CARING TO INCLUDE: TRAUMA-INFORMED SUPPORT FOR REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS IN EUROPE
What is Caring to Include?
Caring to Include is a three-year project financed by Erasmus+ that aims to reduce the negative effects of trauma and other stressors on the social inclusion of refugees and migrants. At the same time, this initiative means to improve the mental health of NGO staff and volunteers working with these vulnerable groups. We create practical tools, provide training, and connect NGOs across Europe to improve trauma-informed support and mental well-being.
This initiative is led by the Dutch Council for Refugees in partnership with six European organisations from Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary and Malta.
Why is this project needed?
Across Europe, refugees and migrants face increasing hostility, border violence, and shrinking access to protection. At the same time, NGOs working with these groups are under pressure. They face restrictive laws, funding cuts, and even criminalisation in some countries. These challenges harm both refugees and the aid workers supporting them.
Caring to Include responds to these urgent needs by strengthening long-term collaboration among NGOs and improving mental health support for both refugees and frontline workers. By sharing knowledge and practical tools, we ensure that trauma-informed care becomes a standard part of refugee support services in Europe.
What do we do?
- We build a Community of Practice (CoP) where NGOs can share knowledge, experiences, and best practices on trauma-informed support.
- We develop two toolkits: one for improving the mental well-being of NGO staff and volunteers, and another with trauma-informed approaches to support refugees and migrants.
- We organise training sessions and exchange programmes to improve service delivery and embed trauma-informed practices in our partner organisations.
Join the Community of Practice
A key pillar of Caring to Include is the Community of Practice (CoP) where NGOs across Europe exchange knowledge, tools and experiences on trauma-informed support. Organisations and individuals outside the partnership are welcome to take part. If you would like to join the Community of Practice, please contact the project coordinators using the contact form.
Download all project outputs (i.e. Comparative Report, toolkits, Handbook etc.)
Read the latest news about the project.
Meet the project partners and the members of the Refugee Focus Group.
Contact the project coordinators.
