THERE have been outbreaks of scabies amongst asylum seekers living in contingency accommodation in Cumbria, a report has revealed.

Westmorland and Furness Council have published a health needs assessment for refugees and people seeking asylum in Cumbria which highlights the key health needs of this population in the county.

The report warns government orders to increase the capacity of contingency accommodation by adding bedrooms to already ‘cramped’ rooms may lead to further disease outbreaks.

The report states: “In Cumbria, there have also been minor outbreaks of scabies and an apparent higher prevalence of cirrhosis among people seeking asylum living in contingency accommodation.

"This may be due to the increased vulnerability of this population to hepatitis B and C, both of which can lead to the development of cirrhosis.

“Further communicable disease outbreaks may occur following the order from the Home Office in July 2023 to increase the capacity of contingency accommodation, with additional beds being added to rooms which may already be cramped.

“Overburdened health systems in their home countries, and/or lack of access to healthcare during transit, can mean that refugees and people seeking asylum receive inadequate or no treatment for any non-communicable diseases (NCDs) they may have during their journeys to host countries.”

As of March 29, 360 people were being housed in contingency accommodation in Cumbria whilst awaiting the result of their asylum claim or a move to dispersed accommodation and there had also been approximately 780 arrivals into Cumbria as of March 21 through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

According to the report, mental health drop-in clinics have been established for males seeking asylum by the North Cumbria Person seeking asylum Service (NCASS), which provide mental health screening and referrals to NHS mental health services where required.

Due to the long waiting lists for these services, many of the males have been moved on to dispersal accommodation in another local authority before they receive an appointment.

Safety Net, an organisation which supports people who have experience of rape and sexual abuse, also provide 12 sessions of trauma-informed support for females seeking asylum in Cumbria, the report adds.

The report also praises groups which work ‘tirelessly’ to support people seeking asylum including Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG), Multicultural Cumbria and Penrith and Eden Refugee Network (PERN).

The report states: “As well as organising social and educational activities for people seeking asylum, from English classes to inter-accommodation football competitions, these organisations work hard to source essential items such as clothing and to promote understanding of issues faced by people seeking asylum in Cumbria.

“They also provide essential support with accessing health services for people seeking asylum, which can be a confusing and unsettling experience for individuals with limited English who may be suffering from trauma.”

Members of the health and wellbeing board for Westmorland and Furness Council will discuss the report on Tuesday (December 5) at Penrith Town Hall.