Mobile Sand Therapy Project Launched to Support Children in Latvia’s Regions

The charity organization “Tavi draugi” together with Systemic Psychotherapy Center Ltd. has launched a unique project — “Creation of a Mobile Sand Therapy Cabinet and Provision of Sand Therapy in Latvian Regions.” On September 29, a project presentation event was held at Lapeņu Street 23 to introduce this unique initiative to a wider audience.

Since summer, the project has been implemented by the organization in cooperation with sand therapy specialists Daira Jonase and Ilze Žilde from the Systemic Psychotherapy Center. This summer, the mobile sand therapy cabinet has already provided support to children in Zemgale, completing the first stage of the project — over three months, 15 children in Lapmežciems, Zemgale region, received therapy. Starting in October, the work will continue in Vidzeme, in Trikāta parish, Valmiera municipality.

Daira Jonase, sandplay therapy specialist, explains:
“The selection of the target group for the mobile sand therapy project was done in cooperation with municipal social services, associations, and school social workers who work with victims of violence. For three months this summer, we worked with children in the Zemgale region, in Lapmežciems, while also supporting and cooperating with parents and educators. We are pleased with the responsiveness of municipalities and educators, who appreciate the opportunity to help children and improve their quality of life in the long term.”

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

“In parallel with the support that ‘Tavi draugi’ provides to Ukraine, we continue to look for ways to help those in need here in Latvia. The creation of a mobile sand therapy cabinet is one way we can, with professional involvement, help children and young people in places where access to psychological support and specialists is limited. This is an innovative project on a Baltic scale, and we hope to develop it further to reach a wider scope across Latvia,”
said Ulvis Noviks, head of Tavi draugi.

The project “Creation of a Mobile Sand Therapy Cabinet and Provision of Sand Therapy in Latvian Regions” is implemented within the framework of Measure 4.3.6.4 “Development and Implementation of Support Instruments to Strengthen Family Functionality”, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the state budget.

Project implementation period: 21.04.2025 – 31.07.2026.
Total project cost: €115,135.04, of which ESF Plus contributes €97,864.78 (85%) and state budget funding €17,270.26 (15%).

Media coverage of the presentation event: