From Global Challenges to Local Solutions: MindSpring as a Social Innovation for Forced Migrant Integration in Lithuania

Forced migration is a global challenge, with displaced populations often remaining highly vulnerable because of pre-migration trauma, ongoing psychosocial stress, and structural barriers to integration. In response, locally grounded social innovations are increasingly used to address these issues. This article examines the implementation of the MindSpring program in Lithuania, serving as a novel local response to the integration of forced migrants. The analysis is based on a theoretical framework that highlights psychosocial vulnerability, trauma-informed care, and community-based support. It emphasizes a shift from individualistic integration models to approaches focused on collective empowerment, peer support, and active participation of migrant communities. MindSpring is presented as a peer-led psychosocial intervention that strengthens internal community resources and social cohesion. Empirical findings from qualitative interviews with Ukrainian refugees and trained community leaders indicate that participants reported perceived improvements in psycho-emotional well-being, including greater emotional stability, increased self-awareness, stronger relationships, and a deeper understanding of the host society. Community leaders also described increased self-confidence and the development of roles as mediators between migrant and host communities. We conclude that MindSpring can be understood as a contextually innovative form of social innovation within the Lithuanian context, providing opportunities for psychosocial reflection, peer connection, mutual support, and social participation. The findings may offer context-specific insights that could inform research or practice in other settings.