Caring for Refugees and Migrants: Volunteer and Professional Aid Workers - Jachmann, Anne; Wahedi, Katharina (2026)
Volunteer and professional aid workers providing care to migrants and refugees, particularly survivors of sexual violence, frequently endure high levels of stress, demanding and complex work and face an elevated risk of physical and mental distress. It is therefore crucial to provide access to tailored, needs-based training and mental health support services that equip aid workers with the skills, knowledge, and awareness necessary to address these challenges effectively. These measures not only reduce stress but also enhance professional competence and resilience, enable identification of and response to mental and physical health risks, and help maintain empathy and motivation in challenging circumstances. Beyond improving overall health, the continuous acquisition, maintenance, and expansion of professional expertise among refugee aid workers contribute to the provision of high-quality care. Well-trained and adequately supported workers are better prepared to address the diverse needs of those they serve and to deliver compassionate, effective, and competent care to refugees and migrants. This chapter outlines the individual and systemic factors required to promote the provision of appropriate services in humanitarian settings and to strengthen the well-being of aid workers. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
Keywords: journalArticle; Competencies; Humanitarian aid; Mental health; Refugee aid worker; Resilience; Stress relief; Training