SBHL care Plan 2023-2024 Impact
As a leading provider of temporary accommodation for asylum seekers in the UK, SBHL recognises its responsibility to care for the welfare of all asylum seekers in its care. Going beyond its contracted services, the ‘SBHL Care Plan’ is a £2.5 million ground-breaking initiative that represents the most comprehensive programme designed to support the wellbeing of asylum seekers and foster integration with local communities, available anywhere in the UK. Three years in development, the Care Plan for 2023 - 2024 delivered a range of activities that supported mental health, integration with local communities and prepared asylum seekers for life in the UK.
SBHL Care Plan
SBHL’s Care Plan sets new standards of welfare provision for those seeking asylum in the UK. The Care Plan is made up of five pillars of integrated activity including sports, mental health services, skills, arts and access to local support services.
Improves the wellbeing of asylum seekers during their stay in an SBHL hotel.
Prepares asylum seekers for life in the UK after their stay in an SBHL hotel.
Fosters integration between asylum seekers and local communities.
The Care Plan significantly improved the mental state and wellbeing of those who participated.
The Care Plan contributed to generating a welcoming and supportive environment in all hotels.
The Care Plan generated a quantifiable reduction in behaviour-related incidents and complaints.
The Care Plan generated positive recognition from, and impact among local communities.
The Care Plan contributed significantly to preparing asylum seekers for life in the UK.
SBHL 5 Pillars
The Care Plan integrates five pillars of service provision which improves physical health through sport and exercise, supports mental strength, provides learning opportunities, engages asylum seekers through creative activities, and supports local charities with funding and other forms of in-kind support.
The Care Plan is a partnership-based model delivered by a range of national and local charitable organisations, NGO’s, think tanks, civil society organisations (CSOs) and community-based organisations.
86 national and local charity organisations partnered with SBHL in 2023. 48 new charity organisations were onboarded in 2024.
SBHL Integration Model
Service users choose from a range of activities, from sports to creative activities and skills-based opportunities.
SBHL also works with a range of national and local organisations to support asylum seekers with basic needs – such as clothing – and helps prepare them for life in the UK.
Following widespread protests targeting mosques and hotels in the Summer of 2024, SBHL integrated an ‘Integration Model’ into its Care Plan, which would guide the design and delivery of future activities. This Model now sits at the heart of the Care Plan.
The Care Plan adopts the UK Government’s ‘Integration Framework’ which establishes key criteria that determines effective integration with local communities.
SBHL has contributed to the Home Office’s Global Mental Health Assessment Tool (GMHAT) referral pathway mapping.
The Spiritual & Pastoral Care Team is a dedicated team within SBHL of nine counsellors, Imams and chaplains, who support and empower Service Users to heal and manage trauma and mental health challenges.
The Spiritual & Pastoral Care Team utilise spiritual and faith-based values to deliver a programme of care to address the concerns and anxieties of those in SBHL’s care.
All team members have counselling or formal psychology backgrounds and training.
Unite Through Football is a sector-leading project in partnership with the Surrey Football Association (FA)
Unite Through Football is a sector-leading project in partnership with the Surrey Football Association (FA), which offers a safe and welcoming environment for asylum seekers to play football. Sponsored by SBHL, Surrey FA delivers monthly tournaments. Coaching has been provided by the Football Association's Coach Development team, and sessions for women were delivered by the Chelsea Football Foundation.
“Protests targeting asylum seekers in the UK have demonstrated that projects such as this are needed now more than ever. Thanks to the continued support and backing of SBHL, we have built the basis of an incredibly successful and popular programme that not only improves the wellbeing of asylum seekers but fosters integration with local communities.” – The Football Association Chair.
