What we offer
Free, long-term psychotherapy and counselling, including individual and group therapy, from our team of qualified therapists.
This support is for refugees and people seeking asylum across the South West, including people who have fled torture, oppression and war, or who have experienced modern slavery.
People must be living in Bristol, Somerset or Devon.
Sessions can take place online or in person, and interpreters are available whenever they're needed.
Please note that the current waiting time to access our service is between 6 and 12 months.
We do not take direct referrals. Our service is accessible through our referral partners. Find the best route for support below:
Unsure if you’re an existing referral partner? Check the list below.
Support for yourself or someone you know
We’re glad you’ve reached out. We can't accept a referral directly from you, but here's how to find support:
Contact the support organisation for your area. They can help you directly, and if it's the right next step, they can work with us to make a referral.
Self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies right away, without waiting for anyone else.
If you're already in touch with one of our referral partners, ask them to refer you to us directly.
If none of these work for you, or you're struggling to get support, contact us anyway. We'll help you find another option.
Need urgent emotional support right now?
The Samaritans helpline is free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123. You can also text "SHOUT" to 85258, 24/7.
If you're in danger, or worried you're not able to keep yourself safe, go to your nearest hospital's Accident & Emergency department, or call 999.
Professionals wishing to make a referral
This includes GPs, social workers, and any professional or organisation without a named contact at TFSW.
NHS Talking Therapies is a good first step, wherever your client is based. In Bristol, the Hope Service offers one-to-one and group support for refugees and people seeking asylum.
If you client has already accessed, or is struggling to access mental health services, get in touch with the referral partner covering your client's area, and work with them to make a referral to us.
Why we work this way: we're a small, specialist service. Referring through partner organisations means clients get practical support alongside the psychological support we offer. It also helps us manage a limited service fairly.
If your client is struggling to access support, contact us directly. We want people who fall through the gaps in other services to still be able to reach us.
Becoming a regular referral partner
If your organisation supports refugees and people seeking asylum on an ongoing basis, you may be able to become a referral partner yourself. Get in touch and tell us where you're based, who you work with, roughly how big your organisation is, and roughly how many referrals to TFSW you'd expect to make a year.
The referral process
Complete our referral form below. You'll receive an email confirmation with a copy of the referral once it's submitted, and we may contact you to discuss it further.
If it's the right option, your client will be added to our waiting list. Wait times vary from 6 to 12 months, depending on therapist availability in their area, whether they prefer online or in-person sessions, and any interpreter needs.
Once your client has been matched with a therapist, their therapist or interpreter will contact them to begin support. Please let us know about any changes in circumstances or contact details for your client.
Our referral partners
Bristol
Devon & Cornwall
Somerset
