Emotional Support & Wellness
This program is living to support asylum seekers and refugees in The Netherlands by helping to care for their emotional well-being and create a positive change.
Participation in this program is free.
What is this program about?
This program of online psychosocial support is delivered by volunteers who support you through coaching for mental well-being.
Our volunteers connect to you through a conversation that is focused on creating a positive emotional experience, discovering your strengths and is helpful when having light symptoms of emotional distress or simply looking for ways to build better self-care skills.
It might help you to re-discover joy, learn to notice good moments of your life, move towards your goals and use your strengths to create a desired change for yourself.
Emotional Support Session Demo
Emotional well-being is your basic human right
If you are an asylum seeker or a refugee in The Netherlands apply for an online emotional support session.
In case of severe emotional distress contact your doctor.
IMPORTANT:
In case you are experiencing severe emotional distress, please contact your global practitioner (your doctor) for professional help. What might be some of the examples of severe emotional distress? Anxiety, Overwhelming fear, Uncontrollable crying, Troubles sleeping, Self-harm thoughts, Apathy, numbness.
How this program will benefit me?
Partnering together with a volunteer, through a conversation you will be supported in building skills to take care of your own mental health. How to notice good moments in your life even when you don’t feel hopeful. Explore the things that already work well in your life and what you want to create for yourself in the present moment and in the future.
It can help you to create your own best and lasting change in various aspects of your life:
- Your ability to take care of your emotional well-being.
- Your personal development.
- Your career aspirations.
- Your relationships with other people and with yourself.
Individual Emotional Support Online Sessions
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1 to 3 free online coaching sessions with an Emotional Support volunteer.
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Aimed at people over 18 years of age.
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Support sessions are in English language (our volunteers come from different cultures, so there might be a possibility for other languages too, but it is not guaranteed).
In individual support sessions you will receive:
- Virtual accompaniment through listening and conversation with focus on the positive outcome.
- Self-care and stress management information.
- Emotional support program is delivered by nonprofessionals of mental health, who are trained in coaching – listening and asking useful questions that inspire for hopeful thinking and solutions.
- All sessions and information in English language (our volunteers come from different cultures, so there might be a possibility for other languages too, but it is not guaranteed).
This program does not offer:
- A therapeutic relationship
- Treatment for any mental health condition, including medication
- Advice and solutions for your personal life situations
- Child or family therapy
Program Mission
- To promote mental well-being of asylum seekers and refugees in The Netherlands by offering peer-level emotional support.
- To support an integration of asylum seekers and refugees in The Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions
1. How do the Emotional Support sessions work?
All sessions are held virtually by a video call arranged between you and the volunteer. You can keep your video off camera if you prefer to stay anonymous.
2. Do I have to attend all the sessions?
You are free to attend all the sessions if you feel comfortable, it is for you to decide how you feel and if you want to continue talking to our volunteers. The first step is just to give it a try.
3. Do I have to speak to the same person every time?
If you feel there is a lack of connection in your conversation we will offer a different person to accompany you, if another volunteer is available.
4. Do I have to answer uncomfortable questions?
You will be sharing only what you feel comfortable with and have no obligations to speak or answer anything that you don’t want to. The conversation can stop whenever you want and no one will judge you.
Our volunteers will not ask you any questions about any painful experience you had, instead we will be interested in your reslience, stenghts, creating positive emotions and taking next small steps to invite more peace and happiness.
5. Can I trust your volunteers?
Conversations are strictly confidential and stay between you and the Emotional Support Listener. Our volunteers abide by the values of honesty, personal boundaries, confidentiality, non-judgment, and compassion.
6. Can I remain anonymous during my sessions?
Conversations are happening as an online video call, however, you don’t need to have your camera on if you don’t like to be seen by a volunteer. As well you do not need to provide your full name. The details provided in application form are minimal and for contacting purposes. Your personal contact details will be deleted after your sessions ended.
Our Emotional Support volunteers are here for you whenever you are ready.
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The Emotional Support & Wellness Program was set up in response to the crisis in Nicaragua and today seeks to provide emotional support to all asylum seekers and refugees residing in The Netherlands.
Participation in this program is free.
Get In Touch
emotionalsupport@thehaguepeace.org
Address
The Hague Peace Projects
Paviljoensgracht 20
2512 BP, The Hague
The Netherlands