“Write here, sanctuary” Creative writing for refugees and people seeking asylum

Stickley, Theodore; Hui, Ada M.L.; Stubley, Michelle; Baker, Francesca; Watson, Michael Craig

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.

Citation

Stickley, T., Hui, A. M., Stubley, M., Baker, F., & Watson, M. C. (in press). “Write here, sanctuary” Creative writing for refugees and people seeking asylum. Arts and Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice, https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2018.1494450

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 26, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jul 12, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jun 27, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 13, 2019
• Journal: Arts and Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice
• Print ISSN: 1753-3015
• Electronic ISSN: 1753-3023
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17533015.2018.1494450
• Keywords: Asylum seekers; Creative writing; Refugees; Wellbeing
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/946616
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17533015.2018.1494450
• Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Arts & Health on 12/07/2018, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/17533015.2018.1494450
• Contract Date: Jun 27, 2018