As the war continues to impact mental well-being across the country, Ukraine has introduced a new network of Resilience Centers to provide psychosocial care. These centers are part of the nationwide mental health initiative 'How are you?' (Ти як?), launched by First Lady Olena Zelenska.
The Resilience Centers Project
Led by Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy, the project is carried out in collaboration with the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU), the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine. The centers offer psychosocial support, professional consultations, and opportunities for stress recovery. To ensure quality delivery, the Ministry of Social Policy works together with the CEB and UCU to train center teams on systematic provision of these services. Kateryna Yelishieva serves as the coordinator of CEB activities in Ukraine, highlighting the international dimension of this effort. Additional support comes from the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine and UNDP Ukraine.
Importance of the Initiative
This initiative represents a critical step in delivering psychosocial care to a population deeply affected by the war. With mental health becoming an increasingly pressing issue amid ongoing conflict, the Resilience Centers are poised to become vital hubs of assistance for those in need. International cooperation brings essential resources and expertise, helping to implement the program effectively across Ukraine.
In light of the ongoing mental health crisis, the establishment of additional support facilities is crucial. Recently, a new resilience center opened in a shelter in Ukraine's Lviv region, further expanding the network of resources available to those affected by the conflict. This development underscores the importance of accessible psychosocial care during these challenging times.