The Effectiveness of United Kingdom Policies in Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Young Refugees

Abstract

Young refugees in the United Kingdom (UK) can be considered a population vulnerable to mental health issues that deserve urgent and regular attention from all stakeholders, such as the UK government, UNHCR, WHO, and NGOs/charities. This study considers the mental health needs of young refugees (between the ages of 13 and 25) in the UK and investigates the effectiveness of UK policies in supporting these individuals. This work uses qualitative research analysis and secondary data collection methods to explore the following objectives: The first objective is to evaluate the factors that contribute to the mental health needs of young refugees in the UK. Second, identify UK policies designed to support the mental health needs of young refugees, as well as their effectiveness. Third, explore the barriers to effective policy implementation. Fourth, examine the roles and contributions of International Organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations in collaboration with the UK government. This study employs constructivism and liberalism theory to address the identified literature gaps and explain how to manage the mental health needs of young refugees in the UK. This study is significant as it identifies and offers workable recommendations for the mental health issue confronting young refugees in the UK. Furthermore, the implementation of the findings from this study would support these young refugees in their new country.