Photo essay

A safe place to heal and grow

UNICEF-supported integrated centres help families in Syria find safety, care, and a path forward

By: UNICEF Syria

Tasneem, 11, holds a puppet while attending a psychosocial support session on expressing feelings at a UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Damascus. — UNICEF/UNI846074/Hussam Dabaan

11 August 2025

Damascus - At a UNICEF-supported integrated centre in Damascus city, children and their caregivers receive a wide range of essential services. Serving both Damascus and Rural Damascus governorates, the centre provides primary healthcare, nutritional support, and mental health and psychosocial care.

Children benefit from regular medical check-ups, growth monitoring, and nutrition support, while pregnant and lactating women receive vital antenatal and postnatal care to protect their health and that of their babies.

Mental health and psychosocial support are key components, helping children manage stress, anxiety, and the lasting impacts of conflict and displacement. Through recreational activities, group sessions, and individual counselling, they regain a sense of normality, rebuild confidence, and develop healthy coping skills.

Caregivers also receive psychological support, parenting guidance, and awareness sessions, all within a safe, child-friendly environment.

Integrated centres like this play a vital role in helping families navigate daily challenges, offering a stable, supportive space where they can access care, heal, and find hope.

Duaa, speaks to the paediatrician while holding her baby Layan, 18 months, at a UNICEF-supported health and nutrition clinic in Damascus.

UNICEF/UNI846098/Hussam Dabaan

Layan, 18 months, has her height measured at a UNICEF-supported health and nutrition clinic in Damascus. “Layan needs continuous medical follow up and blood tests. I am glad the centre offers free, otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to treat her,” her mother Duaa said.

UNICEF/UNI846097/Hussam Dabaan

Kassem, 14, is examined by a paediatrician at a UNICEF-supported health and nutrition clinic in Damascus. “This centre feels like a second home to Kassem. The health workers all know him and care for him deeply,” his mother explained.

UNICEF/UNI846109/Hussam Dabaan

Hamza, 12, is examined by a paediatrician at a UNICEF-supported health and nutrition clinic in Damascus. His mother said, “I’m the sole breadwinner for my four children. This clinic has lifted a heavy burden from my shoulders.”

UNICEF/UNI846089/Hussam Dabaan

A group of children take part in a psychosocial support session focused on expressing emotions at a UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Damascus. “I learned today how to control my anger. I can take a deep breath, count to ten, and try to do something I like,” said Yousuf, 9, one of the attendees.

UNICEF/UNI846073/Hussam Dabaan

Yousuf, 9, holds a puppet while attending a psychosocial support session on expressing feelings at a UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Damascus. “Thursdays are days of joy because I get to come to the centre, play, and have fun,” Yousuf said.

UNICEF/UNI846080/Hussam Dabaan

From left to right, Elizabeth, 12, Aline, 10, and Sham, 13, participate in a colouring activity at a UNICEF-supported Child Protection Friendly Space in Damascus.

UNICEF/UNI846069/Hussam Dabaan

Aline, 10, concentrates on colouring during a recreational activity at a UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Damascus. “This centre is the best place ever,” she said. “I learn new things, have fun with my friends, and use the most beautiful colours.”

UNICEF/UNI846075/Hussam Dabaan

Tasneem, 11, smiles during a psychosocial support session focused on expressing emotions at a UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Damascus. “I dream of becoming a doctor so I can treat children and make them happy,” she said.

UNICEF/UNI846079/Hussam Dabaan

Sham, 13, colours her hand during a recreational activity at a UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Damascus. “When my mother asks me to get ready to come to the centre, I start to laugh and jump. It’s the best day of the week,” she said.

UNICEF/UNI846072/Hussam Dabaan

Sham, 13, happily participating in a drawing activity at a UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Damascus. “I want to become a paediatrician so I can treat children and care for them until they heal,” she said.

UNICEF/UNI846082/Hussam Dabaan

Hussam,12, participates in handprint game during a recreational activity at a UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Damascus. “Here, I feel free,” he says. “I run, play, and enjoy every moment. I wish I could stay here forever,” Hussam said.

UNICEF/UNI846070/Hussam Dabaan

Hussam,12, holds his handprint proudly, during a recreational activity at a UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Damascus. “One day, I will become a famous architect and build beautiful buildings for my family and friends,” he added.

UNICEF/UNI846071/Hussam Dabaan

A group of mothers attend a UNICEF-supported parenting skills session at a UNICEF-supported centre, in Damascus. “My son is stubborn, and I used to struggle. These sessions taught me new techniques to communicate with him, and now, we’ve become friends.” Zamzam, one of the mothers, shared.

UNICEF/UNI846088/Hussam Dabaan

Since the beginning of 2025, UNICEF reached over 50,000 children across Syria with mental health psychosocial support services – thanks to the valuable contributions of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the KfW Development Bank; the Governments of Italy, Norway, Japan and the Republic of Korea; the Global Humanitarian Thematic Fund; the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); UNICEF National Committees for Japan, Ireland and Spain; the United States Government; and United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.

In the same period, nearly 1.2 million people- including 900,000 children and 300,000 women - accessed primary healthcare services through 106 fixed clinics and 177 mobile teams supported by UNICEF and partners. This vital work is made possible through generous funding from the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) of the United States Department of State, Refugees, and Migration; the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); the Governments of Austria and Canada; UNICEF National Committee for Netherlands; the Global Humanitarian Thematic Fund; and United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.