Counselling: Foreign Nationals
(asked on 1st February 2023) - View Source
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his Department plans to take steps to provide special counselling services to young Hong Kongers who have recently moved to the UK and are struggling to adapt to their new environment.
Answered by
Felicity Buchan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)
Those entering the United Kingdom via the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) [BN(O)] visa route have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge and can access NHS services, such as mental health support, free at the point of use, on broadly the same basis as a person who is ordinarily resident in the UK.
DLUHC launched the Welcome Programme for BN(O)s in April 2021. It provides a UK-wide support package that comprises an easily accessible universal offer and targeted support for those most in need, including support for those with mental health issues.
The Programme also funds VCSE organisations at a national and regional level to provide support for BN(O) visa holders, including those with mental health issues.