MF North West

The following services are provided at the Medical Foundation North West:

• A counselling and therapy service to survivors aged 18 years and over
• Therapeutic groups for survivors of torture
• Medico-legal report writing service
• Two to five initial assessment sessions to help survivors find and receive appropriate support in the region
• Advice and support to local practitioners and organisations working with survivors
• Training for local therapeutic and mental health services working with survivors
• Supervision of local counsellors or mental health practitioners working with survivors
• A resource for survivors and regional agencies needing information on local support services

Medical Foundation North West covers the following areas: Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside, including: Birkenhead, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Burnley, Bury, Chester, Crewe, Darwen, Lancaster, Leigh, Liverpool, Manchester, Nelson, Oldham, Preston, Rochdale, Salford, Southport, Stockport, Warrington and Wigan.

Who can be referred to the Medical Foundation North West?

Survivors of torture or organised violence who:

• Need a specialist service because of distress as a result of torture or organised violence
• Are distressed mainly because of torture or violence, although this distress may have been increased by the losses and difficulties in exile
• Are isolated or are finding it difficult to get support from communities, family or friends
• Want to talk, or have some form of help or treatment.

 How do I refer to the Medical Foundation North West?

Referrals for counselling must usually be made in writing, using our referral form. For copies of the form and guidelines for referrers, contact the North West Centre (address below). To refer for a medico-legal report, lawyers must write to the Asylum Team at our central office in London.

We accept referrals from survivors themselves, GP's, friends and family, refugee community organisations or any other voluntary or statutory sector body. For an informal discussion about referring a client or for advice and information about working with survivors, please contact the North West Centre.