Charity funds trauma support for migrants and refugees
A London charity has received a funding boost for a programme giving mental health support to migrants and refugees who have experienced trauma before they arrived in the UK.
City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, has given £84,000 to Causeway Irish Housing Association (CIHA), based in Haringey.
The charity provides temporary accommodation for the capital’s young, single, homeless migrants and refugees.
The service will help deal with trauma experienced before coming to the UK and the feelings of grief and loss that can prevent emotional, economic and social integration.
The project will provide one-to one support with a Mental Health Worker, help tenants access mainstream mental health services locally and offer group wellbeing support.
The initiative comes after a CIHA survey of its tenants found that over 50% reported experiencing mental ill health, with the most common conditions being extreme anxiety linked to post traumatic stress and coping with grief.
Alison Gowman, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, commented: “We are proud to support this project which will provide much needed help to many vulnerable people, helping them to integrate into society and progress in their lives.
“City Bridge Trust is committed to making the capital a better place to live, for all Londoners.”
Alan D'Arcy, Assistant Director, Causeway Irish Housing Association added: “The project will ensure people get support to access mainstream services, manage and overcome symptoms such as anxiety and depression and get the most out of life in the UK.
“An important part of the programme will be working with people on emotional wellbeing and mindfulness including managing difficult feelings, healthy eating and exercise.”
City Bridge Trust, which is London’s largest independent grant giver, has awarded more than 7,700 grants totalling over £370 million since it first began in 1995. It helps achieve the City Corporation’s aim of changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Londoners.
The new programme will work with people in Haringey, Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets.
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