Refugee and migrant children in Greece often face emotional stress, social isolation, and limited access to supportive activities. Our INTACT project aims to promote their mental health and social inclusion through nature-based group activities, using adventure therapy as a tool for connection, resilience, and empowerment.
Our impact
Nature-based activities for children
Refugee children face severe mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, caused by war trauma and displacement. These challenges affect their social relationships, education, and overall quality of life. Traditional integration efforts across Europe have often been insufficient, frequently overlooking alternative, holistic solutions such as nature-based interventions.
In response to these unmet needs, the project centers on the development and pilot implementation of the Trauma-Informed Adventure Therapy (TIAT) programme, specifically designed for children and youth who have experienced displacement. Tailored to their age, cultural background, and lived experiences, the programme prioritises safety, inclusion, and active participation. It is delivered by trained professionals, with the support of cultural mediators, interpreters, and psychologists.
Through this innovative approach, the project highlights the therapeutic value of nature and alternative sports activities in addressing trauma. Based on the principles of Adventure Therapy, TIAT uses outdoor experiential activities, such as hiking, climbing, and cycling, not only to encourage physical activity, but also to build trust, encourage emotional expression, strengthen teamwork, and foster a sense of belonging.
Over the course of the project, 20 four-day sessions will be organised for 300–400 children and youth aged 7–17, held in safe, natural environments across the Attica region in Greece. These trauma-informed, nature-based interventions support the emotional healing and stress regulation of refugee and migrant children, while helping them form social connections and integrate more effectively into their host communities.
Training professionals in trauma-informed practice
Through three training seminars, the project equips 100 sports coaches and community professionals to apply trauma-informed principles in their work, helping them create supportive environments for refugee youth through sport and outdoor activities.
“There is a significant shortage of capacity among trainers and coaches who can effectively work with refugee children and youth who have endured war-related trauma. Therefore, through the INTACT project we want to increase awareness and capacity of sports organisations and trainers on Trauma-Informed Adventure Therapy for war affected children and youth”, says George Kanaris, Programme Coordinator.
Sharing tools and good practices
We are developing and disseminating a TIAT methodology manual, a guide for sports organisations, and awareness-raising materials that explain the benefits of TIAT and how to implement it effectively. These tools aim to promote the broader adoption of inclusive, community-based approaches in work with refugee children and youth, both in Greece and beyond.
***
The project “INTACT: Inclusive Trauma-Informed Care Adventure Therapy activities for refugee children and youth in Greece” runs from September 2024 to February 2026 and is implemented by Terre des hommes Hellas, in partnership with KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre and Adventure Therapy, with co-funding from the European Commission.
