Alison Strang Institute for International Health and Development Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Neil Quinn & Michelle Hunt Health Improvement Lead NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Many asylum seekers and refugees :  feel very isolated and lonely  suffer with poor mental health  experience discrimination and exclusion  fail to access support services effectively

The data from the participatory exercise was used to compile a collective ‘map’ of social connections for each of the four workshops. In each of these diagrams the particular connections mentioned by participants were plotted according to geographic proximity. Individual responses from the card sorting tasks were then used to collate levels of connection, help giving (reciprocity) and trust for each of the connections. This information was then added to the ‘map’ for each group.

 Less than half have been in contact with family in the last six months  Less than half have any ‘Scottish’ friends experience discrimination and exclusion  Refugees feel over-dependent on service providers  There are very limited opportunities for reciprocal relationships

 Even refugees who have been in the country for several years have very limited awareness of services  Moving home – especially to a different neighbourhood – disrupts integration

 Targeted interventions are needed to connect people with others from arrival.  Harness the capacity of refugees to help themselves and others  Support programmes should include local people as well as new refugees to prevent the escalation of distrust, racism and discrimination.  Peer Education approach recently piloted by NHS GCC and SRC has proved an effective approach to raising awareness of services and improving healthy behavior.  Stability of housing in the same neighbourhood enables refugees and settled residents to integrate.

REFUGEE PEER EDUCATION FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Evaluation Report Dr Alison B Strang Queen Margaret University May 2014 – March 2015

 Targeted interventions are needed to connect people with others from arrival.  Harness the capacity of refugees to help themselves and others  Support programmes should include local people as well as new refugees to prevent the escalation of distrust, racism and discrimination.  Peer Education approach recently piloted by NHS GCC and SRC has proved an effective approach to raising awareness of services and improving healthy behavior.  Stability of housing in the same neighbourhood enables refugees and settled residents to integrate.

Alison Strang Institute for International Health and Development Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Neil Quinn & Michelle Hunt Health Improvement Lead NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde