Another interviewee with statelessness leave at the time of interview had college applications pending. For those with ongoing applications for statelessness leave, one had applied for a PhD, however he was not permitted to start the university programme without leave to remain. Another had studied a lot of different topics and had received certificates from a wide range of free courses or cheap courses that his friends helped him pay for. Some of these he completed in prison and in detention. As he explained, this kept him busy and improved his mental health by making him feel more useful during a decade with no status in the UK. HEALTH A common thread amongst all the interviewees was that their experiences had led to the deterioration of their mental health. Nine interviewees had been in the UK without any leave to remain for over 10 years. One spoke of going through a period of deep depression and turning to his GP for help. Volunteering benefitted him as it gave him an outlet to keep busy. Another stated that he had a period of severe depression and turned to his religion to keep him grounded. Another spent some time in hospital due to suicidal thoughts. GENERAL None of the interviewees reported significant difficulties registering with a General Practitioner (GP) or accessing healthcare. One participant explained that the first doctor’s surgery he went to would not register him as he had no confirmation of receipt of benefits. Two interviewees described having issues accessing a dentist as those in their area were very busy and therefore they struggled to register. All interviewees were grateful to their friends, family and other generous people who had supported them in the UK. As noted above, many had relied on kind people they met on their journey who helped them financially, emotionally or with finding the right legal advice and support. However, some avoided registering with the NHS. Those who had been undocumented for a period of time described being constantly worried about falling ill because they did not want to come to the attention of the NHS and possibly other authorities. Therefore, at times, they avoided seeking medical advice. ‘British people are very kind people and they try to help.’ - Eduardo “Believe me it’s very hard, very, very hard. The psychology is the hardest bit, not even the little money we get for food…It’s hard. You have to wait a long time for an answer so you experience more depression; you ask why they are taking a long time but even your solicitor can’t help. The Home Office just says that they are busy.” – Eduardo 18 MENTAL HEALTH Most interviewees explained that they felt safe and protected in the UK. Some did, however, express that they felt insecure with no proper status, as it is easy for authorities to treat them badly when they assume that they do not know their rights. One stated that he did not initially feel comfortable approaching the police here, but he would do so now because he is educated and is aware of his rights. Similarly, another recounted that one of his housemates in Section 4 accommodation called the police and was told “If you do not have documentation you are nothing”. He elaborated: “We came to understand that they treat people in different ways. If you do not have anything you are nothing. Sometimes you are scared to go to the police. If you are born here and you are British you will be treated differently. If you do not have any documentation and you are from abroad you are nothing.”