Callan, Brian; Nkhoma, Pearson and Thompson, Naomi, eds. 2025. Critical Research and Creative Practice with Migrant and Refugee Communities. Bristol: Policy Press. ISBN 9781447372790 [Edited Book] (In Press)

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Abstract or Description

This edited volume presents a range of interdisciplinary voices, actively engaged with contemporary practices, policies and interventions with migrant and refugee communities in the UK and internationally. While one per cent of the world’s population have fled their homes as a result of conflict or persecution, the UK and many of the world’s wealthiest nations have sought to bypass international obligations on asylum, securitising the issue of migration and creating hostile environments for those seeking safety. Drawing directly on the voices and experiences of refugees, activists and professional practitioners, this collection examines the complexities of migration and the possibilities for innovative and compassionate interventions.

Given the extent of the forced migration problem, the complex and irregular motivations and needs of those involved and the growth of populism and cultural contestations in the neoliberal Global North, the issue of how to effectively mitigate the suffering, anxiety and integration of refugees and migrant communities must be examined from multiple and innovative angles. In recent years, significant research has been carried out for the development of new migration management policies. These are often grounded in the causes, drivers and consequences of migration, with subsequent national policies being based on underlying assumptions and vested interests. With a focus on the experiences of the myriad actors directly involved in the phenomenon of forced migration, from the voluntary sector, various professionals and, most importantly the migrants themselves, this volume aims to augment this widely studied topic. It does this primarily from a UK perspective with some more international contributions (see chapters 4, 7, 8 and 9). Rather than focusing on the issue of migration as a problem to be avoided, this interdisciplinary exposition aims to provide original insights on how practice may be better informed by the voices of those seeking a better way.

The applied and multidisciplinary nature of the text brings a new approach to other research texts about migration and the experiences of refugees and migrants. The text fills a gap for practice-based research on migration, and for a holistic perspective on interventions. There is a dearth of research that focuses on these broader experiences and interventions (beyond health, law and integration) and that draws on the self-defined priorities of migrants and refugees in talking about their lives and experiences. It complements the other work that exists on migration whilst drawing more practical than theoretical implications, to support applied researchers as well as trainees and professionals working with these groups.

The volume is divided into three main sections. The first, Critical Research, offers insights from original research carried out with a range of organisations directly engaged with refugees and asylum seekers. From second-generation Afghans living in London, to faith-based community and voluntary sector workers, to professional staff at the UNHCR, this section aims to inform meaningful practice with refugee and migrant communities and provides clear implications for policy and practice, through the experiences of those involved.

The second section, Crucial Voices, foregrounds the narratives and journeys of refugees and migrants themselves. In economic, political and academic discourse, such voices are often overlooked and yet are crucial to understanding how policies and practices are experienced by those to whom they are ascribed. Intimate attention to these crucial voices must be central to research and in shaping meaningful practice interventions.

The final section, Creative Practice, turns towards creative interventions being used in the social, community and therapeutic sectors. Highlighting the need for values-based practice, these chapters focus on the creative use of arts-based interventions which overlap social work, community engagement and therapeutic practices focused on wellbeing and trauma recovery. Though art-based interventions provide rich expressive avenues for migrants with low level English, they are often overlooked and under-funded. In complement to the researchers and the voices and narratives of migrant communities, the closing chapters seek to raise the profile of such creative practices as effective and meaningful.

Item Type:	Edited Book
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Social, Therapeutic & Community Engagement (STaCS) Social, Therapeutic & Community Engagement (STaCS) > Centre for Community Engagement Research Social, Therapeutic & Community Engagement (STaCS) > Faiths and Civil Society
Date:	17 July 2025
Item ID:	38303
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2025 11:17
Last Modified:	07 Feb 2025 12:17
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/38303

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