Refugee relationships with urban green and blue spaces: Effects on belonging, wellbeing and mental health

This project seeks to address the challenges of loneliness and social isolation by refugee youth in Australia by exploring how urban green and blue spaces—such as parks, gardens, beaches, and lakes—can foster social interaction, physical activity, and mental well-being among refugee youth. A pilot study using photovoice which is a participatory research method that employs visual imagery to capture the lived experiences of underrepresented communities will be employed. This project will yield novel insights to guide how these spaces can be better utilised to reduce loneliness and social isolation among refugee youth, while also significantly raising awareness and advocating for more inclusive, responsive, and resilient urban health strategies.