These conferences looked at improving the journey and outcomes for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Using presentations from experts in their field, interactive Q&A sessions, film and animation, we explored safeguarding, mental health and the legal dynamics, and heard the child's voice throughout.
Below you'll find the presentations, films, animations and other material from the two-day conference. They are presented here for use with your own teams and to share the learning across the UK.
Dr-Ana-Draper-The-Emotional-Wellbeing-and-Mental-Health-of-UASC
Dr-Georgie-Siggers-Nancy-Sayer-Learning-from-the-Kent-Experience
Exploring-Vulnerability-and-Risks-Associated-with-Young-Asylum-Seeking-Children-Edited
The-Childrens-Society-Trafficking-and-Safeguarding
Rupinder-Parhar-Supporting-Mental-Health-Needs-of-Unaccompanied-Young-People
Mark Pearson, CEO of Excelsior Safeguarding
With 30 years of service in Kent Police - five of which he spent leading the integrated services Margate Task Force - Mark has advised government ministers, think tanks, and director generals. He also managed a government-funded initiative to foster innovation and collaboration around gangs and exploitation.
Charlotte Levene, Manager of YoungMinds Welcome
Charlotte is a registered social worker with more than 20 years' experience. She has worked across voluntary, private, and public sectors. Her focus is on mental health and looked-after young people. She manages YoungMinds Welcome, a project dedicated to promoting the mental health needs of refugee and asylum-seeking children and youth.
Dr. Ana Draper, Consultant Systemic Psychotherapist and Clinical Lead
Ana serves as the clinical lead for the Coram/Tavistock refugee partnership. She previously led the UASC health project in Kent, where she developed clinical competencies, distress screening tools, and an emotional health and wellbeing framework tailored to the needs of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
Dr Georgie Siggers, Consultant Community Paediatrician
Georgie worked in Kent during the 'Kent crisis' - a time of a massive influx of UASC into the south east and was responsible for health services to support their needs.
Nancy Sayer, Designated Nurse for Looked After Children for Kent
Nancy has worked as a designated nurse for LAC since 2005 and has great insight into the health needs of UASCs. As part of the UASC Project group, Nancy worked on setting up services and providing advice on the health needs of this vulnerable group.
Stewart Maclachlan, Senior Legal and Policy Officer, Coram Children's Legal Centre
He leads of the project's publications, training and guidance as well as contributing to policy. He is the author of the 5th edition of Seeking Support, a guide to working with unaccompanied and separated children.
Rupinder Parhar, Policy Officer, The Children's Society
With a particular focus on migration, asylum, trafficking and children's rights, Rupinder has completed research looking at the mental health needs of separated and accompanied children. Rupinder has also worked violence against women organisations.
Watch the animations below and find more UASC Health videos on YouTube.