QMU has undertaken a research programme to develop participatory tools for mapping the social connections of communities and individuals affected by conflict. The aim is to develop simple approaches that can be used by communities themselves to identify the strengths and gaps in their social resources.
We are working with humanitarian agencies (Mercy Corps, Terres des hommes, UNICEF) to use this approach in the evaluation of psychosocial programmes, as demonstrated by our current study of the relationship between social connection or isolation and understandings of mental health issues amongst refugees in north and east Glasgow.
