Can’t Stay. Can’t Go. Refused asylum seekers who cannot be returned 3 Key findings seekers have considered suicide at some point and accessing mental health services was > Life is bleak for refused asylum seekers who reported to be challenging. cannot be returned. > The main changes suggested by our refused > The majority of the refused asylum seekers we asylum seekers to improve their situations were interviewed are not on any form of support. obtaining status, being allowed to work or With no money, they struggle to survive and study, having a home and having money. All of rely mostly on charities for food and clothing. them desperately wish for a solution to their life in limbo. > Accommodation is a major problem and most have no quiet, safe place to call home. They > In addition, Red Cross staff felt that the Home are constantly moving around and rely largely Office should recognise how difficult it can be on friends and night shelters. For some, the to get re-documented. They suggested that only option is to sleep rough. the Home Office should provide practical and financial assistance to help refused asylum > Living in limbo with no control over their future seekers obtain responses from the relevant has a profound impact on the physical and, embassies. Staff also reported that it is particularly, the mental health of refused asylum essential to keep people on support during the seekers. Red Cross staff often witness a re-documentation process – charities should deterioration in the health of these people over not be seen as a safety net for this group. time. Worryingly, many of our refused asylum