Caring for the caretakers: Strengthening resilience together

How can we take better care of those who dedicate their work to caring for others? This question guided the Caring to Include project partners as they gathered in Budapest from June 10 to 12. Hosted by the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, the meeting brought together organisations from across Europe — including the Centre for Peace Studies from Croatia — to jointly develop a toolkit that will strengthen mental well-being and promote trauma-informed approaches within organisations supporting refugees.

Exchange, reflection and shared learning
In preparation for the meeting, each partner organisation carried out national research on the mental well-being of their teams and the level of trauma-informed support provided to refugees and asylum seekers. The findings, drawn from surveys, interviews and best practice mapping, were compiled into a joint comparative report.

During the first day in Budapest, partners exchanged insights, identified common challenges and set priorities for the upcoming toolkit. Discussions with Hungarian civil society colleagues — including from the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Amnesty International Hungary and local initiatives — highlighted the importance of solidarity and cross-border cooperation, especially in contexts where civil society operates under increasing pressure.

Building tools for care and resilience
The second day featured a training by trauma care experts from the Cordelia Foundation, focused on preventing burnout and fostering organisational resilience. Practical strategies for supporting staff and volunteers will form a central part of the forthcoming toolkit.

The final sessions were dedicated to co-creation. Together, partners began developing concrete tools and approaches to support mental health, strengthen peer support, and embed a culture of care in their organisations. Over the coming year, this work will continue, leading to a practical and accessible toolkit to be shared with civil society organisations across Europe by the end of 2026.