Caring for the caretakers: Creating a toolkit
Comparing insights and learning from one another
In the first half of 2025, each partner organisation conducted national research into the mental wellbeing of their staff and volunteers, as well as trauma-informed support provided to refugees and asylum seekers by the organisations. The findings were compiled into individual national reports and a joint comparative report, now available online.
Two days in Budapest
First Caring to Include Toolkit published!
A co-creative milestone for staff and volunteer well-being
We are proud to announce the publication of the first Caring to Include toolkit, developed to strengthen the well-being of staff and volunteers who support refugees and people seeking protection. This toolkit marks an important milestone in the project, and provides practical guidance, tools, and strategies to promote resilience, team cohesion, and sustainable well-being in organisations working in the refugee-support sector.
The new toolkit is the result of a truly co-creative process carried out with project partners across seven countries. Drawing on extensive research, interviews, facilitated discussions, and a mapping of best practices, the partnership collaboratively identified priority needs and gaps and developed resources tailored to the realities of frontline organisations.
The first Caring to Include toolkit consists of three components:
- a manual for the training “Work and Wellbeing – How Can I Take Good Care of Myself?”
- a Team-Building, Diversity & Resilience Manual
- Templates for Developing a Well-being Strategy and Policies
These tools are designed for practical use and will be piloted in 2026 in collaboration with partner organisations.
The publication of this first toolkit marks the beginning of a series: in early 2026, partners will meet to define priorities for the second toolkit, which will focus on trauma-informed approaches.
The Caring to Include project is coordinated by VluchtelingenWerk Nederland and is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening the well-being and resilience of those who work tirelessly to support others.
Want to know more?
For more information, please contact us at ip@dcfr.nl. Let’s work together to create inclusive, healthy organisations and trauma-sensitive support for those we serve!