This World Refugee Day, we shine a light on a silent crisis: the mental health struggles of unaccompanied migrant children in the Netherlands. While the global number of displaced people is at a decade high, access to mental health care remains out of reach for many. Mental health is a leading cause of disability, shortened life expectancy, poor physical health, social integration, and future opportunity. Yet, it continues to get less attention than physical health. At People for People, we’ve been exploring how to change that for people who need it most — young refugees.
In this article, we’re joined by Lara Bridge, mental health researcher and team member, as we explore why mental health must be a priority, and the steps we’re taking in this direction.

The largest unseen crisis in the Netherlands
Mental health is among the most critical yet overlooked issues of our time.
In addition to the immense human suffering it causes, poor mental health limits every dimension of opportunity. “Among all disabilities, mental illness is linked to the highest global rates of unemployment. This means that individuals living with mental health disorders are more likely to experience financial hardship due to factors such as reduced ability to work, social isolation, and healthcare costs,” explains Lara.
Now, when you throw into the mix the struggles of displacement and adolescence, the age of most unaccompanied migrant children, everything is exacerbated. “The trauma of conflict, the stress of dangerous journeys, and the instability of asylum processes all collide at this developmental stage of life, pushing many young people to their limits,” says Lara, “So for them, the need for mental health care is more critical.”

Over the last few months, we’ve been conducting thorough research in consultation with over 30 experts in the field. What we’ve found is that this pressing need is not met with a matching response in the Netherlands. The country is home to several organisations highly experienced and active in the domain. However, the current political climate and limited funding mean many efforts are unsupported, fragmented, and unsustainable. What’s needed is an initiative that streamlines all existing programmes into one evidence-based, cost-effective and scalable one. This is exactly what we’re contributing to as People for People.
How it all started
At People for People, we know those young people. We’ve been engaged with them for years in over 65 different locations across the country. We’ve sat with them, played with them and listened to their stories. We call those structured gatherings Rolling Aid Events.




“Gradually, we’ve invested in those moments to pave the way for a greater impact. Through hands-on activities like music, sports, and art, these events have helped us gather real insights to refine and improve mental wellbeing initiatives,” says Lara,
“It’s precisely through the work we’ve done that we realised we need to, and can do, much more.”
Our preventative and holistic approach
“Prevention is better than cure”. We all know this wise saying that traces back to ancient Greece, and it perfectly applies to mental health. As Lara explains: “What we found through our research is that early, proactive interventions are more effective than rehabilitative efforts, as untreated mental illness can trigger harmful cycles of symptoms and behaviours that are harder and more expensive to address later.”
Moreover, growing evidence supports the importance of approaching mental health holistically, considering the role of the socio-ecological factors where environment, social relations, education and other domains play a major role.

We’re designing an early, holistic, and preventative mental health programme rooted in social connection, creativity, sports, education, and mentorship. Drawing from our spirit as entrepreneurial bridge makers, we’re conducting this effort in partnership with Laguna Collective, a well-established organisation of international experts in humanitarian psychosocial aid provision.
A win-win situation and the way forward
Through investing in such initiatives, we’re not only supporting young refugees, but also building a stronger Dutch society. “Investing in mental health reduces long-term healthcare costs, improves social cohesion, and even opens up unexpected opportunities that we as a society can benefit from—like tapping into undiscovered talents in sports, arts, or tech,” says Lara.


Currently, we are deep in the design phase: mapping services, barriers, and solutions with our community of partners and young people themselves. Soon, we’ll begin piloting the programme in Utrecht. And we’ll be measuring not just outcomes, but also impact and sustainability.
As Lara puts it best:
“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—we need to connect it. We need to recognise that giving young refugees and asylum seekers a space to heal, learn, and belong is the cornerstone of peaceful integration.”
We’ll keep you posted on our findings and progress in this project. So stay tuned!
