Qualitative Lead(s)
Dr Sohail Jannesari
Project Lead & Team
Sohail Jannesari, Stephani Hatch, Sian Oram
Project Dates
[No dates provided]
Funding Source(s)
ESRC funded PhD project
Qualitative Design used
Field of Research
Ethics, mental health, participatory research, migration, asylum
This ESRC funded PhD project aims to understand how researchers should work with migrants in an equitable and non-exploitative manner. Participatory action research projects were conducted with Afghan and Iranian organisation. An ethnography was carried out during these projects. Ethnographic observation, notes, materials and opportunistic interviews provided insights relevant to the research question.
We conducted a participatory action research project with the members of the Iranian Association. We looked at how to improve the personal development (e.g. independence, adaptability, self-confidence) of people in the Iranian community.
This is an interview with one of the project team members, Milad
Findings, Learning & Impact
Impact & influence
The guide has influenced the development of policy and practice around Afghan evacuees. The Afghan organisations have presented to Home Office and NHS representatives in England and Wales on how to offer culturally appropriate mental health support during resettlement. As a result, two members of the advisory board have been assigned to government committees on refugees and mental health, further influencing policy and practice. The guide and an associated training that is being developed, is supporting mental health work with hotels hosting Afghans. We also hope that this guide serves as a model for co-production with sanctuary seeking communities and country specific health guides that introduce practitioners to new cultures.