Mental Health Training for Frontline workers in Ukraine

While children living in Ukraine are faced with the uncertainty and turmoil of active war, those living in occupied territories are in grave danger. Since the start of the war, almost 27% of Ukraine has been occupied by Russian forces. These territories are closed off to international humanitarian aid as well as social and medical support, making this population one of the hardest to reach and most in need of care.

Over the past two years, Ukraine has recaptured 54% of the occupied territories, yet Russia still occupies 18% of the country. Once de-occupied, police, civilian military liaisons, state emergency officers, and mobile social and medical teams enter to provide peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance. These teams are the first to be granted access after a territory is de-occupied and assess basic needs such as food and shelter, as well as medical and mental health needs. However, due to the flight of many trained Ukrainians, many of these mobile team responders have little training in mental health support, and none for how to work with children, especially those with complex trauma. We partnered with a Ukrainian NGO, Community Self-Help, to train these frontline workers how to provide initial support for children and families with the most serious mental health and protection needs. After an individual completes the initial training, ongoing support is provided by a mixed local and Boston team to review questions and cases, determine additional needs, and provide additional supports to frontline workers.

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