PROSPER feasibility study version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility study and pilot trial of an evidence-based low intensity psychosocial intervention delivered by lay therapists for asylum seekers and refugees (PROSPER).
IRAS ID
247920
Contact name
Christopher Dowrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool Health Partners
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
We want to find out whether it is possible to conduct a trial of a brief psychosocial intervention, delivered by lay workers in voluntary organisations, in order to improve mental health and well-being amongst distressed asylum seekers and refugees (AS&Rs).
AS&Rs are frequently very distressed, due to the need to leave their home, their experiences while travelling and their reception on arrival. They often do not receive the help they need to address their mental health problems. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a new psychological intervention, recommended by the World Health Organization for distressed adults living in adversity. Delivered by lay workers, it offers people the skills they need to improve their management of practical and common mental health problems. It has yet to be tried among socially excluded groups living in the UK.
The study will take place over two years, in Liverpool City Region. First, we will review existing research on this subject. At the same time we will talk with experts by experience, service providers and policy makers about how PM+ might need to be adapted to meet the needs of distressed asylum seekers and refugees locally.
Once we have agreed on the best format of the intervention, we will find out how possible it is to train interested refugees living locally to deliver it to distressed asylum seekers and refugees.
Then we will test out the procedures for a trial of the adapted intervention, offered to distressed asylum seekers and refugees in contact with local voluntary organisations. We will offer it either to individuals or to small groups, and compare with a control group who receive usual support from a voluntary organisation.This will enable us to decide if a full trial of PM+ is feasible.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0441
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion