I am a Greek psychologist (MSc), living in the UK and I need your help to fund a trip to the Greek island of Lesvos in order to help with the current inflow of refugees fleeing war, terror, death and persecution.
While in Lesvos I will be joining a large number of wonderful volunteers already on the ground and will be assisting in psychological first aid and counselling (for refugees and volunteers alike), as well as offering tutorials and short workshops for long-term volunteers (and anyone else who would like to join) on the basics of psychological trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). When I am not assisting as a psychologist, I will be helping around in everything and anything that needs doing through initiatives such as the Health Point Project Lesvos, Sisters in Health and numerous others!
I have had the opportunity to work with vulnerable populations many times in the past: street children, refugees and sexual abuse victims, while getting my training and diplomas as a psychotherapist in REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy) and as a trauma therapist (with the EMDR method). My contact with such populations has shown me how crucial any form of support can be in such dark hours and how even the smallest acts of human kindness can give strength and hope to those who are struggling.
The money raised through this project will be used to purchase vitals that are in short supply (tents, sleeping bags, warm clothes etc.) and to cover the cost of renting a car which will be used to transport food, clothes, medication etc. around the island.
The numbers of people reaching the shores of Lesvos, both form the East and the North, are overwhelming and the need for medical care, basic necessities, food and psychological support is big! The local population has, for many, many months, been responding in every way possible but the demand is too high to be met only by a population of approximately 87,000.
It is up to each and everyone of us to help, in any way that we can, to alleviate as much as possible the terrible effects of this tragedy!
Thank you all for your time and help!
Angela O. Lazaraki