Mental health of former refugees in Launceston: A qualitative study

Refugees experience many stressful and traumatic life events, from living through political or religious oppression, war, as well as the migration and resettlement experience. The adverse impact of these experiences on individuals’ mental health and effective resettlement is likely to be amplified in rural and remote areas, where barriers to the uptake of mental health and other support services may be particularly pronounced. Little is known about resettled former refugees’ experience of mental health and support services in rural and remote regions of Australia. The study aimed to examine resettlement experiences and access and barriers to mental health and support services of former refugees in Launceston, Tasmania. The project employed qualitative research methods to elucidate these resettlement experiences of former refugees living in this regional area of Tasmania.

Focus groups and interviews were conducted with adult and youth community members, including Afghan, Bhutanese, and Burmese communities; community group leaders; and service providers and public health agencies as essential service providers. Participants were asked about their experiences of, and barriers, to accessing mental health and support services; how current services can be redesigned to overcome these barriers and to bridge the current gaps in mental health service provision.

Key findings will be summarised and analysed in context of wider service design and access considerations. Real-world stories will be explored straight from the study participants, highlighting the resettlement experiences of former refugees living in regional Launceston including their experiences accessing mental health and support services. This valuable information can be used to inform the service design of culturally sensitive, mental health promotion and early intervention programs for former refugees locally, nationally, and internationally.