Refugee Trauma Initiative (RTI)

Refugee Trauma Initiative (RTI) helps men, women and children cope with the multiple and varied trauma many experience as refugees, which could include rape, torture, or the deaths or disappearances of loved ones.  In the refugee camps in Northern Greece, RTI is the only charitable organisation whose dedicated mission it is to provide psychosocial support for refugees.  The highly qualified and trained professionals have many years of experience working with trauma and work to: Protect refugees against the psychological impact of trauma; Support them with the ongoing stress of living in the precarious conditions of the camps; Prepare them to integrate into their new communities.  They provide both group and individual support tailored to the needs of refugees in their own language.  They also provide training and psychological support to the volunteers and aid workers working in the camps.  With help they have been able to support over 2,000 individuals since March 2016.  RTI currently facilitates groups in two refugee camps for women and teenage girls. These sessions are activity-based groups designed to bring communities together and provide a safe supportive space to express and process feelings. RTI’s knitting group in Frakapor camp has been an incredible success bringing over 50 women together on a weekly basis to knit and support one another. During these sessions they provide a range of therapeutic support including implementing cognitive-behavioural techniques, mindfulness, and activities focused on empowerment. RTI’s approach throughout all interactions is family-centred. The family psychologists utilize a systematic approach, understanding and encouraging the family as one unit. This often includes work surrounding marital relationships and parent-child attachment.