The project “Building Bridges – Encountering Diversity” aimed at promoting social and political participation alongside providing mental health care for refugees, focusing on women, children, families, and other vulnerable groups in Frankfurt am Main (Hessen), Hattingen, Bochum (North Rhine-Westphalia), and Potsdam (Brandenburg).
In collaboration with the Central Welfare Board of Jews in Germany (ZWST), Building Bridges empowered individuals with refugee backgrounds to actively participate in society. Participants, known as mediators, engaged within their own peer groups to advocate for active social participation and equal opportunity in day-to-day life. The project specifically addressed vulnerable groups with refugee backgrounds who face unique challenges in integrating and participating actively in society. By integrating leadership groups with psychosocial support, the project was focused on implementing targeted interventions to enhance social and political integration and promote mental health.
This integrative approach earned the project the German Chancellor´s National Integration Award in 2018.
Mediators in our leadership groups enable and strengthen social and political participation through engagement within their own peer groups and the host society.
Strengthening intercultural psychosocial health care and violence prevention for providers who work with refugees, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and women.
Strengthening psychosocial consultations and training for service providers working with refugees.
Creating, strengthening, and integrating self-help structures.
