Aysenur Halil

Aysenur Halil, Syrian refugee, dies by suicide after poor mental health support

Syrian asylum seeker, Aysenur Halil passed away on 7th February 2023 after taking her own life.

Aysenur Halil, a 26-year-old Syrian asylum seeker passed away on 7th February 2023. Aysenur came to the UK four years ago and was living in Leeds. She was supported by charity workers and volunteers who described her as a "vibrant, intelligent, and determined" young woman.

Her friends reported how she had struggled with her mental health in recent months, having been failed by the mental health service. An inquest into her death is due to open on 27th February 2023.

The charity worker who supported Aysenur said:

"Aysenur was a bright and ambitious young woman with so much potential. Her death is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time."

According to the charity Refugee Action, asylum seekers are more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population. This is due to a number of factors, including trauma experienced during their flight from their home country, the uncertainty of their future, and discrimination and social isolation.

Refugee Action is calling for more investment in mental health services for asylum seekers. They say that early intervention and support can help to prevent people from reaching crisis point.