Kukës Multifunctional Centre for Psychosocial Wellbeing

A place where support becomes accessible and human 

The Centre brings psychosocial care closer to people’s everyday lives. It offers Psychological First Aid for urgent situations, structured counselling for individuals facing ongoing distress, and trauma-informed support tailored to different vulnerabilities. Alongside direct services, psychoeducation and community outreach activities help families, children, and caregivers strengthen coping skills and emotional resilience, while also reducing stigma around mental health.

"I began to see people differently. I started noticing how they express their emotions and react to situations, not to judge them, but to better understand the difficulties they might be facing. I learned that behind nervousness, silence, or withdrawal, there is often something deeper," reflects Eri, a 17-year-old boy who participated in psychoeducational group sessions.

These efforts are complemented by training and mentoring for local professionals, ensuring that support is not only delivered, but also strengthened and sustained within local systems.

"The training has empowered me as a professional, equipping me with practical skills to offer qualitative support to the community," shared a social worker.

Gender-responsive and people-centred impact

Through this approach, the Centre strengthens individual coping mechanisms, challenges gender norms that discourage emotional vulnerability, and promotes early help-seeking behaviour. It contributes not only to improved mental health outcomes, but also to more open conversations around emotional wellbeing, particularly in communities where stigma and traditional gender expectations can limit access to support.

Building a connected system of care

The Centre works through a coordinated Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)-based approach that links services across different levels of need – from basic emotional support to more specialised care. Structured case management and referral pathways help ensure continuity of care and that no one is left without follow-up support. Collaboration with municipal institutions, NGOs, and frontline workers further strengthens this network, embedding trauma-informed practice into existing public services and laying the foundation for long-term institutional ownership.

A model for the future

"Psychosocial support is essential, especially for children, young people, and families affected by trauma and stress. Creating a more inclusive and sustainable community is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement and commitment of us all," says Valmira Greca, Child Protection Programme Manager at Terre des hommes Albania.

The Kukës Centre for Psychosocial Wellbeing offers a scalable and sustainable response to one of Albania’s pressing social needs. It calls for shared responsibility and active engagement – from institutions, professionals, and the wider community – to create a safer, more inclusive environment where every individual, especially children and families affected by trauma, has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.

Watch the video to learn more about the impact of the Centre