Peer Researcher-led Action Research
Refugee Sanctuary Scotland (RSS) in collaboration with merl, led by five peer researchers - individuals with lived experience of the UK asylum system - explored the research question: “What should a mental health and wellbeing programme for Refugee Sanctuary Scotland look like?”
The Task
The purpose of this research is twofold: to collaboratively improve and expand RSS’s wellbeing programme based on the insights and priorities of those it aims to support, and to build a strong evidence base that can inform future funding bids. It also seeks to centre the voices of people seeking asylum in the design and evaluation of services intended for them, thereby contributing to more just, effective and trauma-informed support systems in Glasgow.
The Process
Five peer researchers worked closely with merl’s researchers over a five month period (November 2024- March 2025) to design the research question, select the data collection methods, collect the data, analyse the data, develop the key findings and recommendations and design and disseminate the findings. Here’s what we did:
Recruited and trained five peer researchers, facilitating five workshops to build trust, explore wellbeing and design the research together
The peer researchers gathered data through 16 interviews, two focus groups, four participant observations and four journals
Analysed the data together through two debriefing meetings and two analysis workshops to identify themes and key messages
Worked together to present the findings, write a report and input into a visual poster to share what we found.
There were a number of outputs from this project:
RSS have a comprehensive report and poster to share with their partners, funders and service users. Access the full report here.
A one-page summary of the report can be found here.
Jules Scheele worked with us to produce a beautiful poster of the research, findings and recommendations. Click on the poster opposite to see in full.
The Result
Together with the peer research team we also developed:
A peer research guide (available on request)
10 considerations for researchers, institutions and organisations for working with peer researchers.
Here is some of the feedback from the peer researchers:
“Working with a diverse team of peer researchers also provided me with excellent experience conducting interviews, analyzing data was a great skill I have acquired from this project under the professional leadership of Jo and Anna”
“It is really interesting. I've never done it before in my life, I learn something, like analysis and getting the data.”
“I learnt about facilitating a focus group and I liked it most when I was responsible of running a group of women. Everything went well, they were all free to share about the discussion of mental health and wellbeing and how charities can improve it.”
‘I’ve overcome barriers to the point of participating in a girls’ focus group and conducting interviews. I never thought I would be able to do it, but this project has helped me gain more self-confidence.’
Research Leads: Joanna Knight and Anna Beesley
Peer Research team: Ronnie, Ivan, Edineth, Mohammed and Ingrid
Themes: Evaluate; Co-production; learninging together; Equality and rights for people forced to move.