On Wednesday 20 September 2023, we hosted an online event where Researcher Marie-Clare reflected on the pivotal role that volunteering plays in helping refugees and asylum seekers integrate and feel valued.
Researcher Marie-Clare Balaam delved into the insights gained from her evaluation of the Health for Asylum Seekers and Refugees (HARP) project. This project, conducted in the northern regions of England, aimed to enhance the physical and mental well-being of asylum seekers and refugees by offering a variety of social support interventions.
Marie-Clare particularly emphasised the vital role played by volunteers who were themselves refugees or asylum seekers and highlighted the advantages of this approach for both the project's outcomes and the individuals who volunteered.
The event was both enlightening and informative, providing valuable insights into the topic.
This event happens as part of the 'Refugees, the Lived Experience' online series, where researchers present findings from their research work and discuss the relevance of these findings to the life and wellbeing of refugees."
