Peer MIST

Developing Peer Led Movement-based Intervention to Improve Physical and Psychological Outcomes for Survivors of Torture and Trauma in Wales and Beyond.

Background

Many sanctuary seekers experience war or political events that force them to leave their home countries. This displacement can leave sanctuary seekers struggling with their physical and mental health. Research shows that treating mental and physical health together is better compared to treating them on their own. Many sanctuary seekers like doing physical activities to help their mental health.

Project aims

The project aims to bring an existing group-based physiotherapy intervention to the UK. It was developed by an organisation called The Centre for Victims of Torture (CVT). The treatment programme is delivered by physiotherapists and combines physical movement, relaxation techniques, and goal setting to improve outcomes for trauma and torture survivors.  It has been delivered in CVT centres in the Middle East and North Africa for over 10 years. Sanctuary seekers report finding it helpful to reduce pain and makes daily activities easier to do. The treatment programme activities take place over three stages. The first stage focuses on helping individuals feel safe and understand the impacts of trauma. The second stage focuses on building strength and improving flexibility and working towards personal goals. The final stage focuses on helping individuals with their family and within the community.

Delivering the programme in Wales

In Wales, differences in language and culture means that many sanctuary seekers struggle to get help for their mental and physical health. Also, many healthcare staff have little information about sanctuary seeker experiences. We think asking sanctuary seekers to help lead the group sessions will make it easier for other sanctuary seekers to take part. There will need to be changes made to the treatment programme to make sure that it is appropriate for peer leaders to deliver.

Led by peer leaders

To make sure that the treatment programme can be led by peer leaders the study will:

1. Explore how sanctuary seekers access physical and mental health care in Wales
2. Work with sanctuary seekers to create the therapy materials, training, and create a support system for the peer leaders.
3. Create a visual representation of how the therapy works and how it may lead to benefits.
4. Make sure the therapy is acceptable to sanctuary seekers.

Sanctuary seekers, and staff from charities and the NHS will be asked to take part in in interviews, and workshops to discuss the therapy.  At the end of the project some sanctuary seekers will get the chance to try the therapy. We will then ask them about their experiences.