Solutions from Ukraine: 162 Resilience Centers open in Ukraine, offering free mental health support

Since December 2023, 162 Resilience Centers have been opened in Ukraine, providing free psychological assistance. The goal is to have 200 centers by the end of 2024.

The Ministry of Social Policy's press service reports this.

What is the problem?

Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine has a devastating impact on the mental health of Ukrainians. The constant fear and trauma of living in a war zone, as well as the loss of lives and displacement of families, has left lasting scars on the psyche of the nation. The uncertainty of the situation and the potential for future attacks also adds to the already high levels of stress and anxiety.

Specialized programs and support must be implemented to address the mental health needs of these individuals and communities, as leaving these concerns unaddressed can have long-term detrimental effects on the overall well-being of the Ukrainian population.

What is the solution?

As of December 2023, a total of 162 Resilience Centers have been established in Ukraine, offering no-cost psychological support. The objective is to have a total of 200 centers in operation by the end of 2024.

"In February, the Ministry of Social Policy financed 14 teams of Resilience Centers, and by August, their number increased to 162. Today, almost 48 million hryvnias have been paid within the framework of the project, and about 430 million hryvnias have been allocated in the budget for the full financing of the program," the Ministry of Social Policy's message reads.

It is noted that the funds are used to pay the centers' specialists. Now, there are more than 700 specialists:

• psychologists,
• social managers,
• social work specialists.

Today, Resilience Centers work in 200 communities. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have already received support.

The ministry plans to expand the amount of Resilience Centers to 200 by 2024 and then double that number in 2025. These centers will focus on:

• assisting military personnel and their families,
• integrating internally displaced individuals into communities,
• and implementing a program for the mental rehabilitation of women to encourage their return to the workforce.

For reference:

The Ministry of Social Policy's pilot project, in collaboration with the All-Ukrainian mental health program "How are you?" by First Lady Olena Zelenska, aims to assist individuals in coping with stress, healing from difficult circumstances, and staying engaged in life despite the challenges.

On January 23, Ukraine's government approved the procedure for the organization and operation of Resilience Centers, which would provide social services, counseling, and social-psychological assistance.

According to PM Shmyhal, this opening of such Resilience Centers is a part of the All-Ukrainian mental health program.

"In the future, every community should create such a space," the prime minister said.

Shmyhal said that funds for financing the service are provided from the state budget. In turn, the local authorities provide the premises and organize the center's work.

"We are establishing accessibility, inclusiveness, and barrier-free criteria for these institutions. As well as security – each center must have its own shelter," the prime minister said.

It was also reported that Ukraine is expanding the provision of free psychological assistance for veterans and their families.

As Yuliia Laputina, the minister of veteran affairs, made clear, this aid will be free and follow a three-level system:

• The first level consists of social workers, veteran's assistants, and others who have received appropriate training and provide psychosocial support and social services such as social support and adaptation.
• The next level is psychological care, which can be given by psychological care providers, regardless of ownership form. This includes individual entrepreneurs who meet the specialist qualifications.
• The third level encompasses thorough medical and psychological treatment offered by licensed facilities, featuring teams of at least four experts with diverse backgrounds (one psychiatrist and three psychotherapists/psychologists).

Rubryka also shared tips on maintaining a child's physical and mental well-being during the war based on the expertise of leading psychologists.