From trauma to hope: psychosocial support in times of war
Since 2015, we have been working with Malteser International in Ukraine to provide psychosocial support for those affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine. With the start of the war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the need for this has risen sharply. In order to reach more people with our services, we have expanded our existing program.
The project launched in 2023, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Federal Foreign Office (AA), builds on the findings of several years of work in Ukraine. It combines urgently needed humanitarian aid with sustainable solutions for structural support (“nexus approach”). The aim is to improve both the physical and psychosocial well-being of Ukrainian people affected by the war. In addition, the project focuses on providing relief supplies and strengthening local partner organizations.
Situation
The war not only leaves visible traces. Millions of people are traumatized by the terrible events they have experienced. Many have lost family members and friends. In the embattled areas near the front line, people live in constant fear of being attacked. Those who left their home villages and towns also had to leave their homes behind to flee. All of these are stressful and traumatic experiences that take time and professional support to process.
The aim of the project is to improve the mental health of people affected by war through comprehensive support services. We also strengthen the ability of our partner organizations to effectively distribute relief supplies and offer psychosocial services.
- Mental health services in various digital and face-to-face formats
- Mental and psychosocial health treatments (e.g. survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, ex-combatants)
- Stress management and burnout prevention services for healthcare professionals
- Medical and psychological first aid courses for the civilian population
Project data
Partners: Malteser Ukraine, MHS (Mental Health Service) & WH (Words Help)
Project region: Ukraine
Donors: Federal Foreign Office, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH)
