Understanding the refugee experience: challenges and opportunities
Refugees face a myriad of challenges upon arriving in a new country, including language barriers, cultural differences, and trauma from their past experiences. These challenges can hinder their ability to integrate into society effectively.
However, within these challenges lie opportunities for growth and resilience. Many refugees possess unique skills and perspectives that can enrich their new communities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective support systems.
As the Commission on the Integration of Refugees published in their final report, “Not only will a new focus on integration deliver better outcomes for asylum seekers and refugees, but also for the UK as a whole- from contributing to tackling the housing crisis and homelessness to promoting economic flourishing via the untapped potential of many asylum seekers.”
The role of mentorship in integration
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in helping refugees navigate their new environments. A mentor can provide guidance on various aspects of life, from understanding local customs to accessing essential services like healthcare and education.
Moreover, mentorship fosters a sense of belonging and community, which is vital for emotional well-being. By building relationships with mentors, refugees can gain confidence and develop a network that supports their integration. Indeed, the power of mentoring to ease integration and improve resettlement experiences is becoming more widely recognised and adopted.
For example, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) which offers a peer mentoring and leadership service, which “matches refugee mentors who have already settled in the UK with new arrivals who they then support with practical advice, friendship and encouragement.”
Meanwhile, Refugee Education UK and Hope for the Young pair young refugees and asylum seekers with volunteer mentors. The former provides individual education and support, such as with homework and English practice, whilst the latter focuses on helping them to develop skills for independence, grow their confidence, and build support networks for long-term achievement.
These are just a few of the programmes which use mentoring to help refugees establish themselves in their new country and community. Each focusses on a particular challenge which can be faced as this provides a clear goal for the process, with its achievement working to boost confidence and the mentee’s sense of control over their own life.
Empowerment, skills development and community engagement
Empowerment through skills development is a fundamental aspect of successful mentorship. Mentors can help refugees identify their strengths and interests, guiding them toward opportunities for education and employment.
As the UK Home Office stated “refugees face additional barriers to entering the labour market than the UK-born population due to, for example, a lack of awareness of how the UK job market works, language and cultural differences.”
One organisation that uses mentoring to overcome these barriers is Refugees & Mentors, who work across Greater Manchester in partnership with employers and refugee support organisations. They provide support around improving employment prospects and finding jobs, as this is a key part of becoming established and stable in their new lives.
At the same time, community engagement is equally important. As the Mental Health Foundation state, “being part of a community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with others and supportive communities around use… Communities can provide with a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us purpose.”
Mentors can encourage their mentees to participate in local events and volunteer opportunities, helping them to build social networks and feel more connected in their new home. Organisations such as Reset can play a key role in this, working with local authorities and other groups to support volunteers to create a community-led welcome.
Key mentoring strategies for building trust and connection
Building trust is essential in any mentoring relationship, especially with refugees who may have experienced betrayal or loss. Mentors should approach their role with empathy patience, and an open mind, acknowledging the unique experiences of each individual.
Regular communication and active listening are key strategies for establishing a solid connection. Mentors should also be culturally sensitive and adaptable, ensuring that their support aligns with the values and needs of their mentee.
As such, having the right training is an important part of refugee mentoring so that mentors can be clear in the expectations and responsibilities of their role, as well as confident in their own skills and approaches. The Mentoring School offers a unique level 3 Refugee Mentor Qualification which covers specialist training in best practice, with modules on overcoming barriers, adapting learning approaches, and enabling their mentee to plan for the future.