Arts and Health
Volume 11, Issue 3, 2019, Pages 246-263

“Write here, sanctuary” creative writing for refugees and people seeking asylum (Article)

Stickley T.* , Hui A. , Stubley M. , Baker F. , Watson M.C.
  • a Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
  • b Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
  • c Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
  • d Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
  • e Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Queen’s Medical centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: There are few research studies reporting findings from creative writing groups amongst refugees and people seeking asylum. This study evaluates the educational, wellbeing, social and satisfaction outcomes of writing groups across three cities in the UK. Methods: This study employs a mixed-method design comprising: a thematic analysis of writers’ (facilitators) diaries, demographic and satisfaction survey and 14 qualitative interviews. Results: The project delivered a creative writing programme for refugees and people seeking asylum in three UK cities. This evaluation has determined that it provided both educational and wellbeing outcomes for 144 attendees. Participants asserted that they had improved their English language and wellbeing. Satisfaction was extremely high across the cities. Participants reported increased confidence and an increased sense of hope. Conclusions: Professionally led creative writing groups may be effective in enabling people to help come to terms with past experiences and find ways of coping for the future. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

Asylum seekers Refugees creative writing wellbeing

Index Keywords

male controlled study female outcome assessment thematic analysis adult English (language) satisfaction writing Article interview city asylum seeker human wellbeing human experiment
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85049792666&doi=10.1080%2f17533015.2018.1494450&partnerID=40&md5=58884e39ad87bbb93a801c21bb96827d
DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2018.1494450
ISSN: 17533015
Original Language: English