The resettlement experiences 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’ health, and effective resettlement, is likely to be amplified in rural and remote areas, where barriers to the uptake of health and other support services may be particularly pronounced.

Little is known about resettled former refugees’ experience of health and health services in rural and remote regions of Australia. The study aimed to examine resettlement experiences, and experiences in accessing health and resettlement support, 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 Iranian communities; community group leaders; and service providers and public health agencies (as essential service providers). Experiences of resettling in Launceston were explored, including any barriers to resettlement, and factors affecting health and the ability to access health and resettlement support services.

An overview of the study will be presented, along with methodological considerations inherent in conducting research of this kind and relevant challenges faced by the research team. Preliminary findings will be summarised using real-world stories explored straight from the study participants. This valuable information can be used to inform culturally sensitive, health promotion and early intervention programs for former refugees locally in rural and regional areas, nationally, and internationally.