Support after forced displacement is not only about documents, consultations, or finding the right service. Sometimes, support also means having a safe space where people can meet, talk, learn, create, and feel that they are not alone in the process of adapting to a new country.
This is one of the reasons why support groups and community activities are an important part of RefAid BaltHUB.
For many Ukrainian refugees, life in a new country brings many practical challenges: understanding local systems, accessing services, dealing with uncertainty, learning a new language, supporting family members, and trying to build a sense of stability again. In this process, emotional and social support can be just as important as information.
Support groups help create a space where people can connect with others who may have similar experiences. These meetings are not only about discussing difficult topics. They can also be about doing something together, learning new skills, taking a break from daily stress, and gradually rebuilding a sense of community.
Within RefAid BaltHUB, support group formats may vary depending on the country, the needs of participants, and the local context. In Estonia, these activities are especially well developed and include formats for both adults and teenagers.
For adults, support groups may include creative meetings, knitting, crafting, learning new skills or practical crafts, thematic discussions, walks, or guided visits. These activities give people a chance to communicate in a calm and safe environment, share experiences when they are ready, and receive useful information in an accessible way.
For teenagers, group activities may include board games, thematic meetings, creative sessions, and other formats that help young people communicate, build trust, and feel more connected. For adolescents who have experienced displacement, such spaces can be especially important, as adaptation often happens not only through information, but also through relationships, routine, and a sense of belonging.
Support groups also help reduce isolation. When people arrive in a new country, they may not immediately have friends, familiar places, or trusted contacts. A group meeting can become a first step toward building new connections and understanding that support is available.
RefAid BaltHUB develops support groups and community-based activities across the Baltic Hub countries. In Estonia, different formats are already actively taking place. In Lithuania, group activities have also been organised, while other formats continue to develop across the project.
At the moment, there is no single fixed schedule for all support groups and activities. Meetings may depend on the country, the local team, the needs of participants, and the availability of facilitators and community spaces.
That is why we encourage people to follow RefAid BaltHUB updates. We will continue sharing information about upcoming support groups, community meetings, and activities organised within the project.
If you are interested in joining a support group or want to learn more about available activities, you can reach out to RefAid BaltHUB.
Support can begin not only with a consultation, but also with a conversation, a shared activity, or a safe space where people can simply be together.
