David Palmer
This study was established to assess the impact that psychosocial factors have on the mental health of Somali refugees and how Somali people’s perception of mental illness impacts on both community engagement and on accessing and utilising services. Information on service utilisation was drawn from secondary sources and data about users of a refugee centre in London. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of Somali forced migrants accessing the refugee service. The results indicate that the mental health of Somali refugees in Camden is shaped by social factors which characterise exile, and that access to health services is compounded by a preoccupation with post-migration stressors including immigration status, housing, social and socio-economic factors. In addition, Somali forced migrants make considerably less use of community groups due to stigma, which hinders the building of social capital for their members. This research adds to the knowledge base about good practice and service delivery
