Why do communities matter? A study looking at the role of communities in the lives of people with experiences of torture and trafficking

Introduction: Recent evidence has indicated that social factors may be more important than trauma-related factors to mental health outcomes in a variety of populations. There is further evidence to suggest that despite valuing their communities in supporting their wellbeing, people with experiences of torture and trafficking (PWETT) may struggle to locate them, making them vulnerable to isolation. Isolation in PWETT may be linked with difficulties adjusting to life in the UK. Meanwhile, the approach of organisations supporting forced migrants has been highlighted as influential. This study aimed to explore the role of communities in the lives of PWETT.
Method: A qualitative design was chosen for the project due to its exploratory nature and focus on capturing the multi-faceted experiences of participants. Semi-structured interviews were completed with PWETT, centring on their experiences of locating new communities in the UK and their benefits or harms. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: The key findings of the study were conceptualised using a systemic framework. They indicated that communities were difficult to access for PWETT and being isolated as a result was damaging for mental wellbeing. When communities were accessed, they could be transformative and had impacts at different levels of the system. Important functions of communities were creating safe connections and delivering carefully planned services.
Discussion: The findings of this research add to a body of literature indicating the importance of social support for mental health outcomes. This research contributed new understandings of the powerful nature of community-wide interventions for PWETT, as well as some considerations for delivering them safely. The utility of community psychology for understanding and working with the systemic nature of the issues facing PWETT was presented.