Support for Ukrainian refugee families in Birmingham – Project Salam
See our resources for Ukrainian resettling and refugee families in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Project SalamSee an example of our Group Theraplay® events for Ukrainian refugee families in Birmingham!
Beacon Family Services can help if you work with families who are:
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Families who are worried about their children’s emotional wellbeing and/or behaviour
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worried about their children’s anxiety, emotional wellbeing or mental health
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struggling with their child's behaviours or Childhood Challenging Violent and Aggressive Behaviours (CCVAB)
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experiencing school anxiety and / or school refusal
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experiencing a life change, such as illness, divorce or bereavement
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fostering or adopting and looking for support to develop new relationships
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looking for support with either neurodivergence, such as Autism or ADHD, or disabilities
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finding family life difficult and who would like to deepen their relationships to be a more connected parent
Beacon Family Services can help if you work with families who are:

We help parents to recognise and support their children’s emotional states as they navigate the many emotional challenges that can arise from children adjusting to resettling in another country, navigating a new school system, forming new friendships and learning a new language.
Ми допомагаємо батькам розпізнавати та підтримувати емоційний стан їхніх дітей, оскільки вони долають численні емоційні виклики, які можуть виникати внаслідок адаптації дітей до переселення в іншу країну, орієнтування в новій шкільній системі, створення нових відносин з друзями та вивчення нової мови.
Have you ever wondered why your child just can’t sit still? Or why they seem to prefer being upside down? Or how on earth they can really manage that fairground ride again? Children need to spin, roll, and swing indoors and outdoors. Brain research shows us that movement not only helps children develop their motor skills but also helps to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Ви коли-небудь замислювалися, чому ваша дитина не може просто всидіти на місці? Або чому вони надають перевагу зміні положень тіла? Або як вони можуть знову й знову осилювати атракціони на ярмарку? Дітям потрібно вертітися, перевертатися та гойдатися в приміщенні та на вулиці. Дослідження головного мозку показують, що рух не тільки допомагає дітям розвивати моторику, але й допомагає зняти стрес та тривогу.
When it comes to behaviours, often our nervous system is to blame.
Коли справа доходить до поведінки, часто винна наша нервова система.
Every parent knows the daily struggles of coaxing children through tasks essential for a smoothly running day. From the frustration of wrangling shoes back onto little feet to the seemingly endless battles over homework, these challenges are part and parcel of parenthood. Yet, for some parents, especially those navigating the intricate landscape of raising neurodivergent children, these demands can escalate into overwhelming obstacles that leave them feeling lost and helpless.
Кожному з батьків знайомі щоденні зусилля, спрямовані на те, щоб змусити дітей виконувати завдання, необхідні для нормального перебігу дня. Від розчарування при спробі взути взуття на маленькі ніжки до, здавалося б, нескінченних битв за виконання домашнього завдання – ці труднощі є невід’ємною частиною батьківства. Проте, для деяких батьків, особливо тих, хто виховує нейродивергентних дітей, ці вимоги можуть перерости у непереборні перешкоди, які змушують їх відчувати себе розгубленими і безпорадними.

Project Salam is a support programme for refugee families from Afghanistan, Ukraine and Syria to strengthen and maintain family relationships during their period of resettlement in Birmingham and West Midlands.
We use play therapies like Theraplay® to focus on the parent-child relationship, which can have a transformative impact on families’ sense of safety and wellbeing.
Beacon Family Services works directly with families, as well as with professionals who also support refugee families.
Translated resources for parents and professionals
We are developing a bank of translated resources with information and tips on topics including but not limited to neurodivergence and parenting challenges.
Family Theraplay® Support Packages
We meet with a family to understand their needs. Then we provide a bespoke package of Theraplay® sessions and parent support, with the help of an interpreter.
We utilise a one-to-one dynamic and these sessions usually take place in the family home over a 12 week period.
Theraplay® Groups
In these fun-filled sessions, parents and children can explore the power of play to build and maintain relationships. They can take place on a weekly basis over 6-8 weeks in schools, community groups, etc.
Groups for Teenagers and Young People
We offer opportunities for young refugees to connect and thrive in a supportive environment.
Beanie Bundles
Our unique play resource, designed by our therapists and crafted by volunteers, offers a means to welcome Ukrainian families to Birmingham.
Translated resources for parents and professionals
We are developing a bank of translated resources with information and tips on topics including but not limited to neurodivergence and parenting challenges.
The Parenting with Theraplay® programme
Written by experienced clinical psychologists and social workers, this is immersive training which covers attachment theory, neurobiology, and Theraplay® techniques to help professionals assessing and supporting refugee families foster healthier, more resilient relationships.
More details on the training can be read in Parenting With Theraplay® (downloadable PDF).
Places are for West Midlands based professionals, generously funded by the the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities and Birmingham City Council.
Translated resources for professionals and parents
We are developing a bank of translated resources with information and tips on topics including: neurodivergence, parenting challenges etc.
Are you part of a community group, school, or other organisation that supports or interacts with refugee families? We’d love to collaborate with you.
Host us or partner with us!
We love to run our Theraplay® Groups in places most relevant to participants. If you are part of a group or organisation that could host such an event, please get in touch.
Schools, after-school clubs, community spaces, support groups, sport clubs, etc. — we’d love to hear from you.
Passionate about knitting or crochet?
Join our team of volunteer crafters in creating Beacon Beanies for our therapeutic sessions. Your skills can make a real difference in the lives of refugee families.
Project Salam is possible thanks to geneerous funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, Birmingham City Council, the Heart of England Community Foundation, and the National Lottery.
Peppy Hills is a qualified play therapist who leads Project Salam at Beacon Family Services.
For more information about Beacon Family Services' Project Salam, please contact peppy@beaconservices.org.uk or phone 0121 270 0593.

