Published on 09-04-2025, Last modified on 09-04-2025
SESSION 4: “Transcultural competence building for supporting residents with mental vulnerability in the reception network”
SEMINAR SERIES THEMATIC GROUP
EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE IN HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
The thematic group on “Experiential Knowledge in Human Rights Education and Research” invites you to participate in a seminar series that continues our critical dialogue on epistemic injustice. Building on the insightful discussions from the 2024 kick-off meeting and the follow-up session in January 2025, this series will further explore how lived experiences of individuals in vulnerable conditions—those directly affected by human rights violations—can be meaningfully integrated into education, research, policy and practice.
During the seminar series we will examine the transformative role of experiential knowledge alongside scientific and practical insights. By centring the voices of those most impacted, we seek to challenge traditional power structures in knowledge production and education.
SESSION 4: 4/06 12:00 – 13:30
Transcultural competence building for supporting residents with mental vulnerability in the reception network
The mental health of asylum applicants is subject to considerable strain, largely attributable to their prior experiences and the stressors inherent in their daily living conditions. However, the identification of these needs and the provision of suitable support have proven challenging. The frontline workforce in asylum reception centers is, however, ideally positioned to observe and discuss support requirements, facilitating the realization of the right to mental healthcare for applicants.
With financial support from AMIF and in collaboration with Fedasil, HOGENT is investigating how to strengthen the capacity and resilience of the reception network, with a particular focus on the importance of first-line care. The TOPPSY research synthesizes the professional knowledge and needs present in the sector, experiential knowledge of asylum applicants and existing scientific know-how in this field.
Utilizing these findings, HOGENT has developed a training and intervision program designed to support front-line staff in addressing mental health needs within the reception network. The program has undergone pilot testing and has been tailored to align with the specific professionalization needs of staff and the unique characteristics, levers and constraints inherent to the reception network.
hogent.be/toppsy
Fayez Alabbas is intercultural mediator, Playback theatre facilitator and works as a researcher with experiential knowledge at HOGENT’s EQUALITY//ResearchCollective.
Sofie Vindevogel, PhD in educational sciences, works as a lecturer in social educational carework and as a researcher at EQUALITY//ResearchCollective.
REGISTRATION: https://event.ugent.be/registration/thematicgroup3