Research about peer support for LGBTQ+ forced migrants

Great news! The research project En tryggare framtid, focusing on the psychosocial health and wellbeing of forced migrants who identify as LGBTQ+, has continued with its goal to address and prioritize the needs of this underserved population. Additional workshops together with representatives from the target population have been conducted in recent months. These delved into the health-related impact of peer support, with researchers and representatives working together to understand how peer support can realistically improve outcomes related to health and wellbeing.

In the third workshop, participants discussed the potential benefits of peer support, including the potential improvement in mental health. They also identified potential challenges when providing the support, such as difficulty accessing peer support resources and confidentiality. Overall, the workshop generated valuable insights into how the structure and plan peer support interventions so that these are in line with the needs expressed among LGBTQ+ forced migrants.

The fourth workshop focused on establishing overarching considerations for a methodological approach in an upcoming intervention study examining peer support. Representatives provided valuable feedback on research strategies, for example ethical considerations and participant recruitment in future studies.

The research team behind this project is committed to continuing their collaboration with members of the LGBTQ+ community to prioritize their needs and ensure their voices are heard. Additional workshops are planned for the coming months, and the team is excited to continue making progress towards identifying relevant interventions that will offer psychosocial support. We look forward to providing more updates about the progress as we move forward.