The Resilience Journey consists of 4 stations designed to normalise trauma symptoms, build resilience and encourage positive coping
It takes less than an hour to go through. Participants are given headsets with audio in their own languages guiding them through the four stations.
Station 1: Normal Knots
Trauma can effect people in a number of ways and many people naturally struggle for sometime afterwards. It is often hard for people to talk about what they are going through and many often assume no one else can relate to their experience. This situation can be very frightening and lonely.
Station 1 aims to help normalise some of the usual symptoms of trauma that participants may be experiencing. Using the illustration of a knot in a piece of string, trauma symptoms are presented as the normal and expected outcome of the journey the participant has been through. They are invited to tie knots in their string while hearing about the different symptoms that can result from trauma. They are then invited to untie the knots, one by one, noting that sometimes knots comes loose naturally and at other times untying them can be challenging and may require help.
Station 1 aims to help normalise some of the usual symptoms of trauma that participants may be experiencing. Using the illustration of a knot in a piece of string, trauma symptoms are presented as the normal and expected outcome of the journey the participant has been through. They are invited to tie knots in their string while hearing about the different symptoms that can result from trauma. They are then invited to untie the knots, one by one, noting that sometimes knots comes loose naturally and at other times untying them can be challenging and may require help.
Station 2: Support Finder
When trapped in an undesirable situation it is easy to focus on the negative and to see yourself as a victim. This can make people feel powerless. Feeling powerless is detrimental to mental health and emotional wellbeing. It increases stress and anxiety, sapping motivation and resilience.
Station 2 aims to help participants identify where their strength is. They are given a paper cup and asked to write or draw on it the different things that have helped them to survive. This includes personal characteristics, relationships and activities. They then slide their cup under a box that is supported by other cups. Their cup now forms one of the pillars holding the box up. This demonstrates that the factors they have written will continue to support them, and at the same time they can help to support others. This station aims to build self-esteem and encourages a proactive mindset to engage with the present situation.
Station 2 aims to help participants identify where their strength is. They are given a paper cup and asked to write or draw on it the different things that have helped them to survive. This includes personal characteristics, relationships and activities. They then slide their cup under a box that is supported by other cups. Their cup now forms one of the pillars holding the box up. This demonstrates that the factors they have written will continue to support them, and at the same time they can help to support others. This station aims to build self-esteem and encourages a proactive mindset to engage with the present situation.
Station 3: One brick at a time
The future many refugees hope for seems unattainable. Many are stuck in camps living in difficult conditions, others remain trapped in countries they hoped to be able to pass through, and still more wait for unknown lengths of time for legal status to be granted allowing them to start building a life. Many are hesitant to do anything in the meantime. It often does not seem worthwhile to them.
In Station 3 participants are encouraged about the value of improving their present circumstance in the small ways they are able. They are presented with a picture of a toy house and a small box of bricks. There are not enough bricks to build that house, but the bricks they do have can build a smaller structure. It may not be all they hoped for, but in building at all, even with the limited number of bricks available, they are improving the situation. This station aims to manage expectations and encourages refugees to focus on making the most of the present rather than dwelling on the past or waiting for the future.
In Station 3 participants are encouraged about the value of improving their present circumstance in the small ways they are able. They are presented with a picture of a toy house and a small box of bricks. There are not enough bricks to build that house, but the bricks they do have can build a smaller structure. It may not be all they hoped for, but in building at all, even with the limited number of bricks available, they are improving the situation. This station aims to manage expectations and encourages refugees to focus on making the most of the present rather than dwelling on the past or waiting for the future.
Station 4: Solidarity
Many refugees can feel forgotten by the world. Many feel that everything is against them and no one is on their side. The transition from leaving their homeland to finding a new home can be very lonely.
Station 4 aims to facilitate connection between refugees and those around the world who want to communicate solidarity. Each participant receives a card containing a personal message from someone saying they are thinking of them and standing with them. The participants are then offered a drink of tea or coffee and invited to meet volunteers, other participants and team members and given the opportunity to share from their experience.
Station 4 aims to facilitate connection between refugees and those around the world who want to communicate solidarity. Each participant receives a card containing a personal message from someone saying they are thinking of them and standing with them. The participants are then offered a drink of tea or coffee and invited to meet volunteers, other participants and team members and given the opportunity to share from their experience.
"Life Transitions invites healing with sensitivity, truth and compassion! Engaging all five senses, it empowers host and newcomer to lament loss, imagine a hopeful future, and be welcomed in the present."
(Nicole, Pastor and Community Organizer)
