RESEARCH
Our approach to research and philosophy is grounded in our vision and ethos. Our vision is to create a society that fully respects the rights and dignity of asylum seekers and refugees, seeking justice and a flourishing life for all. Our ethos is to learn with and from our members, to engage with our members as human beings, rather than clients in a system, to show respect to every member equally, and to inspire hope in the possibility of a flourishing life.
In light of these principles, we believe that research and philosophy should go beyond mere theoretical reflection. At the heart of our work, we engage with one of the timeless philosophical questions: "How to live a good life?”.
Our founder member, Ruth, was a guest on a podcast hosted by The Qualitative Applied Health Research Centre (QUAHRC) at King’s College London. She talked about the importance of practical applications of philosophy and its connection to the people’s lives: “There is a lot more to philosophy than theory, and it needs to connect.”
She tells the story of the origins of the Cotton Tree Trust, and our ethos of cherishing, which is being intimate with and caring about people. She described our Heal & Grow meetings, where our members discuss the philosophical concepts of love, justice, forgiveness, betrayal, etc. in relation to their lived experiences. In addition, we use different and creative techniques are in our clay workshops and collaborative drawing sessions.
We are committed to continuing our work of cherishing people around us in their pursuit of a good life. Our research is guided by the principle of “putting people at the heart of your thinking”, as Ruth says.
Click here to listen to the whole podcast.
OUR RESEARCH INITIATIVES
At the Cotton Tree Trust, we are actively coordinating research efforts to better understand and address the challenges faced by asylum seekers. We're excited to share two important pieces of research with you.
Firstly, Dr. Philip Graham's study presents a comprehensive roadmap for preventing mental health problems among asylum-seeking children. He underscores the significance of acknowledging the diverse traumatic experiences endured by asylum seekers and the rigorous investigative procedures they face through the Home Office. Graham highlights the prevalence of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and traumatic re-experiences, among this demographic, emphasizing that these challenges can stem from both extraordinary stress and ordinary life experiences, including genetic factors.
The paper further delves into prevention strategies, focusing on both the country of origin and the host country. Graham stresses the importance of minimizing parental stress, expediting decision-making processes, and providing essential resources like income, housing, education, and healthcare. These measures are highlighted as crucial in nurturing the mental well-being of asylum-seeking children.
Secondly, we have a remarkable contribution from one of our own members. She shares her personal journey from Syria to the UK and her experiences throughout the asylum-seeking process. She particularly focuses on the challenges faced by her children, highlighting issues with their accommodation that threaten their physical safety. She also raises concerns about the lack of nutritious food and social opportunities for children in their situation. Her writing underscores the critical importance of mental health support and safe living conditions for asylum seekers, enabling them to recover and thrive in their new homes.
Together, these research efforts deepen our understanding of the struggles asylum seekers face and inspire us to work towards more comprehensive support systems for these individuals and their families.