Implemented by Terra Psy
Phase I: May 2024 – May 2025
Phase II: June 2025 – June 2026
In recent years, Lesvos has remained a key arrival point for individuals fleeing conflict, violence, persecution, and the growing impacts of climate change. Many refugees arriving on the island have endured traumatic experiences both in their home countries and along their journey, including violent displacement and dangerous crossings across the Mediterranean. Reaching Lesvos and Europe, however, marks just one milestone in a much longer and uncertain journey. Past trauma, combined with ongoing instability and an unclear future, leaves many, especially women and children, highly vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
To address these challenges, the Peace of Mind Foundation has partnered with Terra Psy – Psychologists Without Borders. Terra Psy provides mental health and psychosocial support to displaced, exiled, and refugee populations in areas where such assistance is scarce. Operating in Lesvos since 2023, Terra Psy is hosted in the Reception Centre, Paréa Lesvos, offering psychosocial activities for children aimed at supporting their developmental processes. These activities include socialization, self-awareness, emotional expression, and cooperation through psychosocial games, art therapy workshops, movement/dance workshops, and relaxation activities.
Additionally, Terra Psy facilitates clinical play and child-parent play activities led by psychologists. These sessions create spaces for parents to connect with their children through supported communication, particularly beneficial for parents experiencing disconnection or overwhelm. During these sessions, parents relearn how to enjoy quality time with their children, especially amidst acute stress or post-traumatic stress disorder, which may hinder their psychological presence for their children.
Since its launch, the project has supported children and their caregivers through structured mental health and psychosocial interventions. In total, 630 children and 557 caregivers have received support across Phases I and II. The project is currently in the final stage of Phase II, while a third phase is already being planned to ensure the continuity and expansion of these essential services.