KidsLikeUs – Empowering NGOs & public institutions in helping children overcome migration traumas using creativity and favors of nature

KidsLikeUs: Empowering NGOs & public institutions in helping children overcome migration traumas using creativity and favors of nature

KidsLikeUs project connects representatives of 7 Baltic Sea region countries, namely: Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.

Noting the traumatic experiences of children fleeing war-torn Ukraine, we also drew attention to the mental health of other young Europeans. The difficult years of pandemics and lockdowns have deepened fears and depression among children and adolescents and increased the challenges resulting from neurodiversity. In crises, it is the youngest citizens who are one of the most vulnerable groups, and experts indicate that they may feel anxious long after the end of a war, pandemic, or other traumatic factor. At the same time, resilience is more and more often mentioned as a key competence of the future, which is why it is worth building the foundations for its development wherever possible.

To face this multidisciplinary challenge in the KidsLikeUs project representatives of artistic, medical, and technical universities, non-governmental organizations, and local authorities work together. The project aims to support children affected by migration crises and other mental health challenges by inspiring volunteers, educators, public authorities, and NGOs to create welcoming and sensory-friendly environments that bring in nature, address all senses, and support mental and physical well-being.

As part of the project, a set of digital and physical solutions for the ’Superhero sensory garden’ will be developed to enable the creation of arrangements in which volunteers and educators will be able to conduct integration, relaxation, and therapeutic activities more easily and comfortably. These ’gardens’ can help support mental health for not only refugee children but also people of all ages and nationalities. By addressing these borderless issues and encouraging the design of welcoming environments, the project facilitates that children can develop strong mental attitudes and feel valued regardless of their current location, nationality, or background, ultimately building a better and more inclusive future for the European Union and the generations to come.

KidsLikeUs project connects representatives of 7 Baltic Sea region countries, namely: Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.

The project is co-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund and European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument) within Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021 – 2027.