Psychosocial Support for Children and Families in Eastern Ukraine
Situation:
The mental health burden in the Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts is severe and persistent, driven by insecurity, repeated attacks, and ongoing protection risks. According to the 2025 WHO survey, more than 70% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, or severe stress during the previous year, with internally displaced persons, returnees, women and people with disabilities being disproportionately affected. Nearly 10 million people are expected to develop a mental health condition, including 3.9 million with moderate to severe cases.
Objectives:
Conflict-affected children, caregivers, and healthcare workers will have improved access to timely, high-quality, community-based mental health and psychosocial support services.
- 360 children participating in psychosocial group sessions
- 100 caregivers participating in parenting support sessions
- 40 community leaders, volunteers, or frontline responders trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA)
- 15 healthcare professionals trained in Self-Care Strategies (SCS) and supported through follow-up mentoring
Children and caregivers participate in structured psychosocial support sessions.
Community members are trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA).
Healthcare professionals are trained in Supportive Communication Skills (SCS).
Following the analysis, Medair has developed a multi-sectoral response that addresses the underlying causes. Children, parents, and healthcare workers will receive targeted training throughout the implementation phase. By strengthening their knowledge and capacities, the project will amplify its impact - enhancing care and support across the wider community.
The projects will be implemented in close collaboration with local authorities, communities, and affected families to achieve sustainable impact. Medair is an official partner of the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office.
Further information: https://de.medair.org/medair-und-fresenius-in-der-ukraine
