Asylum seeker support reduces trauma and saves lives, report finds

A specialist service in Scotland has empowered families through the asylum process.

muslim woman talking
The Family Rights Service provided a dedicated case manager to asylum seekers.

A specialist service to help asylum-seeking families in Scotland has been a lifeline for them, reducing trauma and even saving lives, says a new report. 

The report, led by the University of Stirling, found that the service’s approach of providing a dedicated case manager, empowering families through the asylum process, and encouraging partnership among service providers, were all vital for asylum seekers. 

The Family Rights Service (FRS), a three-year pilot launched in 2022 by the Scottish Refugee Council, involved 207 newly arrived asylum-seeking families. It was created to identify and resolve gaps in support and produce a model for an asylum advice system in Scotland and the UK. 

The study gathered data from families through focus groups, online surveys and WhatsApp ‘diaries’ where families detailed their experiences of being asylum seekers in Scotland. The families who took part in the FRS mainly come from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan and Libya, and were typically in the Service for 373 days. 

One wrote in their diary of the trauma they carried from their experiences in their native country: “I wanted to end my life three times. I was preparing for suicide, but I didn’t do it, thinking about my kids. [My case manager] knew about my situation, so she took care of me a lot… and guided me so that I could get treatment.”

woman smiling to camera
Dr Ashley Rogers
Lecturer in Criminology
When families arrive in the UK they can feel further traumatised, disoriented and disempowered, navigating a myriad of welfare and legal issues, whilst also adjusting to a new country and culture, with children in tow. Having a dedicated point of contact in a case manager helps them navigate all of that.

Dr Ashley Rogers, a University of Stirling expert in criminology and forced migration and research lead of the report, said: “It was clear from our findings that families seeking asylum are already traumatised from having to flee persecution in their country of origin, which often involves threats to life. Their journey of forced migration is often one featuring further trauma, victimisation, and in many cases, exploitation at the hands of traffickers and organised crime groups.  

“When families arrive in the UK they can feel further traumatised, disoriented and disempowered, navigating a myriad of welfare and legal issues, whilst also adjusting to a new country and culture, with children in tow. Having a dedicated point of contact in a case manager helps them navigate all of that.   

“A person-centred and joined-up approach ensures that necessary professionals are communicating with one another and, with rights and the asylum-seeking process being clearly explained to families, this enhances access to support, facilitates legal representatives and other relevant organisations and, in turn, reduces families’ trauma as they make their claim for asylum.” 

Family Rights Service Manager Esther Muchena said: “We set out to improve people’s understanding of the asylum process and improve their asylum and welfare outcomes. I think this report shows that we have been successful in doing that. 

“The Family Rights Service gives each family the tailored support they need to address the unique challenges they face. We support people in so many ways, from improving their understanding of the complex asylum process, meeting their health needs and reducing poverty to helping children and parents access education and make social connections. 

 “This approach empowers people, gives them self-agency and prepares them for the future so they can integrate better in their new communities and achieve their goals. Although the pilot focussed on supporting families, the model could be replicated to help other people in the asylum system.” 

The report, a collaboration between the University of Stirling, the University of the West of Scotland and Braw Data research consultancy, recommends that the FRS model is expanded to all asylum seekers in Scotland, to ensure humane conditions starting from their point of entry to the country. 

While the asylum system falls under the jurisdiction of the UK Parliament, the Scottish Parliament has devolved authority over areas such as health, education, housing, legal aid and children’s services.  

The Family Rights Service pilot was delivered by the Scottish Refugee Council in partnership with Latta & Co and JustRight Scotland. It was funded by Justice Together, The Robertson Trust, and Glasgow City Council. 

Read the full report at https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FULL-REPORT-Family-Rights-Service.pdf