On March 24, a meaningful workshop titled “Understanding Mental Health – Breaking the Silence, Building Resilience” brought together mothers and families for an informative and supportive gathering in New-West Amsterdam. The initiative was organized by Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst (My Future – Your Future), a program dedicated to supporting undocumented children and their families, in partnership with the Breath of Hope project, which empowers women through emotional support and personal development.
The workshop aimed to provide accessible information about mental health, with special attention to the realities faced by mothers raising undocumented children. Beyond information-sharing, the meeting focused on promoting awareness, helping participants recognize early signs of emotional distress, identifying available mental health providers, and offering practical tools that can be applied in daily life.
The program combined learning and connection through a dynamic format that included a presentation, open sharing moments, a panel of questions, and a communal lunch that encouraged informal conversation and mutual support.
Seven women between the ages of 30 and 50 participated in the workshop, representing diverse backgrounds including Angola, Colombia, and Brazil. The gathering also welcomed five children and one 11-year-old girl, who accompanied their mothers. To protect participants’ privacy and safety, organizers requested that all faces be covered in shared images.
The workshop content addressed essential themes designed to strengthen understanding and resilience. Discussions explored the meaning of mental health and its importance in daily life, how to recognize warning signs of emotional overload, and the concept of the “window of tolerance”, a tool that helps individuals understand and manage stress responses. Participants also learned about common mental health disorders, practical self-regulation techniques, and safe pathways for seeking professional help when necessary.
The event was held in collaboration with School Veerkracht, which generously provided the venue, materials, and technical equipment needed for the sessions.
Participants expressed gratitude for the safe and informative environment created during the workshop. One attendee shared anonymously, “Thank you very much, we needed this, I recognized a lot of symptoms.” The statement reflects how essential accessible mental health information can be for women navigating complex personal and family challenges.
Organizers emphasize that mental health conversations remain vital, especially for women facing social vulnerability, migration stress, and caregiving pressures. Creating spaces where experiences can be shared without stigma helps build resilience and strengthens community wellbeing.
Women living in New-West Amsterdam are invited to participate in Breath of Hope, which offers emotional support and guidance through Personal Development courses. Those interested in learning more about activities and courses, can send an email to breathofhope@roadofhope.org