Topic: Forced migration and refugee health

«It’s about living -» : measures for improving the mental health of asylum center residents.

Berg, B., Sveaass, N., Lauritsen, K., Neumayer, S. M., & Meyer, M., & Tingvold, L. (2005). "Det hainnle om å leve -" : tiltak for å bedre psykisk helse for beboere i asylmottak [«It’s about living -» : measures for improving the mental health of asylum center residents.] Norwegian only. (SINTEF Rapport STF50 A05054).

This report concerns the mental health of asylum seekers in Norway. The purpose of this project was to assess which measures in asylum centers that contributes to improving the psychosocial environment.

Summary:
This report concerns the mental health of asylum seekers in Norway and is based on the findings from the project “Mental health for residents of government run asylum centers.” The purpose of the project has been to assess what measures in asylum centers that can contribute to improving the psychosocial environment. The focus has been on “good practices,” that emphasizes factors and conditions that prevent mental illness in residents and increase residents self-efficacy. This project aimed to capture and describe constructive routines used in following-up residents with psychiatric problems. These routines included both the actual work done at the asylum center as well as the centers collaboration with relevant assistance services (municipalities, counties, hospitals and others; for example non-government organizations.) A central aim of the project was to come up with proposals of concrete improvements, model descriptions and approaches that can improve residents’ mental health.

The report does not provide concrete recommendations for the Norwegian government, asylum center’s management or the center itself, or the collaborators of the center. Among the recommendations provided are: reduced processing time of asylum applications, providing Norwegian language lessons at the centers, offering meaningful activities and further developing collaboration among the municipalities and the specialized health services.