We wanted to achieve a few clear things with this project. First, we wanted to support better integration of refugees and asylum seekers in local communities, especially by reducing loneliness and helping people build real social connections. We planned to do it through a mentor-based, peer-to-peer approach: connecting newly arrived people with refugees who are already well integrated and can share experience and practical support. Second, we wanted to strengthen the skills of adult educators, community workers and organisations that work with refugees. The goal was to give them simple methods and tools they can use in everyday work, not only during the project. This is why we planned training activities and practical testing in each country. Third, we wanted to create results that stay after the funding ends: a clear methodology and ready-to-use materials, plus a collection of good practices and recommendations. We also wanted strong dissemination, so these results reach more organisations, local stakeholders and policy makers. The project website and open access materials were planned to support this long-term impact.
We applied for this project because in recent years Europe has faced new waves of refugees and asylum seekers (including people fleeing the war in Ukraine). At the same time, many countries still do not have enough long-term programmes that support refugees’ self-reliance, resilience and mental health. Many people experience loneliness, stress, loss of social status, discrimination, language and bureaucracy barriers, and a lack of personal networks that would help them feel “normal” again and become part of the local community. The project answered this need by using a peer-to-peer approach: connecting newly arrived asylum seekers with successfully integrated refugees as mentors and role models. This helps create a sense of belonging, confidence and wellbeing, and supports practical learning from real experience. In parallel, we wanted to improve the competences of adult educators and community/social workers, so they can use mentor-based methods in their daily work and become facilitators of integration. We also aimed to collect good practices and share them with stakeholders and policy makers, so the impact can continue after the project ends.