“It is wonderful to witness the sustained success of the project... These sessions play a crucial role in fostering integration between the participants and the wider community.” – Anwar Uddin, FA
“Football is so important because it keeps people active and it brings people together.” - Surrey Police
“At Millwall we’re very much interested, in terms of how we could work in building a project around our communities, hence why we’re here, watching and observing the really fantastic work going on.” – Jason Vincent, Millwall Football Club
“I was fortunate to work with these young men who clearly love football, and who clearly want to go out and give something back to the community.” – Danny Fenner, Coach Development Officer, The FA
“I think what is great about what the guys are doing here [is] they’re trying to create opportunities and an easy transition for [asylum seekers] that come from different backgrounds to adapt to the cultural views and values that British communities offer.” – Alberto Kurit, Carshalton Athletic
“It allows people who are new to the country to access and connect to the city, and know what kind of beauty the city holds. It feels good because… you find yourself being valued and part of (the community).” – Walk With Me participant
SBHL commissioned leading mental health charity, the Mental Health Foundation
In 2024, SBHL commissioned leading mental health charity, the Mental Health Foundation, to design and pilot a training package for hotel staff on trauma informed practice, including increasing their understanding of some of the mental health challenges asylum seekers face in temporary accommodation, increasing their awareness of how to spot the signs of trauma and improving their knowledge of where to go to seek support.
This work, combined with a mapping exercise of other interventions delivered by mental health charities across the country, has informed the production of a report which sets out a ‘best practice framework’ for mental health support for asylum seekers in the UK.
£58,000+ granted to the Mental Health Foundation for the 'Belonging Project' in 2024.
A new 'best practice framework' for mental health support for asylum seekers in the UK has been created.
SBHL has designed and delivered a series of engagement activities which prepare asylum seekers for ‘Life in the UK’.
SBHL has designed and delivered a series of engagement activities which prepare asylum seekers for ‘Life in the UK’. Delivered in multiple languages – including English, Arabic, Kurdish and Pashto – presentations include sessions on British culture and values, laws, the constitution and regulations.
The 90-minute sessions were supported by Local Authorities, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and local faith leaders, and helped reduce anti-social behaviour, foster integration with local communities and support asylum seekers to prepare for life beyond the hotels.
628 sessions were delivered across SBHL hotels in 2023-24.
SBHL art exhibition, ‘My Life: Stories of Resilience and Hope
An SBHL art exhibition, ‘My Life: Stories of Resilience and Hope’, celebrated the unique and extraordinary stories of twelve artists and asylum seekers staying at SBHL hotels.
The exhibition built a better understanding of the trauma suffered by asylum seekers, while fostering integration with local communities.
The exhibition visited ten different Boroughs across London, including Libraries and Civic Centres. The exhibition was organised in partnership with two art charity partners, Never Such Innocence and Immigrant RISE.
“What a powerful collection of work, and reading the stories behind them was inspiring to say the least! Well done to you and your team on putting this together, we have shared it on our directorate and team, with our other networks, including our voluntary partners, so hopefully lots of people will pop in and be inspired. ” – Newham Council
35,000 people visitors
100,000 online audience
Delivered in collaboration with 10 Local Authorities across London and the South of England
£92,000 sponsorship by SBHL
SBHL+ is a grant scheme supporting local charities to expand or deliver activities aimed at boosting the wellbeing, mental health and confidence of asylum seekers staying in SBHL hotels.
SBHL gave grants to charitable and community-based organisations, including The Flying Seagull Project, Time to Help UK, Young Roots and Bridges for Communities in 2024.
Together they delivered a range of activities, including coffee mornings, women’s groups, guided walks, volunteering opportunities, kids activities and youth clubs.
SBHL provided grants amounting to a total of £98,000 in 2023-24.
Time to Help was nominated for a Community Project of the Year Award
SBHL provides a range of additional services to ensure that charities are able to deliver welfare-based activities both on-site at hotels and off hotel sites.
This includes transport to take service users to activities, lunches while they are off-site, and sports equipment, laptops, books and bikes.
130+ coaches taking service users to welfare-based activities in 2024.
150+ pieces of IT equipment, including laptops and tablets, donated to charities for the purpose of welfare-based activities.
7,500+ books provided to hotels in 2024.
£230,000 of ‘in-kind’ support in 2024.
SBHL hotels are multi-denominational centres and SBHL recognises the importance of supporting residents celebrating all key religious festivals, holidays and notable events, including Ramadan, Easter and Christmas.
