Evaluating a “healthy minds” course for asylum seekers
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the addition of a “resilience-focused” Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based psycho-educational course for asylum seekers within a primary care Increasing Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) service.
Design/methodology/approach
Eight asylum seekers who attended the “Healthy Minds” psycho-educational course took part in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis to gain insight into participants’ experiences of attending the course.
Findings
Five main themes emerged: factors promoting engagement; acquiring coping skills; connecting with personal strengths; connecting with others; and future support. Overall, positive feedback from the course participants suggests that the intervention was effective and well received.
Research limitations/implications
The sample’s heterogeneity and size, as well as potential biases, limit the generalisability of the findings. Future research is therefore needed to confirm these findings and additional areas for further enquiry are considered.
Practical implications
The group-based intervention provided a cost-effective and culturally relevant means of promoting social inclusion, whilst disseminating psycho-educational material.
Social implications
Good practice in this area is important and timely. The success of this intervention indicates that future collaborations between IAPT services and community organisations which support people seeking asylum, should be explored.
Originality/value
This study is valuable as it demonstrates that a non-specialist IAPT service has the ability to provide an effective low intensity psycho-educational intervention for people seeking asylum.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The Harbour Project (a Swindon charitable organisation for refugees and asylum seekers) played a vital role in encouraging course attendance and we are extremely grateful for their support and collaboration throughout. The authors would also like to thank all of the participants in this study for their time, energy and honesty.
Citation
Jackson-Blott, K.A., O'Ceallaigh, B., Wiltshire, K. and Hunt, S. (2015), "Evaluating a “healthy minds” course for asylum seekers", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 133-140. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-03-2015-0012
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited