Volunteer mentor experiences of mentoring forced migrants in the United Kingdom

Research demonstrates the complex nature of supporting forced migrant populations; however, there is almost no research on volunteer experience of supporting forced migrants. This study explored the experiences of volunteer mentors in the United Kingdom. Eight participants were recruited from a single charitable organization. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and verbatim transcripts were analyzed using Interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four superordinate themes emerged: “paralyzed by responsibility and powerlessness”; “weighty emotional fallout”; “navigating murky boundaries”; and “enriched with hope, joy, and inspiration.” Participants experienced a range of emotions as a result of their mentoring: from distress to inspiration. Findings suggest that focusing on achievable changes helps mentors. The mentoring relationship is hugely important to mentors but also requires careful navigation. The findings suggest that, whilst it is a fulfilling experience, support is required for volunteers mentoring forced migrants. The relative strengths and limitations of the study are considered. Theoretical implications and suggestions for organizations, clinical applications, and future research are provided

Experiences of mental health professionals and volunteers supporting forced migrants: A qualitative exploration

Background: The global level of forced migration continues to rise, resulting in a traumatised population necessitating support from mental health services and other organisations. Previous research has identified a range of implications of supporting this population for mental health professionals, however this knowledge has not been synthesised. Listening to the accounts of forced migrants has been reported to be particularly difficult, but also often inspiring. Support is often provided by volunteers, yet almost no research regarding their experiences of this exists. Aims: The current portfolio aims to synthesise previous literature regarding the experiences of mental health professionals. It aims to undertake a novel exploration into the experiences of volunteer mentors supporting this population. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted, in which a thematic synthesis analysed existing qualitative literature to consider challenges and facilitators for mental health professionals supporting forced migrants. Further, an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was undertaken to explore the experiences, reflections and emotional implications of volunteer mentors supporting forced migrants in the United Kingdom. Results: The findings suggest that mental health professionals working with forced migrants are influenced by three analytic constructs: Professionals Must be Aware of and Contend with Power Differentials, Professionals Must Develop Specialist Knowledge and Skills and Witnessing Forced Migrants’ Stories and Trauma Significantly Impacts on Professionals, which encompass a range of challenges and facilitators. Four superordinate themes regarding the experience of volunteer mentors emerged: Paralyzed by Responsibility and Powerlessness, Weighty Emotional Fallout, Navigating Murky Boundaries and Enriched with Hope, Joy and Inspiration. Conclusion: The findings show that volunteer mentors’ experiences are complex, and comprise distress, challenge and fulfilment. Implications for services and organisations are presented. Possible roles for clinical psychologists and directions for future research are suggested

The Experiences of Mental Health Professionals Supporting Forced Migrants: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Many forced migrants experience trauma in pre-migration, journeying, and post-migration phases of flight. Therefore appropriate mental health provision is required. Whilst previous reviews have explored the experiences of health-care staff in supporting forced migrants, no review was found that focused solely on the experiences of mental health professionals. This qualitative thematic synthesis integrates the findings from ten qualitative studies and identifies analytical constructs that encompass the challenges and facilitators for mental health professionals. Findings will inform how services can be developed to best support staff and enable the provision of high-quality mental health care for this potentially vulnerable population.Plusieurs migrants forcés vivent un trauma lors de la pré-migration, du voyage et de la post-migration. Une offre adéquate en santé mentale est donc nécessaire. Alors que des études précédentes ont exploré les expériences du personnel des services de santé dans le soutien aux migrants forcés, aucune études axée seulement sur les expériences des professionnels en santé mentale n’a été trouvée. Cette synthèse thématique qualitative intègre les résultats de dix études qualitatives et identifie les constructions analytiques englobant les obstacles et les facilitateurs pour les professionnels en santé mentale. Les résultats sont susceptibles d’orienter le développement de services visant à mieux soutenir le personnel et permettre la prestation de soins en santé mentale de qualité pour cette population potentiellement vulnérable