SBHL has provided designated prayer spaces, providing transport to Mosques during Ramadan and churches at Christmas, provided gifts, delivered children activities and a series of sessions that have educated residents on how religious festivals are observed and celebrated in the UK.
SBHL employs a dedicated three-person Communities & Customer Relations Team which oversees the delivery of the SBHL Care Plan and its engagement with SBHL’s charity partners.
SBHL has made a total financial commitment of over £2,500,000 towards the SBHL Care Plan to date.
Funding supports:
1. Community donations and events.
2. Books and religious support.
3. Christmas gifts and activities.
4. Eid gifts and activities.
5.Easter gifts in 2024
6. Surrey FA the Unite Through Football project.
7. Saracens Foundation for the Sporting Roots project.
8. Mental Health Foundation for mental health services.
9. Staff Training.
10. ‘My Life’ art exhibition.
11. In-kind support in 2024.
12. Local Charitable activity.
13. Spiritual & Pastoral Care.
14. SBHL+ grant scheme.
15. A Communities & Customer Relations Team.
In 2024, Care Plan activities were delivered in locations across 15 London Boroughs, and off-site including the Saracens’ Stonex Stadium in Barnet, Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge Stadium and London Lions basketball arena in Newham.
Service users visited local colleges, libraries, churches and mosques for a range of activities and services, such as ESOL classes.
In 2024, Care Plan activities were delivered in locations across the South of England and Wales, and off-site including Surrey FA’s Meadowbank Training Ground and Bristol City Centre for the Walk With Me project.
In addition, service users visited local colleges, libraries, churches and mosques for a range of activities and services, such as ESOL classes.
Media Coverage
SBHL Care Plan activities are often reported on local media and social media channels which increases awareness about the asylum seeker community, destigmatises refugees and helps foster better relations with local communities.
Awards
SBHL Care Plan activities are often reported on local media and social media channels which increases awareness about the asylum seeker community, destigmatises refugees and helps foster better relations with local communities. The SBHL Care Plan activities in 2023 – 2024 generated a quantifiable impact: Significantly improved the mental state and wellbeing of those who participated. Generated a welcoming and supportive environment in all hotels. Generated a quantifiable reduction in behaviour-related incidents and complaints. Generated recognition from, and positive impact among local communities. Contributed significantly to preparing asylum seekers for life in the UK.
The SBHL Care Plan activities in 2023 – 2024 generated a quantifiable impact:
Significantly improved the mental state and wellbeing of those who participated.
Generated a welcoming and supportive environment in all hotels.
Generated a quantifiable reduction in behaviour-related incidents and complaints.
Generated recognition from, and positive impact among local communities.
“We have noticed a huge change in the hotel environment, especially during the peak times of Care Plan activity. Through the Care Plan, service users (SUs) have the opportunity to mingle with other SU's and staff, which has provided an outlet for SUs to discuss their concerns.” – Ivanna Bavdyk, General Manager
“The Care Plan has created a more inclusive and supportive environment for service users. It has also enhanced the overall atmosphere, making the hotel feel more engaging for both guests and staff. Additionally, structured activities have helped improve guest satisfaction and contributed to a smoother operation.” – Mubashra Haider, General Manager
“There have been real change in the hotel atmosphere. Service users are actively participating in various events such as football matches, children's activities, and camps. This has significantly reduced idle time, making the atmosphere more lively and structured. “ – Trivakar Bollarapu, General Manager
“There has been a noticeable drop in incidents during peak times of Care Plan activities. Engaging activities help reduce boredom and restlessness, leading to fewer conflicts or disruptions. Service users appear more focused and content, contributing to a calmer and more harmonious environment.” – Mubashra Haider, General Manager
“During the period of ongoing Care Plan activities, staff and management have observed a drastic drop in the number of incidents and complaints… Engagement with the charity organisations has uplifted the mood, behaviour and wellbeing of the SU’s, which can be seen by the dip in incidents.” – Ivanna Bavdyk, General Manager
“There has been a significant decline in incidents, such as aggressive behaviour and physical conflicts among service users. The structured activities keep them occupied, reducing boredom and tension.” – Trivakar Bollarapu, General Manager
Best Western Queens Crystal Palace
The Best Western Queens hotel accommodates residents in Crystal Palace, Croydon. The hotel has a mixture of young families, and single males and females, from multiple different backgrounds and countries. In 2024, a range of activities were delivered by multiple charity partners, both on-site and off-site, to cater for the needs and interests of its diverse population.
