Supporting Refugees and Asylum Seekers through Trauma-Informed Practice

Help improve public services on the frontline for refugees and asylum seekers.

This online course from Mental Health Foundation offers a deeper understanding into the role of trauma in the lives of refugees and asylum-seekers, and helps you develop the skills necessary to deliver trauma-informed care to support such persons in rebuilding their lives.

In just three weeks, you’ll walk away with the wherewithal to make a difference.

Understand trauma in the eyes of a displaced person

You’ll begin this course with an introduction into trauma, its manifestations and how people respond to it, particularly as it relates to the refugee and asylum-seeker experience.

This will help you develop greater empathy and insight into the complex emotional and psychological challenges faced by forcibly displaced individuals.

Build a trauma-informed care toolkit with interpersonal skills and mental health support

Now equipped to identify and address the unique needs of refugees and asylum-seekers, you’ll delve deeper into the key principles behind trauma-informed practice.

You’ll learn how to anticipate and respond to various forms of trauma and mental health outcomes, and develop critical interpersonal skills.

Learn with psychology experts and service providers at Mental Health Foundation

As a leading public mental health charity in the UK for over 70 years, the Mental Health Foundation’s team of experts will support you throughout this course, offering practical applications and deeper insights to enhance your learning experience.

This course is designed for professionals working directly with refugees and asylum seekers, either at home or through local authorities. No prior knowledge is needed to participate on this course.

• Week 1: Realising the prevalence and impact of trauma on mental health
• Introduction: our work and why it matters
• Common post-migration stressors
• Common mental health difficulties
• Common barriers to accessing mental health support
• Week 2: Recognising and responding to trauma responses
• Recognising common trauma responses
• Returning to the zone of tolerance
• Listening well
• Common pitfalls to avoid
• Safeguarding
• Resisting re-traumatisation
• Safety
• Choice
• Collaboration and empowerment
• Trust
• Wrapping up