Understanding the Mental Health Needs of Syrian Refugees Resettled in Edinburgh

The ongoing Syrian refugee crisis has brought thousands of people to Scotland, many in search of safety, a fresh start, and a chance to rebuild their lives. While the challenges they face during resettlement and the impact on their mental health are widely acknowledged, there is still limited research into their specific mental health needs.

Resettlement is intended to distribute the global responsibility of protecting refugees, enabling countries to offer safety, meet refugees' needs, and reduce pressure on nations that initially host them; however, for many refugees, especially those who have endured conflict and displacement, the emotional toll lingers long after resettlement. Mental health challenges often emerge as they try to navigate a new culture, overcome language barriers, discrimination and face the uncertainty of starting over. These effects severely impact refugees’ mental health and can persist for years after resettlement. One aspect that's often overlooked in research is how the mental health needs differ between men and women in these situations.

To explore this, we conducted a study in collaboration with MSc students in Clinical Psychology and the charity ReAct in Edinburgh. The study focused on two community-based psychosocial support groups for Syrian refugees, led by an Arabic-speaking counsellor. The sessions used a person-centred approach that incorporated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Problem Management Plus (PM+). The groups aimed to provide psychoeducation, reduce mental health stigma, and address emerging psychosocial needs.

Three key themes emerged:

(1)    Basic integration needs like employment and learning English.

(2)    Social support involving family, friends, and the broader community.

(3)    Mental health services focusing on psychoeducation and personalised care.

Interesting gender differences emerged across the themes: women primarily faced structural barriers such as transportation and language, limiting their access to services. Men, on the other hand, struggled with social integration, highlighting the need for stronger community support systems. When it came to mental health support, the women expressed a preference for more individual sessions, while the men leaned towards group and community-based programs, emphasizing collective healing. This study highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health services and calls for actions to support the integration and well-being of Syrian refugees in Edinburgh.

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Dr. Clara Calia is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, where she teaches on the Clinical Doctorate in Psychology and serves as a member of the programme's Anti-Racism Group. She is also part of the British Psychological Society's Human Rights Advisory Group. Clara has been collaborating with ReAct for several years, initially as a volunteer and later as a researcher, supporting the organisation's wellbeing and mental health projects within refugee communities. Over time, this collaboration has expanded, with many Doctorate and MSc students from the University of Edinburgh working alongside ReAct to strengthen capacity and capability in these crucial areas. Social justice is the core focus of Clara's research and clinical work, as she advocates for equity, ethics, and participation in her engagement with culturally diverse populations and communities facing social injustice. For more on Clara's work, visit: https://www.ed.ac.uk/profile/clara-calia

Liz McArthur trained as a paediatric nurse specializing in pain management. By a rather unusual path, she became a volunteer and trustee of ReAct. Her firsthand experiences in the camps in Greece and Calais inspired her to work with communities living in Edinburgh. Building relationships with these communities enabled her to collaborate with Clara and her team, as well as Lama. It has been truly exciting to witness how this project has evolved.

Lama Bouchema (MBACP) is a dedicated Arabic-speaking mental health professional and community advocate specialising in psychosocial support for refugees and displaced individuals. She has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly Syrian refugees, providing culturally sensitive, person-centred therapeutic interventions. Lama holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling from the University of Edinburgh and has collaborated with numerous organisations, including ReAct in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, as well as the Trauma Foundation South West in Bristol, to provide community-based mental health services.

Dr Alice Gritti: My main research interests sit at the intersection of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Mental Health and Psychosocial support; my background is a qualitative and participatory one. Recently, I have been involved in research projects evaluating MHPSS interventions with ReAct. Previously I have explored aid workers’ wellbeing and resilience, advocating for more inclusive MHPSS support in the humanitarian sector. I have collaborated in applied research studies supporting practitioners working with children who have experienced trauma. I am a proud feminist and apply an intersectional lens to the world.

Xiaodan Zhang is a recent graduate of the MSc Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) programme. Driven by a commitment to improving refugee mental health and wellbeing, she pursued this degree and gained comprehensive knowledge of psychological theories and their application to mental health. She is adept at sensitively engaging with vulnerable populations, supported by ten years of volunteering experience, including one year working directly with refugees in Edinburgh.

Jude Dababneh recently completed her MSc in Mental Health in Children and Young People: Psychological Approaches at the University of Edinburgh. She is passionate about mental health, particularly in children and young people, but is also deeply committed to addressing the mental health challenges faced by displaced individuals. Having volunteered in refugee camps and refugee charities, such as Save the Children and ReAct, Jude is driven to bring attention to the overlooked psychological struggles of refugees. As a Middle Eastern woman, her personal and cultural experiences fuel her dedication to this cause.