ONE LONDON
A creative and nurturing space for young refugees
Building on our experience of working with refugees in Kosovo, One to One Children’s Fund delivers a series of art programmes and counselling support for young refugees.
Children and adolescents exposed to violence and the upheaval of war and relocation have often witnessed horrors no young person should have to go through.
Many have been traumatised as a result of experiences in their home country, on the journey to the UK as well as since arriving in this country – this includes exposure to political conflict, starvation, physical violence, trafficking, sexual exploitation and discrimination.
Indeed, although research suggests over 50% of refugees are likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), few are able to access appropriate mental healthcare resources as the needs far outweigh the resources (McGuinness, 2015).
One to One Children’s Fund is partnering with Barnet Refugee Service and Wac Arts in providing two linked services aimed at helping children and young people make sense of their experiences, rebuild their lives, strengthen their resilience and develop their self-esteem. An initial pilot will be centred around young refugees aged 14-18 living in the boroughs of North London.
“These sessions have helped reduce my stress and fears, and by listening to others’ experiences, I feel less alone.”
key facts
10
week drama-based arts programmes
Up to 150
individual sessions of counselling support for young refugees over a period of 3-6 months
75
young refugees will be helped to adapt to life in the UK
£40,000
to deliver the workshops and a complementary youth counselling service
THIS PROGRAMME WILL:
Deliver a series of 10-week drama-based arts programmes at the Wac Arts centre providing a safe welcoming space for young refugees to come together and take part in creative arts activities culminating in a final performance.
Give young refugees opportunities to explore their talents, interests and stories whilst promoting self-esteem, independence and building new social networks.
The first arts programme ‘Walking Through Time’ will explore ancient civilisations and the themes of diverse culture, communication and identity using a wide variety of art forms.
Provide up to 150 individual sessions of counselling support for young refugees over a period of 3-6 months.
This programme requires an investment of £40,000 to deliver the workshops and a complementary youth counselling service, which will help up to 75 young refugees adapt to life in the UK.
“These sessions have helped reduce my stress and fears, and by listening to others’ experiences, I feel less alone. I have learned many things, like how to adapt and I have met new people. After each session, I feel less overwhelmed. It has been empowering and I have also learnt how to express my feelings and engage with my family in a positive way.”