Red Cross & Red Crescent

This is the Red Cross and Red Crescent in action in the camps well impressed with the work they do.

http://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/where-we-work/europe/hellenic-red-cross/
Key points from my view of the website. 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was founded in 1919 in Paris in the aftermath of World War I.

The first objective of the IFRC was to improve the health of people in countries that had suffered greatly during the four years of war. Its goals were "to strengthen and unite, for health activities, already-existing Red Cross Societies and to promote the creation of new Societies" 

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian and development network, with millions of volunteers in 190 member National Societies.

We are guided by Strategy 2020 – our collective plan of action to tackle the major humanitarian and development challenges of the present decade. We will continue  ‘saving lives and changing minds’ by focusing our work in three key areas: 1) disaster response and recovery, 2) development and 3) promoting social inclusion and peace.

This is an interesting article the emotional needs of the men. 

http://www.ifrc.org/en/news-and-media/news-stories/europe-central-asia/greece/addressing-the-taboo-of-the-emotional-needs-of-men-72506/

Helen Pardo Riikonen, Red Cross’ psychosocial support delegate at the camp says men are often overlooked when it comes to psychological and social support in the camps. And that providing opportunities for men like Azad to get involved with the community is critical to restore their confidence and sense of worth.“Very often men here at Scaramagas are from cultures where they are seen as the head of the family, and they feel a particular responsibility to provide a future for their loved ones. For many, they are not living up to their own expectations and even the expectations of their family. Having made the decision to leave their home country, they now have little control over where they can settle more permanently.”
Pardo Riikonen says gender stereotyping can lead to men being left out of the equation when it comes to recognising emotional and social needs. Red Cross is providing women and child friendly spaces to ensure both of these groups have a safe place to relax and be heard. The team also provide spaces for men through community meetings, individual sessions and encourage both men and women to facilitate social and education activities for other camp residents.

A further point to be made from my experience and observation is they also lack the guidance and advice of the elders - their mothers and fathers to steer them on the best course of advice. There can be a tendency for them to listen to some men in the community that do not necessarily have all the right information.  It is fundamental that the menfolk listen to the host country and the plans that are being laid to help them rebuild their lives and lives for their families.  So a good partnership of respectful listening and sharing is so so necessary.