Problem addressed
The project addresses the psychological distress, social isolation, and lack of meaningful integration faced by Ukrainian refugees following Russia’s war of aggression. Traditional support systems often overlook emotional well-being and do not sufficiently connect refugees with host communities.
The project responds to the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which has displaced millions of people into the EU. Refugees face elevated levels of psychosocial stress, trauma, social isolation, and integration barriers. While basic needs such as housing and education are addressed, mental health and social inclusion remain underserved areas.
International and European reports, including the UN’s State of Youth in Ukraine (2019) and the European Commission’s Youth Work Quality Systems (2017), highlight significant gaps in psychosocial support and integration practices. A Million Voices addresses these by combining therapy, creativity, and social engagement, using innovative, non-formal, and culturally sensitive approaches.
Innovative solution
The project introduces a holistic and creative approach by combining art therapy (dance, music, painting, cooking) with narrative techniques (interviews, storytelling events, digital storytelling). It also integrates nature walks and multimedia to share refugee stories, making mental health support more accessible, inclusive, and community-oriented.
Types of Activities and Delivery Method
Activities are professional-led, inclusive, and implemented in all three countries:
- Art Therapy Programs: At least 7 workshops per country (singing, painting, gong therapy, dance therapy). Each session hosts 15–20 participants and is delivered by trained facilitators.
- Community Events: Each country organises 1 cooking/dinner event, 1 outdoor movie night, 1 movie evening and 2 storytelling picnics. 1 car painting activity will be organized only in Lithuania and attended by 30 participants. These events create safe and informal spaces for integration and cultural exchange.
- Murals & Opening Events: In each partner country, a large-scale mural will be co-created by refugees and local youth on a public building. Professional artists guide the process, but refugees and locals contribute to the design and painting. Once completed, each mural will be inaugurated with a public opening event, gathering at least 30 participants, community leaders, and media. The murals act as permanent, visible reminders of resilience and inclusion, anchoring the project in the urban landscape.
- Story Collection & Dissemination: At least 15 interviews per country with refugees, locals, and social workers. Stories will be shared via Spotify, YouTube, QR codes on murals, and a short documentary.
Nature Walk Paths with Digital Storytelling: In each partner country, a dedicated walk path will be created where Ukrainian refugee stories are embedded into the landscape using QR codes, sound recordings, and digital platforms. This innovative method combines well-being through nature with narrative therapy, allowing both refugees and locals to experience stories in an immersive and reflective way.
Key results and benefits
Scale and Reach
- 450+ direct participants: 270 refugees, 135 locals, 45 professionals/social workers.
- Tens of thousands indirect beneficiaries via digital storytelling, outdoor installations, documentary dissemination, and public events.
- Activities take place in community centres, cultural venues, and outdoor public spaces across Lithuania, Poland, and Germany, ensuring accessibility, visibility, and long-term impact.
Key results and benefits
Improved emotional well-being of Ukrainian refugees
Stronger bonds between refugees and local communities
Increased public awareness through storytelling events and a documentary
A replicable model of art-based refugee support
Empowered participants with new creative and communicative skills
Potential for mainstreaming
The project’s low-cost, scalable methods and community-driven format allow for easy replication in other EU contexts. Its model can inform public policy, be integrated into NGO or municipal programming, and serve as a blueprint for refugee support using creative therapies.
