“It was really helpful for me, and at the same time it was really tough”: a qualitative study among Afghan peer refugee helpers in Greece

Aid workers with a refugee background are increasingly engaged in the humanitarian field. These individuals, known as peer refugee helpers (PRHs), contribute to providing psychosocial support for other refugees. However, few studies have focused on the mental health and wellbeing of PRHs.

This study aims to investigate the experiences of PRHs of Afghan origin in the humanitarian field in Greece.

Seven focus group interviews took place in a hybrid format, online or in-person. PRHs of Afghan origin (N = 18), working for various Aid/Humanitarian Organizations (AOs), participated. Data was analyzed using template analysis.

The analysis identified job resources reflected in the dimensions of sense of coherence (meaningfulness, manageability, comprehensibility) and job demands associated with role overload, role conflict, and role boundaries. Gender differences were noticeable. Specifically, female PRHs experienced empowerment, through accessing new opportunities often not available within Afghan communities. Female PRHs frequently reported going against traditional gender roles and faced negative reactions from their peers. Male PRHs reported feeling empowered through their engagement as a PRH, as it helped them fulfill their personal goals, such as becoming a good example within their families or communities.

Recommendations for policymakers and AOs based on the study results include: (1) Offer training, supervision, and psychosocial support for PRHs to enhance work engagement and prevent emotional exhaustion; (2) Address gender differences ensuring the protection and support of female PRHs; (3) Adopt scalable psychosocial interventions to promote agency and a concrete way of engaging with beneficiaries; (4) Formalize job roles outlining responsibilities and expectations for PRHs.