A support program 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. All of our programming and upcoming opportunities are listed below. If you have any questions or would like to sign up for more information, contact us through our website or get in touch with Senior Therapist & Project Salam Manager, Peppy Hills.

1. Parenting with Theraplay® Workshops for Professionals

   Two fully funded, two-day introductory Theraplay® workshops for professionals working with refugee families to support their parenting. Parenting With Theraplay info leaflet.

   29th – 30th August 2024, 9:30 – 16:30 in Birmingham
   8th – 9th October 2024, 9:30 – 16:30 in Birmingham

   🎟️ Book your free place for both dates here 🎟️

2. Webinar: Placing Theraplay within Displaced and Marginalised Communities

   Virtual presentation & expert panel discussion for the Theraplay® Institute on October 7th.

   🎟️ Details and ticket booking here 🎟️

Is your family from Afghanistan, Ukraine or Syria and resettling in Birmingham or the West Midlands? Do you know any refugee families who are? We offer the following programming directly for families:

• Family Theraplay® Support Packages: We will meet with a family to understand their needs and then provide a bespoke package of Theraplay® sessions and parent support, with the help of an interpreter. One-to-one dynamic which usually takes place in the family home over a 12 week period.
• Theraplay® Groups: Fun-filled sessions where parents and children can explore the power of play to build relationships. Can take place on a weekly basis over 6-8 weeks in schools, community groups, etc.
• Groups for Teenagers and Young People: 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, 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: neurodivergence, parenting challenges etc.

Do you work with refugee family support or know someone who does? We offer the following support for professionals:

• Two fully funded comprehensive two-day training programs, one from 29th – 30th August and one from 8th – 9th October 2024. The Parenting with Theraplay programme, written by experienced clinical psychologists and social workers, is an 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 here: Parenting With Theraplay info leaflet. Places are for West Midlands based professionals, generously funded by the the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities and Birmingham City Council. 🎟️ Book your free place for both dates here 🎟️
  
  
• 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.
• Webinar: Placing Theraplay within Displaced and Marginalised Communities. Discussion with a panel of experts that has brought Theraplay® to marginalised and displaced communities in Ireland and the UK, who will share their experience of building relationships with key stakeholders as well as creating trust with families and adapting Theraplay® in practice. 🎟️ Details and ticket booking here 🎟️

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 be 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 funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, Birmingham City Council, 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 Service’s Project Salam, contact peppy@beaconservices.org.uk or 0121 270 0593