Ukraine program update: Mobile mental health clinic in Kharkiv
Since its launch in April, the mobile mental health clinic in Kharkiv has been making a positive impact, effectively delivering services in the districts of Izium and Krasnohrad. All participants suffered from traumatic events caused by military aggression and included internally displaced persons, people living in de-occupied territories, or people who have recently returned to their homes in Kharkiv. Notably, 76% of participants were children, including children in foster care or kinship care.
Team-building activities played a crucial role for the children involved in the program. The circle of friends, a drawing exercise where children collaborate to complete a communal artwork, proved particularly effective in fostering mutual support and teamwork.
The team celebrated the progress of the youngest children, who had never participated in structured group activities as they had never regularly attended school due to the conflict. Witnessing them gradually learn to follow session rules and respect each other (for example, when taking turns to share with the group) was a significant accomplishment, demonstrating the program's profound impact on their social and emotional development.
Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) sessions and consultations
Since April, the mobile mental health clinic has led 142 group sessions and 89 individual consultations, reaching 134 families. In total, 507 individuals (113 women, 7 men, 207 girls and 180 boys) benefited from these sessions and consultations. Impressively, 90% of surveyed participants reported an improvement in their psycho-emotional state.
Capacity-building training
Two training sessions for MHPSS and non-MHPSS specialists focused on self-help skills and psychological resilience.
The participants included 44 women working with children and families affected by the war, 29 employees from the Kharkiv Center for Social Services, and 15 schoolteachers from the Krasnohrad district.
The additional skills learned will benefit 1,100 individuals (87 women, 29 men, 493 girls, and 491 boys) the 44 women trainees support through their work.
Distribution of food packages and non-food items to families
425 individuals (125 women, 69 men, 110 girls, 122 boys) in need of emergency in-kind assistance received food packages and non-food items. Some of the supplies requested by vulnerable families included hygiene products, emergency food packages, cooking utensils, dishes, and bedding.
Read Nadiia’s* story: Healing through art in Ukraine: A child’s therapeutic journey
Read Yuryi’s* story: Unspoken words: Healing through family therapy in Ukraine
This mobile mental health clinic in Kharkiv is part of SOS Children’s Villages’ larger emergency response in Ukraine, currently implemented in 17 regions nationwide. This two-year project launched on April 1, 2024, and focuses on improving the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of Ukrainians, especially children, affected by the war in Kharkiv Region.
With your ongoing support, SOS Children’s Villages Ukraine has provided services to more than 385,000 people during more than two years of war.
We thank the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and the Ptarmigan Charitable Foundation for their generous support.
*Names changed to protect privacy.