Offer a Protective Environment for Refugee Children

In 9 refugee camps across Greece, tdh offered assistance to unaccompanied minors, children and families in need. With its Child Protection Team consisting of case workers, lawyers, and interpreters, and its Mental Health Team made up of psychologists, tdh addressed a gap in the provision of legal and psychosocial support to refugees who experienced emotional distress. The strength of the approach was its work through peers with a refugee or a similar cultural background. So, tdh could reach far more refugees than planned, and teach them strategies to manage practical problems, improve mental health and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Nine out of ten beneficiaries reported a big difference in how they were feeling better through the support provided by a native speaker. All experienced a sense of dignity by reporting feelings of being heard.