Project overview
Summary:
There is a growing population of Young Asylum Seekers (YAS) in the UK. Their traumatic experiences/post-migratory challenges can affect their emotional health with short- and long-term consequences. However, existing mental health services often lack cultural adaptation and refugees’ input.
This project aims to explore the experiences of the emotional well-being experiences of YAS and their carers; and co-design a holistic and culturally sensitive support.
The research will be conducted in two phases:
Phase one: An inclusive public involvement group consisting of YAS ≤ 25 years old will be developed. The group will be invited to regular youth engagement sessions to build trust and connection. These sessions will offer YAS a platform where their voices can be heard as we work together to co-produce recommendations for conducting research involving YAS.
Phase two: Using the recommended approach, the emotional well-being experiences of young asylum seekers will be explored. The YAS will work with the project team to co-design a holistic support for their emotional well-being.
The findings will be shared with foster carers, charity organisations, local councils and community groups.
This project is funded by the Black Futures Presidential Scholarship; Public Engagement for Research Unit, University of Southampton in collaboration with Southampton and Portsmouth City councils.
PhD Supervisory team: Dr Merlin Willcox, Prof Mary Barker, Assoc Prof Sara Morgan, Prof Jana Kreppner.
There is a growing population of Young Asylum Seekers (YAS) in the UK. Their traumatic experiences/post-migratory challenges can affect their emotional health with short- and long-term consequences. However, existing mental health services often lack cultural adaptation and refugees’ input.
This project aims to explore the experiences of the emotional well-being experiences of YAS and their carers; and co-design a holistic and culturally sensitive support.
The research will be conducted in two phases:
Phase one: An inclusive public involvement group consisting of YAS ≤ 25 years old will be developed. The group will be invited to regular youth engagement sessions to build trust and connection. These sessions will offer YAS a platform where their voices can be heard as we work together to co-produce recommendations for conducting research involving YAS.
Phase two: Using the recommended approach, the emotional well-being experiences of young asylum seekers will be explored. The YAS will work with the project team to co-design a holistic support for their emotional well-being.
The findings will be shared with foster carers, charity organisations, local councils and community groups.
This project is funded by the Black Futures Presidential Scholarship; Public Engagement for Research Unit, University of Southampton in collaboration with Southampton and Portsmouth City councils.
PhD Supervisory team: Dr Merlin Willcox, Prof Mary Barker, Assoc Prof Sara Morgan, Prof Jana Kreppner.
