For many children the best form of exercise is play, however, some children may need to be helped to play again, especially if they are unable to communicate with other children and staying well in a new country can be difficult. Asylum seekers and refugees may have poor nutritional status (and consequent lowered immunity) due to lack of adequate food before, during and after displacement. In addition, living in overcrowded conditions facilitates increased transmission of infectious diseases. Most asylum seekers are living on a very limited budget and they may have limited access to cooking facilities and traditional foods.
Community organisations can often provide the best space for developing exercise and nutritional educational and offers a supportive space for creative and social events (however, they may not be accessible in rural areas). Lack of funds, may mean that asylum children are unable to afford to use local sports facilities (and in some cultures ‘exercise’ may not be familiar)- in some areas, sports centres have special rates for low income families- it may even be possible to prescribe exercise on prescription.
Mental and physical health. Racism should never be tolerated.