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

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

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Authors

Theodore Stickley

Ada M.L. Hui

Michelle Stubley

Francesca Baker

Michael Craig Watson



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 Mar 29, 2024
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

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