Supporting Young People on the Move

Italy, situated along the North Africa coast, is often the first destination for migrants and refugees seeking safety in Europe. Among them are many unaccompanied children, some of the most vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. 

Rose* began her journey across the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and a better future, arriving in Italy in 2016. Instead of stability, she faced repeated relocations—from a reception centre in the north to a shelter in the south—disrupting her sense of security and leaving her to navigate the mental health challenges that stemmed from her journey and displacement.

It was at this turning point that Rose’s social worker introduced her to Here4U, UNICEF’s digital platform providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to young migrants and refugees in Italy. 

Developed under the PROTECT project, Here4U is now in its third year of operation, designed to provide tailored support to migrants and refugees, particularly unaccompanied and separated children. The initiative is implemented by UNICEF with the support of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) under the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF) and in collaboration with Italy’s Ministry of the Interior. 

Here4U is integrated into U-Report On The Move, a platform specifically designed for young migrants and refugees, offering a safe digital space for them to voice concerns, access reliable information, and connect with services. The global U-Report community includes nearly 36 million young people across 101 countries, providing critical insights that help shape youth-centred policies.

Through Here4U, users can access mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services such as Psychological First Aid, resources for emotional well-being, and referrals to professional services when necessary. It is available via Facebook, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram, ensuring it meets young people where they are.

Here4U’s key strength lies in its inclusivity. The platform offers services in seven languages, supported by a team of cultural and linguistic mediators who ensure that young people feel understood and respected. This cultural mediation allows users to communicate in their native languages, fostering trust and accessibility.  

“Some of these young people may have pre-existing mental health challenges, while others face acute distress after their journeys to safety. Here4U provides the immediate support they need and connects them with long-term professional care.” 

Yodit Estifanos Afewerki, U-Report Manager, UNICEF ECARO.  

Since its launch in 2020, Here4U has addressed more than 3000 individual cases and provided information about accessing resources to over 250,000 people through social media in 2024 alone. Young people aged 19 to 24 represent the largest user group, followed closely by those aged 16 to 18. 

For Rose, Here4U proved transformative. Through psychotherapy and tailored relaxation techniques, she learned to manage her emotions and reduce the intensity of her flashbacks. Social workers and legal experts also helped her navigate Italy’s mental health services and secure the resources she needed to rebuild her life. “It’s important to understand that the mental health of young refugees and migrants cannot be separated from their day-to-day challenges, like housing or legal status. Supporting the whole person is essential,” Afewerki explains. 

Looking ahead, Here4U aims to expand its reach and enhance its services through several key initiatives, such as extending Here4U’s services to other regions, seeking partnerships with local organizations and donors to secure long-term viability, training social workers, legal practitioners and mental health professional with the skills they need to meet the young migrants’ needs, continuously improving the user experience. 

Now in her early twenties, Rose has found a sense of stability and hope. With continued support from Here4U, she has resumed her language classes, taken up sports, and is working toward building a better future for herself. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of holistic, youth-centred support. 

UNICEF remains committed to ensuring that young migrants and refugees in Italy – and eventually around the world – have access to the care and opportunities they deserve. With support from the UNICEF Office of Innovation as part of the Mental Health Innovation Portfolio and platforms like Here4U, young people on the move can go from surviving to thriving.

*name changed to protect identity