The Return and Reintegration Facility (RRF) is an innovative programme funded by the European Commission and implemented by ICMPD. It supports EU Member States and Schengen Associated Countries (MS) in strengthening the effectiveness of their return and reintegration programming. The RRF provides both operational and financial assistance to help MS develop solutions and activities with clear EU added value, bridging gaps between existing initiatives. In parallel, it contributes to the implementation of the EU Strategy on Voluntary Return and Reintegration.
The Counselling Lab initiative forms part of the RRF’s Work Area 1 on Outreach and Counselling, which aims to support Member States in developing and operationalising return counselling mechanisms. Although resources on baseline return counselling already exist, MS have highlighted the need for enhanced guidelines and specialised training materials tailored to specific settings and particular target groups.
Building on the CADRE manuals for trainees and trainers, the Counselling Lab develops accessible, reader-friendly guidebooks focused on the operational aspects of return counselling. To maximise their practical utility, each guidebook is complemented by a comprehensive training curriculum that includes a PowerPoint presentation, interactive learning exercises, handouts, and detailed facilitator’s notes. These materials are available to MS seeking training from the RRF and to those wishing to integrate them into national training programmes.
The Counselling Lab materials were developed through close collaboration with experts nominated by Member States. Their extensive hands-on counselling experience ensured that the recommendations are grounded in real-world practice and reflect both the complexity and the human dimension at the core of return counselling.
The topics identified include :
- Return counselling in return centres – currently on hold pending the implementation of national plans under the Migration Pact
- Return counselling for families with children
- Empowering women returnees during counselling sessions
- Counselling migrants facing mental health challenges