Refugees and asylum-seekers will have faced a range of traumas in their journeys of seeking sanctuary, traumas which clergy, pastoral workers and volunteers within faith communities may feel unequipped to recognise and uncertain how to respond.

This seminar is geared towards clergy, lay chaplains, lay pastoral workers, and volunteers who may have contact with refugees and asylum-seekers through links with direct provision centres in their local areas, community sponsorship initiatives, or those who are members of their worshipping communities. Even in the context of informal or community activities, such as English conversation groups, cooking/craft projects, and befriending initiatives, trauma awareness can can be helpful. All faith traditions are welcome to participate in the seminar.

The seminar will be led by Dr. Katie McQuillan, a counselling psychologist on the psychotherapy team in Spirasi. Alongside her private practice, she is also a post-doctoral research fellow in Trinity College. Her research focuses on promoting refugee and migrant children’s integration and well-being. In addition, she has experience as a psychologist working across HSE public mental health services.

Please note the seminar is limited to 50 participants.

Spirasi (Spiritan Asylum Services Initiative) is the national centre for the rehabilitation of victims of torture in Ireland. To learn more about Spirasi's work, please visit: https://spirasi.ie