One of the most widely-understood meanings of ‘spring’ is to push up or push forward. Think of a spring of water, or the springs in a mattress, or of the season that pushes new plants up through the soil.

With this in mind, Oasis continues to successfully run Mind-Spring. This is a psychoeducational program aiming to help asylum seekers and refugees. It is led by refugees and delivered in the native language of the participants. Mind-Spring aims not only to help refugees integrate socially and culturally into their new home but more importantly to improve their mental health and thus empower them to take control of their lives in their new community.

It is not therapy, per se, but the responses so far show that the program has a therapeutic effect on participants. Responses from participants highlight that they have learned how to think positively, how to deal with the ordeal of being a refugee, and that they are grateful to find a

Each cohort is comprised of 8-15 members, and the fifth cohort has just finished its sixth and final session. Following the end of the six sessions, each cohort undertakes a cultural visit, and participants from groups 1, 2, and 3 went to visit St Fagans museum. So, not only have they all experienced a psychoeducational program that helps them feel safer and happier in a new community, but they have also enjoyed a warm Welsh welcome courtesy of one of Cardiff’s landmark attractions.

We look forward to helping more participants in the coming months. If you or someone you know is in need of the Mind Spring program, please don’t hesitate to contact Meddia Kendi: [email protected] or on 07717147919

Written By Nick Dunn