Brief description:
PMA lead a large scale programme which aims to understand and improve the mental health of asylum seekers and refugees in East Glasgow and across the city.
The first stage of this work kicked off with a research project directly involving over 100 asylum seekers and refugees in exploring the issues; leading to the subsequent projects that now make up the Sanctuary programme.
The research, titled Sanctuary*, closely led to the development of the Community Conversations project; a safe and supportive discussion forum led by people with experience of asylum seeking.
*Sanctuary: exploring and addressing mental health stigma and discrimination with asylum seekers and refugees in Glasgow (2008)
Aims:
To effectively engage with asylum seeker and refugee communities in East Glasgow and provide information and access to services.
What’s happening:
PMA have trained 10 asylum seekers and refugees to confidently talk about mental health and deliver community conversation workshops. Over 20 workshop sessions have been carried out with mainly Iraqi, Chinese and African communities as well as others.
Evaluation and feedback:
This work is being carefully evaluated to assess the impact on asylum seekers and refugees. Resources available include: Sanctuary peer education trainers pack and Evaluation of the Sanctuary community conversations programme.
Partners:
- Positive Mental Attitudes (PMA)
- NHS Greater Glasgow Clyde Mental Health Partnership
- Scottish Refugee Council
- NHS Health Scotland
- Mental Health Foundation
- Compass
- The Medical Foundation for Victims of Torture
