Starting life in a new country can be a major challenge, and adapting often takes longer than initially expected. In autumn, in cooperation with the Integration Foundation, we launched a series of events across Estonia to support people with refugee and migrant backgrounds in coping with everyday life and to encourage them to participate actively in society.

Carefully planned community meetings create a warm and supportive environment for people who have been forced to leave their homes, allowing different communities to better understand and trust one another. This, in turn, provides a stronger foundation for integration into a new society and for starting an independent life.

Since September, when the cooperation programme began, a total of eight meetings have taken place across Estonia — in Narva, Tartu, Tallinn and Pärnu. Seven more meetings are planned for the new year. Each event brings together around 30 participants with a refugee background.

From mental health to Arvo Pärt

In September, the first events were held in Narva and Tallinn, where participants came together to learn how to take care of their mental wellbeing. Practical tips were also shared on how to provide mental health first aid when needed. The atmosphere was warm and supportive, and everyone took away useful knowledge to apply in everyday life.

In October, participants explored the Palamuse Museum and the works of Oskar Luts, followed by an inspiring guided walk through the village of Palamuse. A visit to Laulasmaa focused on learning more about opportunities in the labour market, while at the Arvo Pärt Centre participants painted clay pots to the accompaniment of Pärt’s music and delved into his remarkable creative world.

In November, participants learned about the history of Narva and Narva-Jõesuu and examined archaeological finds collected by Aleksandr Openko. A tour of the Kreenholm Manufactory introduced them to the impressive heritage of this industrial complex. In Pärnu, the focus was on developing parenting skills through a short training course titled “The Journey to Desired Parenting”. Participants also visited the Lydia Koidula Museum and discovered beautiful views of the city during a relaxing boat trip on the Pärnu River. In Tartu, the seminar “Attention, Anxiety and Coping” helped participants understand the causes of anxiety and practical ways to manage it, while a ghost tour of Toomemägi led them through Tartu’s legends and mysterious stories, combining learning with excitement.

In December, a seminar on communicating with teenagers was held in Tartu and delivered by certified trainer and psychotherapist Angelika Veldre. In the afternoon, participants explored the wonders of nature at the Tartu Nature House. In Tallinn, the group visited the newly opened Swedbank Arter Quarter financial literacy centre, took part in a marzipan workshop at the oldest continuously operating café in Estonia, and ended the day with mulled wine and a Christmas tour in the historic Old Town.

Participants have been very satisfied with their experiences, and some shared their impressions with us. One participant said: “Thank you very much for today’s meeting. The seminar and the walk were very interesting, and there was a warm and friendly atmosphere. Thank you for your work!”

Another participant added: “Xenia, thank you for inviting me to the event! I especially enjoyed the first part and the lunch in a wonderful place. The ghost stories were simply brilliant.”

Project No. AMIF.1.02.23-0005, “Cooperation activities to increase the civic engagement of third-country nationals, including beneficiaries of international protection”, is co-financed by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).