Reflecting on migrant resilience in partnership with Goldsmiths University: insights from photo-elicitation diaries as a visual methodology in migrant mental health research
On the 9th of October 2025, at its centre in Feltham, the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) was privileged to have hosted the esteemed Dr. Atlas Torbati of Goldsmiths University of London, to present a research project presentation on the mental health experiences of Afghan migrants in London.
While mental health awareness has gained visibility and prominence in recent years, Dr. Torbati’s research provided critical insight into the mental health experiences of refugee communities, whose voices often remain so critically underrepresented within the mental health discourse. For Afghan refugees in the UK who have endured displacement and trauma, this collaborative research project sought to shed light on the impact of migration-related challenges on their mental health. Yet, beyond its crucial academic contribution, this project also served to equip mental health practitioners and policymakers with practical insights and evidence-based strategies to promote more effective and culturally-sensitive policy interventions. This event was held in recognition of World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on the 10 October to celebrate global mental health education, awareness and advocacy.
With policymakers, community advocates and families in attendance, the large audience was a testament to the growing recognition of mental health and it’s vital role in promoting overall well-being for community members, reflecting a collective commitment amongst the diverse stakeholders in attendance to promote mental health awareness and foster open dialogue. As Dr. Torbati opened her presentation, with Rabia Nasimi eloquently translating for a bilingual Farsi and English audience, we learned of the challenges associated with migration and the enormous impacts it could pose for mental health. Combined with the stresses of displacement and resettlement, such as isolation and discrimination, we were well-informed of the psychological burdens that could seriously harm the mental well-being of the refugee participants and the wider Afghan community in the UK.
Moving onto the second part of the presentation, Dr. Torbati’s research provided further meaningful insight into the coping strategies Afghan refugees in the UK employed to cope with psychological stressors and her presentation provided critical findings. Accompanying the research presentation, the hall had been filled with photos that the refugee participants had taken, each image capturing the personal feelings and emotions of the participants. What may have been difficult for the participants to articulate through words, photo-elicitation diaries instead provided a powerful tool to articulate and amplify the meaningful coping strategies that Afghan refugees had used to navigate resettlement with resilience. As Dr. Torbati eloquently explained, this photo display was in reference to her innovative use of photo-elicitation diaries as a data collection method, combining visual and narrative elements to empower participants and enhance their self-expression. This was particularly meaningful and inspiring because it allowed for the participants to share with us powerful visual glimpses of how they were learning to become more resilient and cope with the challenges they faced while rebuilding their lives in London. Engaging with the visual photographs was poignant and touching. For not only did it deepen our understanding of their struggles, it enabled us to further appreciate and give recognition to their resilience.
Some poignant examples included how holding onto identity helped some Afghan refugees preserve a sense of belonging and identity amidst the uncertainty and disruption of displacement. As one participant articulated, the flag of Afghanistan had remained a source of price for him since birth. For others, spending time in nature provided for a calming and relaxing retreat, bringing a sense of inner peace amidst the anxiety of displacement. Several participants spoke about how spending time with loved ones and close friends brought back positive and comforting memories of home. The photos they shared allowed for a visual glimpse into how maintaining a connection with loved ones provided for strong mental well-being support whilst they bonded during everyday activities such as cooking and leisure activities.
Yet, for many of the participants, it was also an opportunity to reflect on the vital guidance and well-being support that community organisations, such as ACAA, have provided to displaced refugees and their families. As one participant reflected, the support provided by ACAA had a profound and tangible impact on her mental well-being for their support had helped her become braver and more resilient. For another participant, they had come to value ACAA as a constant and reliable pillar of support that would do everything possible to help.
For policymakers and community advocates, Dr. Torbati’s research has provided critical findings. Her research has once again cemented the significance of community organisations like the ACAA in the development of mental health policies that are more effective, inclusive and responsive to the needs of refugee communities. For Afghans seeking sanctuary and security in the UK, ACAA remains a vital lifeline, providing integral integration and well-being support to help refugees navigate the profound challenges of displacement and migration and rebuild their lives with resilience and hope, especially for those who have become isolated and disconnected from crucial support networks they have lost due to migration. By helping refugees access legal guidance, integration, educational and communal support, organisations such as ACAA reduce the daily stressors and uncertainties that can otherwise exacerbate anxiety and mental distress for the Afghan refugee community in London and across the UK.
Overall, the event was informative and very meaningful. We are appreciative to all those who attended and we are especially appreciative of Dr. Torbati for presenting her vital mental health research findings with us and the wider community.
By Amna Khan