In the years since 2022, Europe has continued to adapt to successive migration processes, from the Mediterranean crisis of 2015 to the mass migration triggered by the war in Ukraine. By April 2022 more than five million people had fled Ukraine, and the impacts of that migration movement are still shaping European policy and practice in 2026. Children remain among the most vulnerable in every stage of migration process: separated from familiar routines and support networks, they confront not only language challenges but also cumulative mental-health burdens caused by such drastic changes and traumas in their environment.

Yet, the crisis extends beyond just the recent migration. Since 2020, children and adolescents worldwide have been facing the mental health repercussions of the pandemic. Experts suggest that the trauma and anxiety experienced during such tumultuous times can remain long after the initial events, such as wars or pandemics, have concluded.

Children represent the cornerstone of every society. They will shape the future world for generations to come. Envision a scenario where we nurture them today, ensuring they develop strong mental resilience and a sense of belonging, regardless of which European country they find themselves in. The mental health and well-being of children transcend borders, urging us all to take immediate action. By investing in their emotional and psychological health now, we not only support them but also lay the foundation for a more compassionate and inclusive future.

Imagine Europe where communities, schools, volunteers, public institutions, and NGOs are fluent in the language of mental well-being. In this vision, everyone: from classroom assistants to city planners has access to simple tools that help create safety and belonging for children. That shared capacity builds bridges: a migrant child finds relief and joy in a school activity; a refugee family meets a volunteer who can respond with empathy; a small community garden becomes an everyday sanctuary. The vision is not idealistic; it is achievable when knowledge, resources, and goodwill on how to create a safe place travel as readily as people do.

And here is the thing: Safe places come in many shapes and sizes! Sometimes a safe place is a private, internal practice: a calming thought or ritual a child can carry. Other times it takes a physical form: a quiet corner or a sensory garden at school, or a temporary natural shelter built with children’s participation. Technology adds another dimension: simple animation story for breathing exercises or immersive VR spaces that guide relaxation and storytelling. When seeking peace and well-being, scale is not what matters most — accessibility is.

Even the smallest steps can provide a big change. Thus, in our final project solution, you will find a collection of ready-made “recipes” for well-being: short, pocketable practices you can use anywhere; quick, cheap and easy implementable scenarios for workshops with the children; ideas for cozy corners for classrooms and reception centres; full sensory gardens; and even immersive Virtual Worlds accessed through VR goggles. Each entry reads like a recipe: clear ingredients (materials, time) and step-by-step instructions will facilitate your work.

Discover our cookbook of wellbeing: pick a “recipe” and follow the method. And introduce the good change to your surroundings!

The most beautiful thing about this? All those ideas can be implemented and served to benefit people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering mental well-being across the borders. Try by yourself!