Lighthouse Relief

Our Vision: A society that offers safe harbour to refugees, upholds universal human rights and creates equal opportunities for anyone to thrive. Our Mission: Fill gaps in humanitarian protection for people seeking refuge. We deliver award-winning sports programmes for girls, boys and young adults living in refugee camps in Greece. Our sports coaching promotes the physical and mental health and wellbeing of children seeking asylum in Greece….children who have escaped war and persecution in their country of birth, and who continue to experience physical and structural violence within refugee camp. Working with coaches trained in a trauma-informed approach, we run our sports sessions outside the camps, providing a safe space – and equipping children with the skills required to be resilient in the face of violence, helping them maintain confidence, happiness, and self-worth despite uncertainty. Based on a framework of empowerment through sport, our programmes teach emotional regulation, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We closely involve the children in both the design and implementation of the sessions, promoting agency and empowerment. By attending our sessions, children are able to be children again – experiencing the joy and freedom of playing sport, learning new skills, and tasting life outside a refugee camp. These are vital, life-enhancing experiences which will help participants on their journey to leading a fulfilled life, despite their traumatic early years. Our ethos of flexibility, accountability, and inclusivity means that we adapt quickly to evolving needs on the ground and draw on the experiences of team members and partners who have lived as refugees to shape our response. Learn more: Facebook: facebook.com/lighthouserelief Instagram: @lighthouserelief Twitter: @lighthouseRR