Our vision

Solentra strives towards a more accessible and efficient provision of psychological care for migrant and refugee children and their families. In doing so, we keep ourselves updated on all relevant factors. We constantly test and optimise our intervention strategies, and contribute to providing professional support.

A human rights-based perspective is the foundation of our work as the right to good health is a basic right that everyone should enjoy. Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) from the United Nations is thus at the core of our activities. SDG3 aims to ensure that health care is accessible, affordable and of high quality – just as we do.

The realisation of this vision requires a broad ecological vision on psychological health. A vision which enables us to appreciate that psychological issues are not just bound to the individual, but are equally influenced by environmental factors and the societal context.

Culture, language and solidarity

We recognise and highlight the importance of culture, language and solidarity:

• Culture gives colour to our values and standards.

It forms the frame from which we as humans try to understand the world around us.

• Language is the instrument we use to express ourselves.

But our language is also intricately linked to the development of our identity. If a patient doesn’t have a strong command of the language surrounding him or her, it encourages his or her dependency on the support worker, which can have a detrimental effect. This is precisely why it is vital for the patient to be able to express him or herself in their native language.

• Solidarity is a fundamental requirement to sound mental health.

Migration is a major experience of loss and challenges the identification with the society of origin. Furthermore, the (im)migrant faces an additional challenge trying to discover their place in the new society.

A broad perspective

The knowledge of and remedies for youth and child psychiatry can be of considerable value to our patients. This is especially true for (im)migrant children who struggle with irregular development as a result of emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties.

However, this must encompass a broad range of approaches: socio-economic, legal, culturally sensitive and culturally respectful. This ensures the efficiency of the support provided, as there is a synergy between such an approach and our target groups’ way of thinking.

For whom

Solentra focuses on children, young people and adults who come from a different cultural background.

We provide care for people who are experiencing trauma and whose personal histories include migration, such as refugees. Sometimes this may refer to individuals from families with a history of migration, for example third generation immigrants. We also offer support to adult refugees and migrants suffering from trauma.

Are you interested in registering a client? Read more about the procedure on our registration page.