Scenario planning

Supporting Moroccan Londoners’ mental health needs

Updated 15 September 2023

Introduction

As part of Thrive LDN’s research and insight’s function, we routinely carry out public mental health scenario planning exercises to synthesise available intelligence, anticipate what might be on the horizon and plan actions to strengthen and maintain capabilities to support partners to step up public mental health responses to crises.

To discuss any of the detail included in this briefing or the ideas for next steps, please contact the Thrive LDN Evidence and Insights team via info@thriveldn.co.uk.

Overview

Earthquakes in Morocco – Overview

On Friday, 8 September 2023, an earthquake measuring 6.8 in magnitude on the Moment Magnitude Scale hit several towns and cities in Morocco. The epicentre was near the rural town of Ighil, in the Al Haouz province, 44 miles south of Marrakech.

Moroccan authorities have confirmed that at least 2,100 people have been killed and over 2,400 injured, many of them seriously. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers struggle to reach hard-hit remote areas within the Atlas Mountains. The World Health Organization said more than 300,000 people had been affected by the disaster.

The full extent of the earthquake’s impacts is yet to be known, but in light of these distressing events it is important to consider the mental health impacts on Londoners in relation to this natural disaster, in particular for those belonging to Moroccan communities, many of which are based in Kensington and Chelsea.

This is just 7 months on from the devastation of the Turkish-Syrian earthquakes and likely to also be a challenging time for London’s significant Turkish, Kurdish and Syrian communities, many of which are experiencing loss and bereavement.

Future needs

Anticipating future needs and impact for public mental health in London

Humanitarian crises require international awareness and compassion as populations flee and recover from threats to safety, livelihood, and life, all of which have the potential impact on public health in and surrounding countries.

The earthquake will be accompanied by a rising death toll over the coming days, weeks and months, with rescue efforts obstructed by the remoteness of the areas worst effected and difficulties accessing communities. The full impact of the disaster on local, regional, and broader populations yet to be realised. Loss and bereavement will be experienced by thousands of people, many of which have suffered through adversity in the form of economic downturn, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the risk for compounding trauma which is felt not only by those immediately affected but equally those across the diaspora for months and years to come.

The following factors have been identified when considering how best to support partners to step up an appropriate public mental health response to these events.

Diaspora populations in London

Diaspora populations in London

The UK is home to thousands Moroccan people, with London being home to the vast majority of these communities. Within the capital, particularly substantial Moroccan communities are concentrated in Kensington and Chelsea.^[1] The mental health and wellbeing of these communities as a result of these devastating earthquakes is of significant concern. Moroccan people living in London are likely to feel concerned about families and friends left in their countries of origin and feel ‘helpless and shocked’ about the current situation. There may be heightened feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as thoughts of ‘survivors’ guilt as the death toll rises into the tens of thousands and issues of displacement materialise to an increasingly significant extent.

There is the need for an appropriate public mental health response targeted towards these communities in a way that is trauma-informed and culturally competent. Learning from previous humanitarian crises, we know that many migrant communities in London have already faced experiences of trauma, isolation, and discrimination, and may access support through their own communities as opposed to more formal routes. Therefore, their mental health needs will be potentially urgent but equally will require specialised, tailored support that addresses their life experiences, culture, and behaviours in an appropriate manner. The London response to this crisis must be rooted in community action, utilising routes and pathways that may be preferred to more traditional routes of mental health support already in place.

Given the close proximity in time, since the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, it is likely this is a particularly sensitive and upsetting situation for Turkish, Kurdish and Syrian diaspora communities, with a potential risk of re-traumatisation for those recovering from the impact that disaster.

^[1] https://www.onewestminster.org.uk/directory/19152

Londoners’ resilience

Londoners’ resilience

At this point in time, nothing is certain regarding the full impact of this disaster which has emerged in Morocco.  As always with emerging issues, it is important to consider the impact across the general population and determine how best to strengthen resilience and ensure all Londoners have the tools and resources to manage uncertainty and cope with distressing information around this humanitarian crisis. Natural disasters have a proven link to both direct and indirect trauma and distress, as people across the world are exposed to feelings of powerlessness and insecurity that often occur in the wake of a mass tragedy such as the one currently unfolding in Morocco.

For many Londoners, being confronted with the realities of this situation could be a source of stress and anxiety. This is particularly significant for London’s multitude of migrant communities from areas which have been prone to natural disasters and/or experienced displacement alongside the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

More generally, Londoners are living in a post-COVID era, experiencing a period of significant economic adversity, and a variety of challenges. Collective memory of the trauma experienced during the pandemic and widespread ongoing concerns related to the cost-of-living combined with distress of this crisis has the potential to erode resilience and negatively impact population mental health indicators such as depression, anxiety, happiness, and life satisfaction.

Current Thrive LDN Actions

Trauma-informed training

Thrive LDN has partnered with Nicola Lester Psychological Trauma Consultancy to offer free, pre-recorded Trauma-Informed Practice training to support individuals and organisations.

Offered at three levels, this training series is designed to help professionals and volunteers gain an understanding of the impact of trauma and to integrate a trauma informed approach to practice. In responding to this current crisis, a trauma informed approach utilised by those who will be interacting with Moroccan diaspora communities, as well as any Londoner impacted, could not be more important.

A bitesize approach to the trauma-informed practice training will be launched the week beginning 11 September. Individuals who sign up will receive a weekly email to complete the training one chapter at a time, enabling people to spend 20–30 minutes across eight weeks to progress through the bronze level training ‘becoming trauma aware’, silver level training ‘developing trauma informed practice’ and gold level training ‘committed to trauma informed practice’.

Resources for displaced people and crisis situations

Help Yourself and Others is Thrive LDN’s interactive platform to build Londoners resilience and improve and protect wellbeing.

A suite of targeted resources have been co-developed for crisis situations and displaced groups.

Available resources

Wellbeing guidance in 36 languages – including Arabic , French and Spanish

Five ways to good mental wellbeing & Islam – including Arabic

Bereavement guides and resources on Good Thinking – including an Islam and Bereavement guide.

Thrive LDN support after sudden bereavement resource (currently framed around COVID but may useful)

Thrive LDN mental health conversation starter tool (SIGNSS)

Good Thinking’s tools and advice to support with anxiety, stress, low mood and trouble sleeping

Mental health workbooks developed by Good Thinking and expert advisors – including coping with trauma, coping with trauma videos, sleep, and panic

Urgent mental health support

For those supporting communities – free Trauma-Informed Practice training and suicide prevention training

Principles of psychosocial approaches and general guidance for supporting individuals and communities adversely affected by events (currently framed around COVID but still useful)