Recognising Trauma & Sanctuary Project

My Time is an independent counselling practice based in the inner city ward of Small Heath, Birmingham. In 2006 we began a research project that explored the psychological implications of being an asylum seeker as well as joining forces with ASIRT (Asylum Seekers Immigration Resource Team) and RESTORE to provide a drop-in service for asylum seekers and refugees.

The life of an asylum seeker is one of uncertainty, where employment is often denied and movement restricted. Many have to endure extreme poverty and racism whilst coming to terms with the experiences that have led them to seek asylum in the first place.

Recognising Trauma

Our 'Recognising Trauma Project' developed a training package for asylum seekers to become councillors and help support others in similar situations.

My Time has recently been awarded by BACP for innovative therapy practice, shortlisted by the Royal Bank of Scotland for a Race of Opportunity award, and has attracted the interest of MPs and government ministers.

"There is a tale behind the person now managing the Sanctuary Project. I became involved as someone needing support. I had a range of issues including financial hardship.

I became involved as a volunteer, sharing my experiences of being an Asylum Seeker. I will live to tell my life story from being a Divisional Director in a major group of companies in Zimbabwe, to being a statistic as a traumatised, dejected asylum seeker.

Two years on, I am a Finance manager of My Time and my two sons and I have a future." Sylvia Dembedza.

Download the Recognising Trauma Guide (PDF File)

Sanctuary Project

The Sanctuary began as a research project exploring the needs of asylum seekers/refugees that are suffering the psychological effects of depression, anxiety, and trauma caused by the departure from their country.

The project needed to establish an infrastructure that enabled asylum seekers to seek emotional and psychological support.

This meant establishing a drop in style holistic psychological/ counselling service for asylum seekers on Thursdays at All Saints’ Church in partnership with ASIRT (Asylum support immigration resource team) providing the legal advice on asylum issues/ processes with My Time providing volunteers and translation services.

The day finds people from all over the West Midlands coming to seek advice and eat alunch prepared by a Axis group Annapurna.

Thursdays are as much a social gathering as they are a drop in service. People are encouraged to mingle and converse.