Using physical exercise as a coping strategy for refugees and asylum seekers

21 May

At least one third of refugees and asylum seekers live with mental and physical issues caused by traumatic experiences in their home country and during their journey to safety. Research has shown that these mental and physical symptoms can overlap, making it difficult to treat the whole person as fully integrated mental and physical healthcare provision is currently unavailable in Wales.

Neuroscientist Dr Paula Foscarini-Craggs, Trials Manager at the Centre for Clinical Trials Research, is leading a guided self-help movement-based intervention project. The study is looking to provide evidence to support a physical movement intervention to help those seeking sanctuary manage the mental and physical health challenges arising from trauma being adopted into Welsh practice.

Zaina Aljumma, a participant in the study, wanted to help improve the wellbeing approach for asylum seekers in Wales and increase awareness around the importance of physical exercise as a coping strategy. Zaina wanted to share her thoughts on public participation and encourage more people to take part in research.

Zaina said: “When I read the summary of the research study, I found it very empowering because, at the time, I was an asylum seeker from Syria during the COVID-19 lockdown. I found the only thing that helped my mental health was staying active.

"I believe that having access to exercise opportunities can improve the quality of life, especially for those who have experienced challenging times. It is important to me to help future refugees, and participating in research has enabled me to do so.

“When people take part in research they can also help to uncover unforeseen results to improve other areas of research, which can ultimately ensure positive impacts for future generations.

“I think we without research would live very curious lives. People would produce random ideas irrelevant to the community, wasting time, energy and money. Having the public take part in research is vital to ensure the future of medicine and wellbeing.”