The annual public health report is an annual, statutory report by the Director of Public Health which conducts an independent analysis of the health and wellbeing of groups in Hounslow and sets out recommendations.
Hounslow Council’s Annual Public Health Report 2022-23 highlights the health and wellbeing issues faced by asylum seekers living in hotels in Hounslow and the urgent need for greater support for them.
The report entitled: On hold, the lived experiences of asylum seekers in Hounslow‘s contingency hotels.
It looks at the physical and mental health impacts of the living conditions, poor food nutrition, lack of privacy, lack of health care and mother and baby provision, lack of meaningful opportunities, lack of safe, healthy outdoor spaces for children to play, poor integration with the community, and having to share rooms with strangers.
The findings within the report are based on almost a year’s worth of research, during which the Council’s Public Health Team spoke with asylum seekers living in hotels and the health and care professionals working to support them.
Issues highlighted in the report include the impacts on physical and mental health, including stress, depression and suicidal thoughts, safeguarding issues and health concerns such as gestational diabetes due to poor nutrition.
Kelly O’Neill, Hounslow’s Director of Public Health and author of the report, said: “Our report identifies a clear need for more resources to support the mental and physical health and wellbeing of asylum seekers living in hotel accommodation in Hounslow.
“There is an urgent need for action. Local services are facing increasing pressure due to the extra strain placed on them through supporting our asylum-seeker population. We have found that many of the asylum seekers in our borough who are living in hotel accommodation are facing conditions that are detrimental to their physical and mental health. Their lives are on hold while decisions are taken about their future. If we do not act now, the situation will only worsen, and the cost will be far greater.”
- You can read the Executive Summary here