Mental health needs of migrants in the South East region

Mental health, more than any other health issue, was identified by survey respondents as a significant problem for migrant populations, and no respondents judged it as ‘not a problem’. In this chapter, a brief literature review summarises the limited research previously undertaken into the mental health of migrants, in addition to key issues identified for black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. Sources of operational data from NHS mental health services are then outlined. The quality and scope of quantitative data has improved over the past five years, although the information available in the public domain is still limited to ethnicity rather than country of birth. Finally, qualitative data illustrates the extent of unmet mental health needs across all migrant groups, and highlights asylum seekers, children and irregular migrants as being particularly vulnerable.