Every May, the Netherlands joins a global movement in observing Mental Health Awareness Month, shining a light on the importance of mental well-being and breaking the stigma that often silences those who suffer in the shadows. Amid the workshop, project activities, and community gatherings, Road of Hope’s (ROH) whole work stands out for its deep commitment to emotional support as a cornerstone of integration.
Founded on the belief that mental health is not a luxury but a human right, Road of Hope has built a network of projects where empathy, resilience, and belonging are nurtured every day. With the refugee experience at its core, ROH offers more than just services, it offers connection.
“I’ve been asked many times how we offer emotional support through our various projects and why it is so important. In every project and activity we develop, the main purpose and goal is to offer empathy, encouragement, and understanding,” says Patricia Barendregt, director and founder of Road of Hope. “We don’t put people into boxes; we consider each person as an individual. We see their difficulties but also their value and potential. We listen to people actively and genuinely. For us, there is no time limit when we are talking to a participant.”
This approach is more than philosophy; it’s the engine behind Breath of Hope (BOH), the organization’s longest-running initiative, designed initially to support refugee women. Developed over six years by a team of trained psychologists and volunteer social workers, BOH offers a structured 8-session program that empowers participants to process stress, embrace personal development, and build a meaningful support network. Through guided reflection and culturally sensitive tools, the program helps women navigate the complexities of adapting to life in a new country, fostering a strong sense of identity and belonging.
“Integration is this sense of belonging — where we are no longer fully tied to the place we were born, but not purely Dutch either. We become something new that belongs here.” Patricia explains.
In recent years, Road of Hope has recognised a growing demand for emotional support among male refugees, who make up approximately 71% of asylum applicants in the EU as of 2023. Many arrive with unspoken trauma, often shaped by conflict, displacement, and societal pressure to remain stoic. Including male participants marks a pivotal step toward equitable care.
“We are currently developing a methodology based on our experience, conversations with participants, intercultural facilitators, volunteers, and relevant literature,” Patricia shares. “Our pilot will soon begin in the Amsterdam Noord district. By the end of the year, we hope to have even stronger material, shaped by the pilot’s outcomes“. Patricia completes.
Road of Hope’s reach extends beyond individual empowerment. Its partnership with the Municipality of Amsterdam is bringing Problem Management Plus (PM+), a low-intensity psychological intervention developed by the World Health Organization, to communities across the city. Tailored for adults facing emotional distress due to adversity, Breath of Hope is launching its very first women’s group at the AZC using the PM+ method, a weekly gathering in Arabic (the participants’ native language), to support mental well-being, reduce stress, and build community. The Road of Hope’s PM+ specialist, Yara, visited AZC Willinklaan to connect with newcomer women and introduce the initiative. The group is starting on 23 May and already has 10 participants subscribed. PM+ is another testament to ROH’s belief that everyone deserves tools to manage mental health challenges, regardless of gender, background, or legal status.
One of ROH’s more creative responses to trauma is Painting 21+, a therapeutic art project designed specifically for Ukrainian refugees. Led by Ukrainian artist and psychologist Olena Havrylenko, the sessions offer a space for expression without judgment, where the invisible wounds of war can be gently reached through creativity. In a community where mental health often carries stigma, this project opens doors that traditional interventions cannot.
Beyond individual programs, emotional support is woven into every Road of Hope initiative, from Bridge of Hope, which tackles social isolation in North Amsterdam, to Mijn Toekomst—Jouw Toekomst (My Future—Your Future), a program assisting undocumented families seeking a better future for their children, and Ondernemerschap, which creates entrepreneurial support for newcomers in Amsterdam.
What makes Road of Hope unique is not just the services it offers, but the humanity behind them. Every conversation is rooted in genuine listening, every project designed to affirm the dignity of the people it serves. In a time when the world is finally recognizing mental health as essential, Road of Hope reminds us that emotional support isn’t a side feature of integration, but it’s the foundation.As we mark Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Road of Hope’s work offers both inspiration and a challenge: to build systems of care where everyone, regardless of origin or status, is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.