When one becomes two: Double your Impact

It's been a while since our last update - and what a busy time it's been at CRIBS! As summer came to a close, families began settling into new routines and the start of the school term brought plenty of preparation work at CRIBS.

Our Case Managers supported families to register their children in schools - with four in primary school, three in kindergarten and eight starting nursery. Thanks to generous donations from community groups we were also able to provide school supplies to families across the wider CRIBS community. In total, 53 families received essential items to help children start the new school year feeling confident and ready to learn. 

We've also recently welcomed new babies into the CRIBS community! Two babies were born in October. S gave birth to her second boy and had a smooth recovery from her C-section, while her eldest has been proudly stepping into his new role as a big brother! A gave birth to a baby girl following a very speedy labour! Both mums are living in the same CRIBS flat, exclusively breastfeeding and doing well with the support of their Case Manager and the wider CRIBS community.

CRIBS mothers attended the community space and participated in activities, including language classes and specialist workshops aimed at improving wellbeing and increasing confidence and skills. At the end of September, we partnered with Women’s Healthcare On the Move to deliver a well-attended session on reproductive health and contraception. In October we had a lovely Yoga class offered by Yoga & Sport with Refugees and in December, Action for Women joined us for a workshop on Positive Parenting. Other sessions included a weaving workshop, a self-care session, and a practical support session on how to access key services in Athens independently.

Our casework team has continued to provide person-centred wraparound support for expectant and new mothers navigating complex and unfamiliar systems. Case managers liaised with lawyers regarding their asylum cases and identified training opportunities to support mothers in developing new skills and pathways to future employment and stability. They have also supported some families to complete the necessary administrative processes in order to access health care, the local job market and open bank accounts.

In this period, several mothers have made great strides toward independence, accessing training opportunities, looking for employment, or finding stable housing beyond CRIBS. One mother completed a training programme in hotel housekeeping through a partner organisation we referred her to, and she is now actively seeking employment. Another mother completed a chef training and is now looking for employment.

Two mothers have also successfully moved into independent housing after receiving their moving on grants and securing accommodation on their own. One of them remains in touch with our casework team for support with medical appointments and vaccinations. We have welcomed one new family, a mother and her eight-month-old child, and we are currently reviewing referrals for the second available space, with priority given to families with health concerns and survivors of gender-based violence.

Last week we had our festive End-of-the-Year party in our Community Space and distributed presents generously donated by local supporters. As we look ahead to 2026, we are deeply grateful for your support - none of this would be possible without you!