Event - Workshop on refugees, asylum seekers and mental health

On 8 May 2024, Professor Rachel Tribe (Careif Trustee) and Professor Divine Charura ran a workshop on refugees, asylum seekers and mental health on behalf of Careif, for the British Psychological Society (BPS). The online workshop attracted attendees from several countries around the world and ranged from people working in the humanitarian sector to those working in the NHS, educational and third-sector organisations. 

The workshop provided an evidence-based overview and drew upon those with lived experience of being asylum seekers and refugees as well as the national and international research literature. The trainers also introduced the relevant legislation that participants needed to be cognisant of when working in this area. A range of topics was covered which drew upon the research and clinical experience of the two trainers. The workshop involved small group work and a range of different methods of presentation. 

Professor Charura's innovative work on embodied trauma and his work with other colleagues on a bio-psycho-social-sexual-spiritual-existential model was introduced as was Professor Tribe's work on the BPS guidance for clinicians on working with refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, as she was one of the authors and editors of this.

The workshop also mentioned the important research work being conducted by Ms Letisia Charura on the experiences of unaccompanied minors seeking sanctuary in the UK, and those of social workers who support them. All participants received a list of relevant resources and references to assist them in their work. 

The reason for offering this workshop is that many psychologists do not receive training on working with refugees and asylum seekers as part of their professional training, but will encounter refugee and asylum-seeking people in their professional work. Therefore training in understanding the contextual and relevant factors was deemed important. The recent arrivals from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria in addition to other groups illustrate the need for the training of psychologists. This workshop provided an understanding of issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers enabling psychologists to be better prepared to undertake this work. 

The learning outcomes for the training are detailed below:

By the end of this workshop, participants will:  

• Be able to explain the differences between a 'refugee', 'asylum seeker' and 'internally displaced person (IDP)' and understand why people seek asylum and become refugees and what help they may require from psychologists

• Be aware of and able to describe the major views on trauma and refugees and the relevant arguments and research associated with this

• Be able to explain how contextual factors influence refugees' access to and take up of resources and opportunities including mental health services

• Be introduced to some innovative transcultural work which has been conducted in schools, clinics and outreach projects for refugees and asylum seekers

• Understand and be able to explain the importance of the role of interpreters and bicultural workers in psychosocial consultation with refugees