From “I know someone who can” to creating the ABCDEF guide for migrant young people

This is the story of how a simple forum post led to an unexpected collaboration between four doctors, the creation of a new consultation framework, and a shared passion for improving care for migrant young people. It reflects on connection, curiosity, and the power of small beginnings in shaping meaningful change.

A post that caught my eye

One afternoon, while browsing through the RCGP Health Inequalities Special Interest Group (SIG) Forum, something caught my eye. Professor Dominic Patterson had shared a post from an NIHR Health Researcher who had just been awarded a three-year fellowship. She was reaching out to find healthcare professionals interested in health inequalities.

Let’s call her Ayeesha. Professor Patterson mentioned that her research involved using the OpenSafely database to map health outcomes among migrant communities. He also hinted that he might know someone who could help her.

That small interaction sparked a connection that I could never have predicted. It led to a collaboration between four doctors and the creation of what became the ABCDEF Consultation Guide for migrant young people.

Reaching out

I decided to send Ayeesha a message, not really expecting a reply. To my surprise, she responded warmly and suggested we arrange a meeting. She mentioned her childcare commitments, so we found a time that worked for both of us.

During that first conversation, I congratulated her on her fellowship and learned more about her research. I also shared an idea I had been thinking about, one that had grown from my experiences in a Deep End practice, part of the Trailblazer Scheme.

She listened thoughtfully, then smiled and said something that has stayed with me ever since:

“I’m not clinical, so I can’t help you with that, but I know someone who can.”

At that moment, I didn't realise how important those words would become.

The power of connection

A few days later, another email arrived. Ayeesha had introduced me to her colleague Amy, and the three of us quickly arranged a call. We discussed the early idea in more depth, and Amy soon invited two more colleagues to join us: Jess, a Training Programme Director, and Chris, a paediatrician.

Suddenly, we had a small but diverse team. Between us, we covered primary and secondary care, public health, and medical education. Each of us brought something different to the table, and together we shared a common passion for improving how we communicate and care for migrant young people.

Finding our focus

In the beginning, we wondered whether our topic was too broad. There were already consultation frameworks out there, such as HEADSSS, so did we really need another one?

But the more we talked, the clearer our purpose became. We wanted to create something that was flexible rather than rigid, something that helped clinicians guide conversations without restricting them.

We wanted a guide, not a checklist. Something trauma-informed, person-centred and empowering.

We wanted to help clinicians support young people who had often faced extraordinary journeys, ensuring that their voices were heard and their stories respected.

The ABCDEF consultation guide

A is for achieve and B for before: Starting with hope

We decided to move away from starting with “H for Home”, which can sometimes feel intrusive early on. Instead, we began with a question that focuses on hope and self-expression:
“What would you like to achieve?”

This small change gives young people permission to take the lead. It helps build trust and shows that we care about what matters to them.

We also agreed that trauma-informed consulting had to be at the heart of this approach. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with you?”, we shift to, “What has happened to you before, and how is it affecting you now?”

That change in language changes everything.

C for checks: Understanding the journey

By the time a migrant young person registers with a GP, they may have already passed through several systems and agencies. Some will have had health checks, others may not.

Dr F. Knights’ article on the Initial Health Assessment (IHA) provides an excellent overview of what these comprehensive assessments involve. While GPs are not expected to repeat them, being aware of what may have been missed is crucial to ensuring that no gaps remain in their care.

D for day to day: Getting to know their world

One of the most powerful ways to connect is simply to ask about everyday life.
“Who is important to you?”
“How is school going?”
“Do you enjoy any activities or clubs?”

These questions seem small, but they open doors. Showing genuine interest builds rapport and helps young people feel seen. Once that trust is established, they are far more likely to share deeper concerns or experiences.

E for emotions: Exploring mental health

Checking in on emotions is a key part of understanding the bigger picture.

How is the young person coping? Are they receiving the support they need? Have they been attending therapy sessions? Do they feel safe?

Asking these questions is not about ticking boxes. It is about listening, understanding, and offering the right support at the right time.

F for family and faith: Recognising what matters most

For many young people, family and faith are central to who they are. Some may be separated from family, while others may be unaccompanied altogether. These conversations can reveal whether they have a support network or if they are feeling isolated.

Faith, too, can be a source of strength and belonging. By exploring this, we show respect for what grounds and comforts them, and we deepen the trust that makes effective consultation possible.

Seeing it come to life

Explore the ABCDEF Consultation Guide.

We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences of using it in practice. Our BJGP article has now been published, and we are currently developing feedback questionnaires for both clinicians and patients to see how the guide works in real consultations.

Looking back

It took us about nine months to bring this piece to life. There were many meetings, discussions, and rewrites along the way. The BJGP editorial team were wonderfully patient and gave thoughtful feedback that made the final version stronger.

We also presented an e-Poster on the topic at RCGP25, which was a proud moment for all of us.

When I look back now, I am struck by how something so meaningful grew from such a simple start. One post on a forum. One connection. One line that changed everything:

“I know someone who can.”

Resources

1. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
2. OpenSafely
3. The Health of Migrants in the UK, Migration Observatory
4. Yorkshire Deep End GP Project
5. Fair Health Trailblazer Scheme
6. HEADSSS Assessment, Teach Me Paediatrics
7. Working Definition of Trauma-Informed Practice, UK Government
8. Pre-Entry Health Assessment Protocol for UK-Bound Individuals, UK Government
9. Initial Health Assessments for Refugees and Asylum Seekers, BMJ 2021