A report by Healthwatch Southwark has highlighted significant health and wellbeing challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees transitioning from Home Office accommodation.

The report, titled Housing, health and hope: Experiences of living in and moving on from asylum accommodation, details how inadequate living conditions, such as overcrowding, poor food quality, and safety concerns, have lasting impacts on physical and mental health. Recommendations for improving the quality of food and safety in Home Office accommodation include ensuring access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food that is available flexibly, and addressing overcrowding and limited space for respite. Additionally, there are recommendations to empower residents and advocates to report issues of substandard living conditions such as damp, mould, or pests, by providing multilingual guidance and contact information for Migrant Help.

A hand-drawn timeline illustrating the experiences of an asylum seeker, from initial accommodation to current aspirations.
A hand-drawn timeline illustrating the experiences of an asylum seeker, from initial accommodation to current aspirations.

These issues are often exacerbated by the stressful and destabilising move-on process, which can leave individuals at high risk of homelessness. According to the report, the 28-day notice period given to newly recognised refugees to leave asylum accommodation is insufficient for securing housing and accessing mainstream benefits.

Many participants reported struggling to find affordable private rented accommodation. The primary reasons for limited housing options for single adults in the private rented sector are that many landlords will discriminate against applicants who are using the deposit scheme and receiving Universal Credit. This is further complicated by language barriers and digital exclusion, but even participants not affected by these issues still struggled to find affordable private rented accommodation. Some faced street homelessness, leading to a rapid deterioration in their health.

The transition is absolutely destroying, a complete minefield… The problem with moving on is the threat of homelessness. The idea of being evicted is so mentally stressful, one participant stated.

A word cloud illustrating various aspects of mental illness, including 'Mental Illness', 'depression', 'schizophrenia', and 'psychotherapy'.
A word cloud illustrating various aspects of mental illness, including 'Mental Illness', 'depression', 'schizophrenia', and 'psychotherapy'.

The report also identifies critical gaps in support, including a lack of timely and accessible information about the move-on process, limited housing options for single adults, and insufficient emergency support for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Relocation out of borough often disrupts access to established social networks, healthcare, and voluntary sector support, contributing to isolation and poor mental health.

Voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations are identified as the most trusted and effective source of support, providing multilingual practical assistance and community connection. They have expanded their services to offer casework, advocacy, hot food, emergency supplies and interpretation. Volunteering with these groups is described as providing purpose that supports mental wellbeing. Specific examples of practical assistance include English classes, art club, chess club, walking group and help with private rented accommodation.

A diagram illustrating various organizations providing
A diagram illustrating various organizations providing "Effective Support" to refugees and asylum seekers.

However, the report notes a heavy reliance on an under-resourced VCS, combined with gaps in statutory provision and limited communication between services. The key challenges faced by the VCS in meeting increased demand include being under-resourced and having to expand their services to include casework, advocacy, hot food, emergency supplies and interpretation, often without formal training or funding. There is also a need for insufficient wellbeing support and specialist training for VCS staff.

Healthwatch Southwark's findings inform a set of recommendations aimed at improving access to information, preventing homelessness, ensuring continuity of healthcare, strengthening housing standards, and investing in community-based support.

Two women stand in front of a
Two women stand in front of a Healthwatch Southwark banner, with a presentation slide behind them asking "How does moving on from temporary accommodation affect your health?"

The Healthwatch report was presented to the Southwark Health, Adult Social Care and Community Safety Scrutiny Commission on Thursday, 23 July 2026. The commission also received updates on Partnership Southwark's work and the Asylum Road Care Home project. The meeting information states that We are now awaiting responses from NHS service providers, Southwark Council and South East London Integrated Care Board, to the recommendations in this report. It also mentions that Statutory partners will be asked to provide formal responses to the recommendations in this report. Responses will also be published on Healthwatch Southwark's website. The report was published in July 2026, and the meeting took place on the same date, so no actions taken by the Commission since July 2026 would be documented. The full report can be found in the Public reports pack.