PENHA has secured a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund for its COVID-19 response among young asylum seekers and refugees from East African countries in Kent. These young people have been adversely impacted by the pandemic – including socially and in terms of their emotional wellbeing and mental health. The project – Reducing Refugees’ Emotional Homelessness in Kent – will support about 750 young asylum seekers and refugees from East Africa aged 16 to 25 in Kent using Covid-safe digital activities to support them with their emotional wellbeing. We’ve planned four activities so far including producing short videos on coronavirus, inspirational multimedia materials sharing refugees’ personal stories, and creating ‘digital support bubbles’ and hotline services for young people. This four-month project will be implemented in collaboration with Kent colleges, reception centres and other charities.
