Support and Solidarity for Lesvos
Donation protected
It is impossible to ignore the current situation that refugees at the borders of Europe are in because the EU have closed their doors.
In November, I am going to Lesvos, Greece to offer my services to those imprisoned at the borders because I cannot sit and watch this crisis continue any longer. I will be working with A Drop in the Ocean who provide a range of services to the refugee population on the island.
And I need your help and support.
Why am I going?
I am going because I cannot continue to sit here and not stand up for what I know in my heart is right. I have spent a majority of the past decade studying, working and living with people from different cultural backgrounds. Most of my social work career has been with refugee and migrant communities in India, Turkey and Australia. I have met their families. Shared their food. Danced together. Learnt together. I have heard their stories. And now I find myself at the heart of the largest refugee crisis since World War II (again) and I realise that this past decade has given me skills, strengths and an understanding that can be helpful for the most vulnerable.
- - -
Please watch this fabulous TED Talk by Essam Daod, child psychiatrist and founder of Humanity Crew. It captures why it is so important that mental health workers are at the heart of support being offered to refugees.
What will I be doing?
My daily tasks will depend on the needs of those on the island. The situation changes regularly and without warning. I am embarking on this work with the knowledge that my work will vary, it will be needs-based and person-centred depending on the human(s) who present before me each day.
I will be helping with English language classes, yoga sessions for children and adults, perhaps distributing items to the residents on the island or boat spotting. Wherever I am needed, I will be there.
My longer term plan* is to return to Lesvos in the new year in the hope I will be able to offer some trauma sensitive yoga (TCTSY) programs, to both individuals and groups.
* I intend to return to Greece in February/March 2019 for a further 3 months to assist where I can. As the situation changes regularly it is difficult to know exactly in what capacity this will be. Any additional funds from my November trip will carry over into my trip in the new year.
- - -
Want to know more about the current situation? Here are a few useful articles and resources:
“The simple truth is that refugees would not risk their lives on a journey so dangerous if they could thrive where they are.”
- Melissa Fleming, UNHCR
"I've never seen the level of suffering we are witnessing here every day... Here, the hope is taken away by the system."
-Luca Fontana, Medecins sans Frontières (MSF)
This is a devastating article about the current mental health crisis in Moria Camp on Lesvos.
UNHCR Updates and News on the European Emergency.
Learning about the deaths in the Mediterranean was what sparked my initial sense that I needed to take action. It is heartbreaking. And preventable.
“For every 18 arrivals this year, one has died while trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe”
- - -
I want you to know exactly where your generous donations are going. I am endlessly grateful for your support.
Here is a breakdown of my costs including travel and living expenses. and resources for those I will be working with. Additional funds will go towards my longer trip in 2019, resources or material aid for those I will be working with and any remaining funds being donated to the organisation. I will keep you updated about the projects. Feel free to get in touch with any questions.
My costs: €1500 (approx.)
Travel including car hire (which is needed by the organisation): €500 / month
Documentation (Police Clearance, International Drivers Licence, Additional Training - First Aid): €150
Accommodation : €450 / month
Living expenses : €400 / month
In November, I am going to Lesvos, Greece to offer my services to those imprisoned at the borders because I cannot sit and watch this crisis continue any longer. I will be working with A Drop in the Ocean who provide a range of services to the refugee population on the island.
And I need your help and support.
Why am I going?
I am going because I cannot continue to sit here and not stand up for what I know in my heart is right. I have spent a majority of the past decade studying, working and living with people from different cultural backgrounds. Most of my social work career has been with refugee and migrant communities in India, Turkey and Australia. I have met their families. Shared their food. Danced together. Learnt together. I have heard their stories. And now I find myself at the heart of the largest refugee crisis since World War II (again) and I realise that this past decade has given me skills, strengths and an understanding that can be helpful for the most vulnerable.
- - -
Please watch this fabulous TED Talk by Essam Daod, child psychiatrist and founder of Humanity Crew. It captures why it is so important that mental health workers are at the heart of support being offered to refugees.
What will I be doing?
My daily tasks will depend on the needs of those on the island. The situation changes regularly and without warning. I am embarking on this work with the knowledge that my work will vary, it will be needs-based and person-centred depending on the human(s) who present before me each day.
I will be helping with English language classes, yoga sessions for children and adults, perhaps distributing items to the residents on the island or boat spotting. Wherever I am needed, I will be there.
My longer term plan* is to return to Lesvos in the new year in the hope I will be able to offer some trauma sensitive yoga (TCTSY) programs, to both individuals and groups.
* I intend to return to Greece in February/March 2019 for a further 3 months to assist where I can. As the situation changes regularly it is difficult to know exactly in what capacity this will be. Any additional funds from my November trip will carry over into my trip in the new year.
- - -
Want to know more about the current situation? Here are a few useful articles and resources:
“The simple truth is that refugees would not risk their lives on a journey so dangerous if they could thrive where they are.”
- Melissa Fleming, UNHCR
"I've never seen the level of suffering we are witnessing here every day... Here, the hope is taken away by the system."
-Luca Fontana, Medecins sans Frontières (MSF)
This is a devastating article about the current mental health crisis in Moria Camp on Lesvos.
UNHCR Updates and News on the European Emergency.
Learning about the deaths in the Mediterranean was what sparked my initial sense that I needed to take action. It is heartbreaking. And preventable.
“For every 18 arrivals this year, one has died while trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe”
- - -
I want you to know exactly where your generous donations are going. I am endlessly grateful for your support.
Here is a breakdown of my costs including travel and living expenses. and resources for those I will be working with. Additional funds will go towards my longer trip in 2019, resources or material aid for those I will be working with and any remaining funds being donated to the organisation. I will keep you updated about the projects. Feel free to get in touch with any questions.
My costs: €1500 (approx.)
Travel including car hire (which is needed by the organisation): €500 / month
Documentation (Police Clearance, International Drivers Licence, Additional Training - First Aid): €150
Accommodation : €450 / month
Living expenses : €400 / month
Organizer
Jemma Moody
Organizer
Berlin
