Govan Community Project | SC042012 | SC390721 |
Through three workshops, we worked with community members and facilitators to create an art-based resource exploring the lived experience of accessing mental health support while seeking asylum. The workshops explored universal themes of stigma, while also providing deeper context and understanding of how this is compounded by barriers to equality experienced by Asylum Seekers within the mental healthcare system
Where did this come from?
Feedback from communities seeking mental health support highlighted the difficulty of accessing and using services. Not knowing how to navigate the system, a lack of understanding about what help was available, and the challenges of speaking up about concerns or needing help all contributed to these experiences.
What is art based discussion?
This is a form of creative practice that explores lived experience through facilitated art workshops. The resulting output helps to convey complex themes and personal stories through visual and artistic expression.
A collaboration with See Me Scotland
This project was co delivered with See Me Scotland, a national programme on a mission to end mental health stigma and discrimination.
Find out more about See Me: https://www.seemescotland.org/
Why it's important to seek help?
Mental health is important for all of us to look after. For those with lived experience of the asylum system, or those currently navigating it, mental wellbeing is often under significant pressure due to the uncertainty and challenges they face. Throughout our workshops, community members shared their personal experiences and the importance of speaking about their journeys:
‘I realise now that depression isn’t something broken in me, that its a thing lots of people experience and it goes up and down’
‘Sometimes just talking to someone about what’s in your heart helps’
Experiencing poor mental health?
You can find more information on how to foster positive mental health and access further support through the following organisations:
Download our Resource
Need advice?
Call our helpline
0800 310 0054
Our helpline is open:
Monday: 10-1pm
Tuesday: 10-1pm
Wednesday: 10-1pm
Thursday: 10-1pm
Friday-Sunday: Closed
