Ukraine: Long-Term Psychological Support Programme

At the start of 2024, Green Cross Switzerland launched a pilot project to provide psychological support to those affected by the war in Ukraine (more information here). The need was, and continues to be, extremely high. Although many kindergartens resumed operations at that time, the consequences of the war continued to have a profound impact on people’s lives. Children, in particular, experienced severe psychological distress, including heightened anxiety, extreme reactions to air raid sirens, and clear signs of mental exhaustion.

Starting in Chernihiv
Our pilot project began in a kindergarten in Chernihiv, attended by around 250 children. Even there, it was immediately evident how significant the need for psychological support was. The positive feedback from parents, combined with the scale and urgency of the challenges, reinforced our decision to expand the initiative.

Expansion to Schools, Adolescents and Adults
The next phase of the project led us to start working in schools in Novhorod-Siverskyi, with a particular focus on adolescents, who are especially vulnerable to the psychological pressures of war. It was not long before we also received requests for help from adults, many of whom were displaying symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or suffering from acute anxiety.

In response, we established a psychological counselling room in Novhorod-Siverskyi. It offers individual counselling, especially for adults, along with regular group sessions for teenagers and young adults. Cancer patients also receive psychological support at this location.

In May 2025, we opened a further centre at the Education and Rehabilitation Centre in Sosnytsya. Here, children with disabilities, autism, or other special needs are supported in a safe and tailored environment designed to meet their individual requirements.

A Long-Term Commitment
What began as a pilot project has evolved into a long-term support programme. The initiative focuses on those directly affected by the consequences of war, particularly children, adolescents, and internally displaced persons. We aim is to alleviate psychological distress, enhance emotional well-being, and promote social inclusion.

Given the continuing elevated level of need, the programme is being steadily expanded – the next step is to establish a psychological counselling service in the port city of Odessa.

Art Therapy as a Core Approach
Art therapy plays a central role in our work. Within a safe and nurturing environment, children are encouraged to express their emotions creatively, helping them to process their painful experiences and build inner resilience and psychological stability. All services are delivered by a professional, interdisciplinary team of psychologists and art therapists, tailored to the individual and age-specific needs of each participant.

Current Figures (as of end of May 2025)

• Chernihiv: Psychological support provided to 438 children
• Kherson: Psychological support provided to 16 children
• Sosnytsya: Psychological support provided to 99 children
• Novhorod-Siverskyi:
  • Group therapy for 63 adolescents and 107 adults
  • Individual therapy for 4 children, 7 adolescents, and 26 adults