In September, I'm running the Vale of York Half Marathon in aid of Solace - a local, Leeds based charity providing invaluable psychotherapy and mental health support to asylum seekers and refugees, and working to alleviate the countless struggles that they face. 

Asylum seekers and refugees are 5 times as likely to suffer from poor mental health than the general population, and more than 61% will experience serious mental distress. This includes debilitating illnesses such anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In many cases, these struggles will have existed as a result of war trauma, rape, or persecution; they are then exacerbated by the perilous journeys many face in their flee to safety, and further compounded by their arrival in a country whose government works to create a highly damaging 'hostile environment'. Asylum seekers and refugees can also develop mental illnesses upon arrival in the UK - many are separated from families, forced to deal with poor housing and destitution, placed indefinitely in inhumane detention centres, and faced with a complex legal system in a language that they may not even speak. 

Solace works to ease these hardships, offering a range of talking therapies to suit the complex needs of clients, as well as physical therapies to relieve pain and bodily tension. Critically, they also provide advocacy support, working with local agencies to help clients navigate the legalities of seeking asylum in the UK, prevent deportation, improve access to education (in particular to English language classes), and secure safe housing - all while dealing with frequent cuts to government funding and support. 

Struggling with mental illness myself, I know how hopeless one can feel. But dealing with a mental illness whilst in exile, with your future uncertain, and battling with linguistic and cultural barriers, is unthinkable. Any money that you can spare would be so appreciated, and will go straight to Solace to help them continue their incredible work. 

Thank you! :) 

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