Mobile Sand Therapy Project Launched to Support Children in Latvian Regions

The charity association “Tavi draugi” together with “Systemic Psychotherapy Center” has launched the unique project “Creation of a Mobile Sand Therapy Office and Provision of Sand Therapy in Latvian Regions.” This summer, support was already provided to children in Zemgale through the mobile sand therapy office, and starting in October, the work will continue in Vidzeme, Trikāta parish of Valmiera region.

The aim of the project is to develop and implement an innovative mobile sand therapy support service for children in Latvian regions who have suffered from interpersonal violence, as well as for children with harmful sexual behavior, addressing their specific needs, in order to prevent risks of repeated violence and to reduce the long-term consequences of abuse. The target group includes children up to the age of 18, receiving the service in a safe and trust-based environment. The service is provided free of charge, according to specialists’ recommendations.

“Sand play therapy has a wide application and is effective on an individual level, which is especially important for children and adolescents who have experienced violence. In remote Latvian regions, the number of support specialists is insufficient, and waiting times for services often do not meet the urgent needs of victims of violence or children with harmful sexual behavior. Such emotional and psychological support must be provided as quickly as possible and close to the child’s place of residence,” explains Ilze Žilde, head of the Systemic Psychotherapy Center.

Children and young people in the project’s target group also need a multidisciplinary approach, combining psychological, educational, and social support to effectively address problems and help them overcome difficulties. Sand play therapy specialist Daira Jonase notes: “The target group for the mobile sand therapy project is selected in cooperation with municipal social services, associations, and school social workers who work with victims of violence. This summer, for three months we worked with children in the Zemgale region, Lapmežciems, providing support while cooperating with parents and teachers. We are pleased with the responsiveness of municipalities and educators in recognizing the importance of helping children and improving their quality of life in the long term.”

At the beginning of October, the mobile sand therapy office will move to Vidzeme, Trikāta, where it will continue to operate until the end of 2025. Project activities are planned until July 2026, providing support also for children in Kurzeme and Latgale. In total, the project aims to support at least 60 children and adolescents.

“Alongside the support provided by Tavi draugi for Ukraine, we are constantly looking for ways to help those in need here in Latvia. The creation of a mobile sand therapy office is one way we can, with the involvement of professionals, assist children and young people in areas where psychological support and specialist availability are limited. This is an innovative project on a Baltic scale, and we hope to develop it further over time, expanding to a broader Latvian context,” says Ulvis Noviks, head of Tavi draugi.

The project is implemented under Measure 4.3.6.4 “Development and Implementation of Support Tools for Strengthening Family Functionality” with funding from ESF Plus and the Latvian state budget. The association Tavi draugi is responsible for the content of this press release.