Jason Farrell

Psychological Support Services for LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers

Many LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and status holders find themselves in complex situations involving mental health issues, stress, loneliness, fear for their own safety, and (risk of) substance use and unsafe sex. Our target group, LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, placed in AZC’s (asylum centers) with people from the same country, with the same anti-gay mentality, live in constant fear, subjected to harassment, violence, homophobia, and feelings of insecurity makes our target group vulnerable to, substance use, sexual risk behaviour and exploitation. 

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During the COVID epidemic when many organisations offered services online, we learned asylum seekers do not have computers, laptops, privacy or reliable internet. That led us to design Choices@AZC which brings psychological first aid and prevention services directly inside the centers. Choices mental health and prevention counselling inside the asylum centers and via our free helpline helps people with trauma, depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders remain stable during the long asylum procedure. 

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With our on-site psychological counselling, community building social gatherings, and a free telephone helpline, we can stabilize our clients. Tailoring our services to the needs of asylum seekers in the centers, our initiative prevents drug addiction, STIs, increase or escalation of psychological problems, and saves lives.