The refugee and asylum seeker (People Seeking Sanctuary) workstream has been developed to improve access to high-quality mental health support for forced migrants who have experienced traumatic events. Research has indicated that refugees and asylum seekers are at increased risk of experiencing mental health challenges such as PTSD as a result of the experiences that they have had to endure in their country-of-origin (e.g. war, poverty, displacement, bereavement, torture), in-flight (e.g. further exploitation) and in resettlement in country-of-arrival (e.g. hostility from host-community). Multiple barriers for this population in accessing mental health support have been identified.
TSW have been collaborating with the Welsh Government on the development and translation of a variety of resources that are relevant for people working with people seeking sanctuary in Wales. This includes the translation of a National Centre for Mental Health Toolkit for people who have been exposed to traumatic events, and a Call Help leaflet. It also includes the development of a list of resources for people who have been specifically impacted by the situation in Ukraine. These resources can be found at this link: Useful Resources
A recent joint presentation between Welsh Government and TSW staff was delivered for colleagues working with recently arrived Ukrainian migrants in Wales. The presentation slides can be found at: Useful Resources
Professor Jon Bisson gave a talk for mental health professionals in Ukraine on the 28th July 2022. It has consecutive translation and the slides are in Ukrainian. Please find the youtube video below:
Professor Jonathan Bisson has also recently filmed a talk for mental health professionals working in Ukraine on early intervention following traumatic events, that can be viewed below:
Dr Thomas Hoare has put together the following video to discuss the strategies outlined in the NCMH ‘Supporting People Toolkit’ document on the TSW Website Toolkits This document has been translated into multiple languages.
Colleagues at @quahrc and others have developed this useful guide:
Working with Afghan Sanctuary Seekers: A guide for mental health professionals:
https://www.sohailj.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/MentalHealthGuide_v4.pdf
Further information on the work of the assessment and outcomes workstream will be published on this page as it becomes available.