In the United Kingdom, as elsewhere, mental health services are becoming increasingly aware that existing services may not meet the needs of different minority groups. This paper outlines the model used to set up a project focusing specifically on refugee mental health needs in Waltham Forest, in north-east London. Funding was available for one sole mental health worker and careful consideration was therefore given as to how her time should be used. A thorough needs assessment of refugees living in Waltham Forest determined that the provision of therapy or counselling alone would not be the most appropriate means of addressing refugees' needs. The intervention model developed therefore included awareness raising and community mobilization, in addition to one-to-one clinical sessions. The empowerment, training and support of refugee community groups became a central part of the work, which helped to establish and then consolidate links between mainstream services and individual refugees.

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Needs Assessment cultural anthropology refugee mental health service Models, Organizational nonbiological model London human social isolation Refugees health service Health Services Needs and Demand Humans counseling Community Mental Health Services Article organization and management United Kingdom grief Culture