On 26 May 2026, Bienvenu Shelter hosted a meaningful community dialogue titled “Bridging Identities: Supporting the Mental Health of Our Children”, facilitated by REPSSI (Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative). The event brought together 21 community members, parents and professionals to reflect on the importance of mental health support for teens and pre-teens, especially within vulnerable and migrant communities.
The dialogue created a space for conversation, listening and shared learning around the emotional wellbeing of children growing up in increasingly complex social environments. Particular attention was given to the challenges faced by young people navigating identity, belonging, displacement, family separation, trauma and social pressures.
At Bienvenu Shelter, we witness every day how emotional wellbeing is deeply connected to stability and access to supportive relationships. Many of the children and adolescents within migrant and refugee communities carry experiences of uncertainty, loss and discrimination that can strongly affect their mental health and development. Creating safe spaces where these realities can be openly discussed is therefore essential.
The session encouraged participants to reflect on how families, schools, faith communities and organisations can work together to better support children during important stages of growth and identity formation. Discussions also highlighted what is mental health and what does it look like, coping mechanisms and the importance of active listening, community care and creating environments where children feel seen, valued and protected.
We are grateful to REPSSI for facilitating this important dialogue and for their continued commitment to the psychosocial wellbeing of children and young people across the region. At Bienvenu Shelter, we remain committed to promoting not only the physical safety of migrant and refugee women and children, but also their emotional wellbeing, dignity and hope for the future.
