Unaccompanied Assylum Seekers
Part of Athena Housing & Support service is to provide care and support to unaccompanied asylum seekers seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.
Independent living skills will be supported immediately and all of our young people will be placed onto our independence workbook programme. This is not an assignment type document that the young person completes alone; it involves numerous one-to-one sessions each week to work through the document with their keyworker where they will supported and guided. There are also topical discussions and scenarios throughout the workbook that will engage the young person into positive thinking and informed choices.
In addition to the independence transition programme, the young person will receive ongoing support from our staff with all the young peoples needs including, but not exclusive to the following;
Introduction to Athena
Introduction into Athena: the young people will be issues with a young person’s handbook on arrival and it will contain essential information such as their rights and how to make a complaint. It will also explain that they are entitled to an advocate and the young person will be supported in applying for one if they wish.
Health Assessments
Initial Health Assessments: the young person will be supported to attend an initial health assessment within 3 days, this will be to check on their health and wellbeing, any concerns/ information will be passed on to the GP, support worker or social worker to support/action.
TB Screening
TB Screenings: the young person will be supported to attend a local hospital for a TB screening within 3 days which includes a general conversations through an interpreter to discuss their travel and what countries they have come through on their journey also to discuss previous health conditions if any. A blood test will be taken and an chest X-ray, all results will be forwarded to GP and social worker.
Immunisations
Doctors registration/ immunisations: the young person will be supported in registering at a doctors within walking distance of their home. This will take place within 3 days of the young person being placed.
Dentist registration: the young person will be supported in registering at a dentist within walking distance of their home. This will take place within 3 days of the young person being placed and an initial appointment for a check up will be made.
Dentist Registration
Optician registration: the young person will be supported in registering at a opticians within walking distance of their home. This will take place within 3 days of the young person being placed and an initial appointment for a check up will be made.
Optician Registration
Education or Training
Education or training: the young person will be supported by their education worker to explore their educational needs, their English speaking, listening and writing will be assessed and appropriate provisions will be selected.
Opening bank accounts if applicable: the young person can be supported to open a bank account, this will assist them with independent living and budgeting.
Banking
Support with any religious beliefs and shown around the local area: the young person will be supported to explore any religious beliefs, this will include locating religious places of worship such as local churches and mosques and being provided with religious necessities such as Bible or Quran and prayer mat.