Support for refugees
Current situation
In view of the war in Ukraine, there is a wave of willingness to help. Many people decide to take in refugees from the war zone. Many helpers ask themselves the question: "What do people need most urgently now? And how can I support them?”
Of course, needs vary from person to person. It is therefore also very different and individual what is experienced as helpful by refugees. However, many will also be able to express what concerns and needs they currently have across possible language barriers.
In addition, there are some aspects that have proven to be effective and helpful in connection with the processing of stressful events.
Create a safe environment
For most of the refugees, the situation of insecurity, fear and worry persists, even if they were able to escape from the war zone themselves. Their thoughts revolve around the fate of people close to them, the future of their country and their own future.
After the experiences in the war zone and while fleeing, the fulfillment of important basic needs (e.g. beeing sheltered, warm accommodation, food, a place to sleep) can help refugees feel safer.
A structure based on a fixed daily routine (regular meals, activities, etc.) can also provide stability. Such routines offer a framework for orientation, especially for children.
Needs of children
Because children can be particularly insecure and are dependent on their caregivers. If the children are accompanied by reference persons, it is therefore particularly important to support them so that they can give the children support and stability. If children have come to Germany alone, it is important that there are adults who are there for them and can assume the role of a caregiver.
Only if there is external security a feeling of security can develop inside and peace be restored.
Offer relief
For many refugees, your offer of help and safe accommodation already means a great deal of relief.
A distraction from the latest news and constant worrying brooding can also be a relief for a few moments. On the other hand, constant media consumption makes it more difficult to find inner peace.
Activities can be distracting for a while. Especially for children there are opportunities to play, do handicrafts and run around - maybe even with other children - a welcome change through positive experiences.
Whether it is a relief for the refugees to talk about their own experiences varies greatly. Some refugees may want this, for others talking about what they have experienced in the current situation is too stressful. Signal your willingness to listen, but don't push.
Enable self-determination, activity and inclusion
Many refugees have experienced dangerous situations in which they have felt helpless and powerless. Many people who have had such experiences find it helpful to be able to do something about it: to be able to do and achieve something and thus experience a feeling of control again.
It can therefore under certain circumstances increase feelings of helplessness and powerlessness if you try to relieve the refugees as much as possible in order to relieve them. Involve those affected in the upcoming activities and tasks and do not make decisions for them.
If your guests would also like to get involved in Germany, you can consider together which offices they can turn to with this concern.
It is important that you make offers, but do not force them on! It is best to ask about specific concerns.
Create closeness and connection
Most of the refugees not only had to leave their homes and belongings behind, but also husbands and partners, fathers and sons and other relatives, confidants and caregivers. Being able to keep in touch with them is especially important to them.
Perhaps there is also a desire to get in touch with other refugees in order to exchange ideas and network.
In addition, the experience of solidarity and cohesion in Germany can strengthen the feeling of closeness and connectedness. Social and friendly mutual support is an important factor in overcoming stressful experiences.
Give hope and perspective
It is difficult for many people to maintain hope and confidence at this time. The war has shaken world understanding and robbed many Ukrainians of their confidence in a secure future.
And yet it is important for the refugees, especially for the children who have fled, to experience that life goes on for them – albeit differently than before.
A reflection on their own resources and responsibility - e.g. for the children - can help adults to take the next steps.
Perhaps you can support the refugees in planning the next tasks and steps - possibly beyond the period in which you can provide accommodation.
Loss of contact with family members in Ukraine
If you are in Germany and you separated from your family or lost contact due to the current conflict in Ukraine, please contact the German Red Cross Tracing Service.
Tracing Service of the German Red Cross
Phone: 089 680 773 111
