Stanley Thomas Johnson Stiftung | Bern

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Projects Selected projects Asha North Staffordshire: Project Hope After Trauma

Asha North Staffordshire: Project Hope After Trauma

Asha North Staffordshire is a trauma informed practice charity that supports asylum seekers and refugees across the region. The Hope After Trauma project is designed specifically for unaccompanied minors, young people and children who have experienced conflict, violence, trafficking or perilous journeys to the UK. Many arrive alone, frightened and without any support from family. Some have been placed in hotels with limited supervision, leaving them isolated and at risk of exploitation, leading to more trauma, anxiety, depression and a deep sense of not belonging. Hope After Trauma provides a safe, welcoming and trauma informed space where young people and children can begin to heal, rebuild confidence and feel part of a community. Our aim is simple: to help them feel safe, supported and hopeful for their future.

How Asha supports young people

Holistic wellbeing supports 
Each young person receives a full wellbeing assessment using the Outcome Star, helping us to understand their needs, track their progress and connect them with additional services when required.

Emotional and psychological support 
Our Psychological Support Worker offers stabilisation techniques such as grounding, emotional regulation, group work, art therapy and resilience‑building activities to help young people feel safe and more in control.

Counselling and mental health education 
BACP qualified counsellors provide individual and group sessions to help young people understand their mental health, process their experiences and develop healthy coping strategies.

Creative, social and confidence building activities 
Asha runs weekly activity sessions, shaped by the young people involved, to reduce isolation and support them to build lasting friendships. These include:

  • Sports activities to improve wellbeing and teamwork
  • Art classes to support creativity, storytelling and emotional expression
  • Music sessions that encourage confidence, joy and connection

Holiday and community activities 
Asha organises coach trips and local outings to help young people explore new places, build friendships and develop a sense of belonging in their new community.

Building resilience for the future 
Asha guides young people through the asylum process, help them understand age assessments, teach them life skills and support them to prepare for education, training and employment.

Project grant

The Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation awarded Asha a grant of CHF 250,000 for a three-year period from 2024 to 2027. In March 2026, the Foundation renewed its commitment with an additional grant of CHF 290,000 for a further three years, covering the period from 2027 to 2030.

You will find further information on the Asha website.