ex CEO @mentalhealth ex Co-Chair MH and Smoking Partnership and ex Chair @PartnersRelief. Runner. On a work break for adventures
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ALT Graphic with text: “£4.4 billion - is how much money the government could save every year if they allowed asylum seekers to work after six months. £1 billion - is how much asylum seekers would grow the economy, contributing £880 million in taxes, if they were allowed to work. Asylum seekers being denied the ability to work contributes to a loss of self-esteem, loneliness, and an increased risk of depression.” Small text: “The mental health of asylum seekers and refugees in the UK, MHF report, 2025”. MHF logo.
ALT Graphic with quoted text: “Giving asylum seekers the right to work is a no-brainer. Everyone - from asylum seekers, to businesses, to the government, to the NHS, to our communities - benefits when asylum seekers are given the ability to support themselves. The current system, which is both harmful and expensive, cannot continue as it is.” - Mark Rowland, CEO MHF. MHF logo.
ALT Graphic with quoted text: “I came here with over 10 years’ experience as a social worker. When I arrived, I wanted to work and to contribute, I wanted to help and give back. But instead, I was forced to rely on just £49.18 a week. My hands were tied because I wasn’t allowed to work. I struggled for food when I wasn’t working, I had to rely on charities and food banks. I wasn’t able to eat healthily - the doctors told me I wasn’t eating well enough, and my anxiety was getting worse.” - Ishmail Yambasu a refugee who was a social worker in Sierra Leone before he had to flee the country. MHF logo.
ALT Graphic with quoted text: As someone who waited four years for my asylum claim to be processed without permission to work, I now work alongside incredible asylum seekers and refugees who volunteer their time and effort in civic forums to make Scotland a better place. Every day I see the value asylum seekers want to add to our country, and the benefits that their work brings us all. It gives asylum seekers roots in the community and positively impacts their mental health.” - Mahdi Saki Programme Development Officer, Mental Health Foundation. MHF logo.
ALT Graphic with text: Steps forward for LGBTQ+ history: 1992 – Same-sex attraction was declassified as a mental disorder by the World Health Organisation (WHO). 2018 - LGBT Action Plan launched, including commitment to tackle health inequalities. 2019 – Being transgender was declassified as a mental disorder by WHO. 2025 - We want to see a full ban of conversion therapy for everyone.
ALT Graphic with text: What to do if you feel lonely? 1. Remember that loneliness is a universal experience that many others will share. 2. Express your emotions in a healthy way: Reflecting and accepting your feelings. 3. Share how you feel with someone you trust. Being open can help create connection. 4. Find your community - there are people out there waiting to connect with you.
ALT Photo of the Mental Health Foundation's CEO Mark Rowland sat talking to Santa and showing him an MHF report. In the background is a Christmas tree.
