Table 2 Key themes regarding the work of CLWs in trauma-informed capacity-building strategies with refugee communities

1. The role of CLWs is diverse, multi-faceted and complex

2. CLWs enable members of refugee communities to access services and empower them to develop independence

3. CLWs enhance the capability of service providers

4. The community standing of CLWs supports their work in capacity-building

5. Goals of CLWs are focused on identifying and addressing the community’s areas of need, and working to promote the self-sufficiency of the community

6. The integration of perspectives is important to promote the long-term sustainability of capacity-building initiatives developed by CLWs

7. There is a need for allocation of adequate resources to focus on capacity-building

8. There is a need for broader recognition of the diverse and complex roles of CLWs

9. CLWs need to manage the expectations of community members

10. Peer support and supervision are integral to the work of CLWs