A Unique Mobile Sand Therapy Room for Children and Youth Begins Work in Alsunga and Ēdole

The charitable association “Tavi draugi” together with SIA “Sistēmiskās Psihoterapijas centrs” has launched the implementation of a unique project, “Creation of a Mobile Sand Therapy Room and Provision of Sand Therapy in the Regions of Latvia.” Within the framework of the project, for the next three months, students of Alsunga Art Primary School and Ēdole Primary School, who are recommended for this method by specialists, will be able to receive sand therapy services free of charge.

The aim of the project “Creation of a Mobile Sand Therapy Room and Provision of Sand Therapy in the Regions of Latvia” is to develop and implement innovative mobile access to and delivery of sand therapy support services for children in Latvia’s regions who have suffered from peer violence and for children with harmful sexual behavior, according to their specific needs, in order to prevent the risk of repeated violence and reduce the long-term consequences of violence. The target group of sand therapy consists of children under 18 years of age who receive the service in a safe and trust-based environment. The service is provided free of charge according to specialists’ recommendations – within the framework of the project, it is currently available only to target group children in Alsunga and Ēdole who are registered for participation in the project.

Since last summer, support in the mobile sand therapy room has already been provided to children in Zemgale, Lapmežciems and Trikāta, while in Vidzeme support has been provided simultaneously in cooperation with parents and teachers.

“The sand therapy play method has a wide range of applications and is effective on an individual level, which is particularly important for children and adolescents who have experienced violence. The number of support specialists in more remote regions of Latvia is insufficient; therefore, waiting times for services are often inappropriate for the specific needs of victims of violence or those with harmful sexual behavior in order to prevent and reduce the consequences of violence. This type of emotional and psychological assistance should be provided as quickly as possible and as close to the place of residence as possible,” says Ilze Žilde, head of the Systemic Psychotherapy Center.

Children and young people in the project’s target group also require a multidisciplinary approach, combining psychological, educational and social support to effectively address problems and help them overcome difficulties. Daira Jonase, a sand play therapy specialist, explains: “The selection of the mobile sand therapy project’s target group was developed in cooperation with municipal social services, associations, and social workers in educational institutions who work with victims of violence. We are grateful for the responsiveness of the municipality and teaching staff in recognizing the opportunity to help children in Alsunga and Ēdole, improving their quality of life in the long term.”

Overall, the project plans to support at least 60 children and adolescents – after completing work in Kurzeme, the mobile sand therapy room will travel to Latgale.

Ulvis Noviks, head of the association “Tavi draugi”: “Alongside the widely known support that ‘Tavi draugi’ provides to Ukraine, we continue to help people in difficulty here in Latvia as well. The creation of a mobile sand therapy room is one way we can, with the involvement of professionals, help children and young people in those areas of Latvia where the availability of necessary support and specialists is insufficient. This is an innovative project in the Baltics, which we hope to develop and continue on a broader scale across Latvia.”

The project “Creation of a Mobile Sand Therapy Room and Provision of Sand Therapy in the Regions of Latvia” under measure 4.3.6.4 “Development and Implementation of Support Instruments for Strengthening Family Functionality” is implemented with funding from ESF Plus and the state budget. The association “Tavi draugi” is responsible for the content of this press release.