earn money. Poor-quality housing Asylum seekers are sometimes put in homes that nobody else wants. They may be overcrowded or in areas with few things like shops or parks). They might have problems like damp or broken heating that can be bad for your health. Refugees may have to wait a long time for better housing. Poverty Asylum seekers get money or vouchers from the government for their basic needs but they are not allowed to work. This can make it hard for them to get everything they need, and many are very poor. Refugees may also struggle to get well-paid jobs. Discrimination Asylum seekers can be bullied or ignored, which can be very upsetting. Sometimes people are even harmed. This treatment can continue even when people have been given refugee status and told they can stay. Session 3: Challenging circumstances cards (11–14) Cut up a set of these cards for each small group.
Uncertainty about their future It can take a long time for decisions to be made and the asylum system can be complicated. It may be hard for people to provide evidence of their identity and circumstances if they have had to leave in a hurry. Trauma People may suffer from trauma (shock) because of frightening things they have seen or experienced. This might include flashbacks (memories popping into your mind), difficulties concentrating, poor sleep, mood swings or up-and-down feelings. It can be harder to cope with changes and everyday tasks. Moving around Asylum seekers are not allowed to work. The government gives them housing while their claim is being decided, but this can mean they get moved from place to place. This can make it hard to make friends or know where to access local help and support. Language Trying to get support and make an asylum claim in a different language can be very challenging. Getting English lessons to help with this is not always easy either. Refugees may also need language support to help them go to school or get a job. Belongings Asylum seekers may have had to flee with only the things they could carry. Getting basic belongings like clothes, shoes, bedding and other practical things might be very challenging for them. They might also have had to leave any personal possessions, like photos, behind. Poor-quality housing Asylum seekers may have to live in that are overcrowded or in areas with few services like shops or parks. The homes might be of poor quality with problems like damp or broken heating that can be bad for your health. Refugees might have to wait for a council house to become available. Poverty Asylum seekers cannot claim benefits or get a job while they are waiting for their claim to be processed. They get some support from the government but this is not much and is sometimes only for certain things from certain shops. This can make it hard to meet other needs or wants. Discrimination Asylum seekers and refugees can feel left out, ignored or bullied because of their background. This is normally caused by fear and a lack of understanding, but can be very upsetting and even dangerous. This can continue even when people are given refugee status and allowed to stay.