Staying healthy
This page is part of our Young Asylum Seeker Welcome Pack – if you are confused about anything you read in this page, talk to your social worker or personal advisor and they will go through it with you.
When you first move to Devon you will have an initial health assessment which might be your first time visiting a hospital, we have made a video playlist with different languages to make you aware of what might happen in this visit, so you are prepared and to calm any worries. You can play the video below or click the link above to see the videos we have made.
When living in the UK, you can access any medical care that you may need through the NHS (National Health Service). Most health services are free, including getting prescription medication. Your social worker or PA will help you to apply for free health care and help you access the services you need.
To start with, you should register with a local doctor and dentist (Your social worker or PA can help you with this). You can also register with an optician if you need glasses.
Your social worker or PA should book an interpreter for health appointments and should tell you why the health appointments have been booked.
If you need medical advice which isn’t an emergency, you can call 111. If you ask for an interpreter, they should be able to provide this, however it may take some time for the interpreter to be able to speak to you.
The NHS Website has links to general health information in other languages
If you need contraception, you can order condoms for free online on Doink’s website. Your social worker, PA or a nurse can help you register with DOINK so that you can order this for yourself. They can also give you advice on sexual health.
If you don’t feel okay mentally
Often, young people who arrive in the UK have many difficult and scary experiences.
These are sometimes things they have been through before leaving their country of birth or the things that they have been through during their journey to the UK.
These experiences often affect how we think and feel inside. Sometimes, young people tell us they have vivid and upsetting memories and dreams. It can be difficult to talk about these things, but it can also be helpful. Your Social worker or PA can help you access a trained person to help you cope with these feelings and thoughts and think about what keeps you strong and steady.
Some voluntary services offer help and support without judgment, too. See the ‘Where to get help section’ on Young Mind’s website.
Young Minds also have some specific Mental health advice for young Muslims. The Muslim Youth Helpline also provide a range of compassionate services and support to improve the mental wellbeing of young Muslims.
Doing What Matters in Times of Stress is a helpful guide to provide skills to cope with stress. It’s translated into many different languages and audio clips.
In a health emergency, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.