Low numbers of behaviour-related incidents in period (days or week) following key Care Plan activities.
Low numbers of complaints made by residents in the period (days or week) following key Care Plan activities.
“During the period of ongoing Care Plan activities, staff and management have observed there has been a drastic drop in the number of incidents and complaints, as many service users engaged with the staff and were able to get their concerns resolved.
Engagement with the charity organisations has uplifted the mood, behaviour and wellbeing of the service users, which can be seen by a dip in incidents.”
Ivanna Bavdyk, General Manager
Qualitative research which assessed the impact on the wellbeing and mental health of residents found that Care Plan activities improved the mood and mental health of participants; created new social connections with other asylum seekers and boosted the confidence of residents and the opportunity to communicate with others.
The partnership model at the heart of the Care Plan has created over 12 collaborative exercises with Local Authorities across London and the South of England, while coordinating welfare-based support with every Local Authority where it has a hotel.
Local Authorities have recognised the Unite Through Football project as a flagship project of the SBHL Care Plan and have expressed significant interest in future funding opportunities through the SBHL+ grant scheme.
“(Residents indicated that) Participating in Care Plan activities has positively affected their mood and confidence. They provide a sense of routine, achievement, and enjoyment, which has helped boost their self-confidence and reduced feelings of stress or isolation… These activities have also had a positive impact on their mental health, by reducing anxiety and providing a sense of purpose. Engaging in structured, enjoyable activities has also improved their motivation and emotional well-being.” – Mubashra Haider, General Manager
“Many young people enjoy the football session. It helps them to keep their mind away from the difficult situations they are facing.” During the session I have gained many friends from my accommodation that I never knew before.” – Male resident, 21 years old.
“Residents indicated that some of the benefits of the Care Plan included making new friends, learning new skills, and improving their ability to communicate with others. These activities have also helped them stay engaged and feel more supported within a community.” – Mubashra Haider, General Manager
“During the activities children and adults become less aggressive against each other and learn the polite way of communicating with others.” – Ivanna Bavdyk
“Football is important for us because you get energy, you train, your body will be very good physically you know, we gain strength. In your mind you relax.” – Unite Through Football participant
“(Residents indicated that) The children have thoroughly enjoyed activities from ‘Hear me Out’ organisation and ‘Flying Seagulls’, because there was music and drama. Arts and crafts are provided in schools as well, so they have enjoyed these activities, especially during weekends.” – Riz Zangharia, General Manager
“It’s really helping me with my mental health, because my family has many problems. When I felt uncomfortable, I went out, played football, so it’s really helping me.” – Unite Through Football participant
‘Extremely appreciative of SBHL’s initiative and ongoing efforts through its Care Plan, and is keen to collaborate to increase the number of welfare-based activities at hotels in the Borough, particularly activities which support mental health, a priority for the Council.’ – Lambeth Council
‘Delighted by SBHL’s initiative, which it believes is in stark contrast to efforts made by others in the sector. Very keen to collaborate to ensure that charities can access hotels to provide support to asylum seekers and deliver welfare-based activities.” – Camden Council
‘Delighted to support Care Plan activities, such as the ‘My Life’ art exhibition and Life in the UK event. Keen that charities in the Borough benefit from the SBHL+ grant scheme.’ – Newham Council
‘Delighted by the level of engagement by SBHL to ensure that as much is being done as possible to support asylum seekers. Grateful to SBHL for sponsoring initiatives which improve their mood, mental health and behaviour.’ – Hertfordshire Council
‘Delighted that Surrey FA had been chosen to pilot the Unite Through Football project, proud of its success to date and pleased that the project is beginning to generate the recognition that it deserves.’ – Surrey Council
