Greece

In Greece, our local teams of highly trained clowns and musicians bring happiness to young refugees, children and adults with disabilities, kids from Roma communities, older people in supported accommodation, and children living alone in state care.

The early days

Our work in Greece started in 2015, as an emergency response to support children who were caught up in the European refugee crisis.

That year, more than 1 million people – around a quarter of them children – sought refuge in Europe. Most were fleeing the conflict and violence that had spread across the Middle East at the time.

The result was that hundreds of thousands of traumatised children were housed in hastily constructed and overcrowded refugee camps, in conditions that were often squalid and dangerous.

Since Greece was the main point of arrival for those seeking safety in Europe, it was where we focused most of our efforts to deliver play relief and smile support.

Supporting children in these circumstances became a major focus of our work, and remains so to this day.

Our work in Greece since 2015

After 2015 we built up our presence in the refugee camps of Greece, organising repeated, long-term circus and play residencies.

Alongside this work, we also branched out further in the following years.

Our regular programme of play projects in Greece now includes smile support for unaccompanied children who’ve sought refuge and are living in shelters, young people and adults with disabilities, children from Roma communities, older people in supported accommodation, and children living alone in state care.

Our current projects in Greece

Through 2026 we’re putting on three play programmes in Greece, continuing our longstanding work with young refugees, Roma communities and children in care.

We’re also expanding our Sensory Circus work with children and adults who have disabilities.

Our Sensory Circus approach uses small, participant-led sessions, based on sensory activities and storytelling, to make sure everyone can engage in play and experience the magic of the circus in whatever way suits them best.

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The difference it makes

The Flying Seagulls brought something so special to our kids’ class and camp activities that we asked them to do a session with us volunteers too! They fill rooms with positive energy which is contagious to young people and adults alike. Even kids that don’t always participate were full of laughs and smiles, and somehow, in what felt like joyous chaos, they really know how to control a crowd too. On another note, they’re also easy to work with and adapted to our last-minute planning and scheduling wherever they could. If you get the chance to work with them, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Arianna Mathioudakis, coordinator for Drop in The Ocean

Never in my life have I laughed so much, I laughed the full 45 minutes of the show long, I am sore in my cheeks!

Anonymous teenager

We loved the hula hooping! We want to do it with the Flying Seagulls every week!

Mostafa and Aminulla

They actively involved the children, managed to bring joyful energy and successfully caught children’s and adults’ attention. It has been heart-warming to see how The Seagulls were able to spread smiles and laughter where people do not have the chance to access any entertainment outside the camp.

Gloria Vezzani, coordinator for partner organisation Drop in the Ocean at Skaramagas refugee camp

We loved the tightrope walking! It was the first time we did it and it was very fun, because we had to be very focused.

Roqyaeh and Lailuma

The fact that the children still knew a lot of the songs and games shows the long-lasting impression of the Flying Seagulls … With their extremely good pedagogical skills and incredible level of energy, power and joy, The Flying Seagulls created an unforgettable experience for the children … The way that The Flying Seagulls allowed the children to live out their energy and overexcitement in an organized and structured way was a huge benefit for all of us.

Hannah Pieper, children’s activity coordinator for Lifting Hand International at Serres refugee camp in Greece

We really liked everything! But our favourite was the tightrope walking. I hope we can do it every month!

Erfan and Ali

Thank you a lot for coming here, we had a great time! The hula hoops were awesome, the tightrope walking was super nice, and we also enjoyed doing acrobatics with you guys!

Faezeh and Nazdana

“The most strong impact sign of The Flying Seagull Project is their question every time they see me in the camps: ‘When are they coming back?’ And it’s not only kids asking, it’s also the parents.

“They loved the show and they were impressed that we visited them because as they say, ‘no one comes here, especially for something like this.’

“What you are doing is very important and meaningful for the whole community, thank you!”

Angela Lecatsa — mediator in Romany communities

They managed to create a more harmonious camp atmosphere and children and adults had great time, enjoying this unique performance. The interaction was amazing as the presence of the Flying Seagulls changed the daily routine of the children especially since Covid-19 made its presence. They gave the sparkle and the hope that was missing.

Christina Svolianiti – Team Leader, Danish Refugee Council

It was very special to have the Flying Seagulls in Serres. The children were very excited and full of joy. The adults were also very happy and loved the shows. It lightened up a very cold week, and it made a big difference at the community centre. Thank you so much!

Claire Lalande – Director of Operations, Lifting Hands International

The clowns filled our faces with smiles and our hearts with joy. As soon as they entered the door, they engaged in play with the children. It was beautiful to see the children’s eyes lighten by the sight of the clowns. Not only did the children have fun but the adults were just as included and as amused by the shows.

Emma Lu Schnelting – Director, Little Lotus learning centre

Every visit filled the site with joy, laughter and music, and adults and children alike have been enthralled by their performances. We have even spotted members of the community who rarely leave their accommodation units and engage with activities in the crowd, laughing and taking pictures. The children ask us daily when the clowns are coming back. They have created so many special moments on site.

Tamara Salhab – Team Leader, Danish Refugee Council

The value of the work carried out by The Flying Seagull Project is immeasurable, these children are living in one of the worst camps in Europe with little to smile about. Yet as soon as they hear the cry “Roly Poly” they come running helter-skelter from the camp to have a couple of hours of fun … It’s inspirational how the sound of the drum and trumpet and the familiar call just seems to sprinkle a little magic around, and the children come alive with joyful laughter and wonderful smiles.

Sarah Griffith, field coordinator with partner organisation Refugee4Refugees

The tightrope walking was the best one for us! We loved it! We want to try it more times and to get better at it. It was an amazing exercise to train our focus! Thank you so much for this day.

Mortaza, Rostam and Mahdi

The Flying Seagulls came to be a part of our community day and they were amazing! They exceeded our expectations and were extremely engaging for all ages and all to watch. They were the highlight of the day and created a fun, family-friendly, high-energy atmosphere.

Mary Lou – community centre manager, Khora