A Million Voices
The "A Million Voices" (AMV) project is a transformative 12-month initiative funded by the European Union, specifically designed to address the deep-seated societal consequences of the war in Ukraine. Operating across Lithuania, Poland, and Germany, our mission is to improve the mental health and social integration of Ukrainian refugees by utilizing innovative art and narrative therapy. Unlike traditional support systems, AMV focuses on a holistic approach that bridges the emotional and social gaps often experienced by displaced individuals, fostering long-term resilience and community strength.
Our work is grounded in evidence and real-world experiences. We began with a comprehensive research phase, conducting 60 in-depth interviews with refugees, local residents, and social workers to identify the most pressing needs and effective integration strategies. This research, combined with a thorough literature review, has been synthesized into a foundational methodology that serves as a practical guide for social workers and the public on using art as a tool for mental health and social inclusion.
Latest Activities
Resources
Project Objectives
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Enhance mental well-being of Ukrainian refugees.
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Strengthen social bonds between refugees and local communities.
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Empower participants through skill development in art and storytelling.
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Raise public awareness and influence policies on refugee integration.
Project Activities
At the heart of the project are local therapeutic activities designed to empower participants and enhance their well-being. We host specialized workshops in each partner country, including:
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Artistic Expression: Singing and "Inner Voice" workshops help participants process emotions, while painting sessions provide a supportive environment for visual storytelling.
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Physical & Mental Wellness: We utilize Gong therapy for sound-based relaxation and Dance therapy centered on traditional Ukrainian culture to build community and physical expression.
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Community Integration: Social bonds are strengthened through shared experiences like cooking events where participants explore Ukrainian cuisine, and movie nights that celebrate Ukrainian heritage.
AMV leverages digital and physical spaces to share refugee narratives. We are developing Nature Walk Paths in each country where visitors can use QR codes to access 30 personal Ukrainian stories hosted on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
A major highlight of our project is the creation of large-scale public murals that reflect the resilience of the Ukrainian people. We are particularly excited about our upcoming collaboration in Bonn, Germany, where an international artist from Riga, Latvia, will lead a mural painting initiative. In partnership with the local organization artsfourlove, we will also conduct hands-on graffiti workshops, allowing the community to participate directly in this artistic transformation.
iMPACT
We believe that by sharing success stories and evidence-based methodologies, we can influence regional and European policies to support more inclusive refugee integration. Our commitment extends to environmental responsibility; the consortium adheres to "Green Travel" practices and aims to offset 100% of the project’s carbon emissions through tree-planting initiatives. Through these combined efforts, "A Million Voices" strives to create a society where cultural diversity is celebrated and every voice has the chance to be heard.
Partners
Project Reference
Project Name: A Million Voices: Uniting Through Stories
Reference Number: ESF-SI-2024-UA-01-0018
Project Timeline: April 2024 - September 2026
Co-funded by the European Social Fund under ESF-SI-2024-UA-01: Innovative Approaches to Mitigate the Societal Consequences of Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine within EU Countries.
Disclaimer: Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.
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