Mental health

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Article

World Mental Health Day: A day with serious meaning for humanitarian workers

Humanitarian workers face unique challenges: they operate in contexts of severe hardship, often under pressure, and in environments where safety is never guaranteed. For them, mental health at work goes beyond the usual discussions on stress and burnout. It is intertwined with urgency, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to a humanitarian mission. It is a fundamental element that enables these professionals to continue providing quality support to the communities they assist.On this occasion, we want to highlight voices from the field. Our IFRC colleagues who work in psychosocial support share their reflections on the importance of maintaining their mental health while supporting others. Their testimonies offer rich and diverse perspectives on how to approach this crucial issue.“Mental health at work is an essential component of our overall well-being. In my work with the IFRC, whether it’s managing crises like Marburg and Mpox outbreaks in Africa or providing psychosocial assistance to communities affected by floods, I have seen the major impact that stress and psychological challenges can have on individuals, teams, and communities.“Mental resilience is indispensable in the humanitarian sector. Working with Red Cross volunteers in health emergencies, I have seen how crucial it is to have support structures, spaces for dialogue, and training in psychological first aid.”Dr. Aimé Mbonda, Health Coordinator for IFRC's Yaoundé Cluster, a regional hub that covers Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon•“When I think of mental health at work, I’m reminded that while this concept may seem intimidating, it is actually very simple at its core. It is about fostering a sense of belonging, ensuring psychological safety, allowing employees to have control over their work, and helping them feel their impact.“In practice, this means sharing openly with colleagues, listening carefully, building trust, and offering recognition. Humanitarian workers, who are often passionate with high expectations, particularly need to hear that they are doing a good job, that they are part of a valuable team, that their opinions matter, and that, thanks to their efforts, someone in our difficult world just had a better day.”Allison Male, Psychosocial Support Consultant•“Mental health at work is more than a slogan; it is an obligation. Promoting mental health at work is a responsibility at both the individual and institutional levels. This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is a reminder of the need for concerted efforts to promote, create, and maintain a work environment conducive to good mental health.“There is no health without mental health, as they say. Prioritizing mental health in the professional environment is a culture to co-create and strengthen.”Dr. Danielle Domersant, Health Delegate, Yaoundé Cluster•“With the current global conflicts, the psychosocial support team must be ready to intervene at any time to provide psychological support, if asked. Psychosocial support has become an integral part of the IFRC in these times of change.“We must also configure the support we offer to adapt to different contexts through an eclectic approach. It is also very important to ask, ‘How can we best support affected staff or ensure they feel sufficiently supported?’“From a personal perspective, there are times I wish I could do more to help in certain situations, particularly in crises where it would be preferable to be physically present, but it’s not possible. The use of technology is then very useful and makes it possible to provide the same level of support.”Caroline Kithama, Psychosocial Support Consultant•Learn more about how IFRC works to protect the psychological well-being of staff, volunteers and people impacted by crisis.Mental health and psychosocial support/IFRCWorld Mental Health Day: What does mental health at work mean when your work is helping people in a conflict zone?World Mental Health Day: By helping others, a young volunteer learned how to help herselfUruguayan Red Cross project sends life-saving message: the lives of young people cannot be left just to chance – suicide is preventable5 top tips on maintaining mental health from Red Cross first-respondersBreaking the silence: addressing mental health and fighting stigma in the aftermath of Ukraine's conflictEuropean Mental Health Week: The healing power of art helps people cope with the upheaval caused by conflict

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World Mental Health Day: What does mental health at work mean when your work is helping people in a conflict zone?

In a region as vast and diverse at the Middle East and North Africa (often referred to as the MENA region), where political instability, economic hardship, and natural hazards often overlap, mental health is often the first casualty.Yetmental health and psychosocial support too often remains one of the least prioritized aspects of overall health. Even when it is recognized, it is often extremely challenging to pay adequate attention to this critical need given the pressures of daily work life. We talked to some ofour colleagues in the IFRC’s Beirut office, which oversees the MENA region, about the realities of maintaining their psychological well-being, even as conflict escalates around them.“In theory, the idea of ‘taking care of one's mental health’ or ‘disconnecting’ sounds simple. But in practice, especially in high-stress situations like those we face in the MENA region, it is incredibly difficult. The pressure to constantly be available, to support colleagues, to follow up on emergencies, and to manage personal stressors leaves little room for true disconnection.“Lebanon is a prime example of how complex and intertwined mental health struggles can be. IFRC staff are grappling with ongoing uncertainty,some of us are displaced, others are not sleeping;the emotional toll is high, and yet we cannot put our work on hold.The weight of expectations versus reality can feel overwhelming, and that strain only intensifies when compounded by the crises happening around us. How can we remain productive under these conditions? This is our main challenge right now.”Ibrahim Chaaya, IFRC MENA Staff Health Senior Officer“The problem with a lot of mental health tips is that they have been developed during peacetime, in peaceful situations, for people dealing with diverse stressful situations, but not war. You can disconnect from work, from a dispute you had with someone, from the news, but you cannot ask a person to disconnect when they are the news, when all they can hear is bombings and drones all day long.I cannot be asked to disconnect when an airstrike shakes my home, my bed and my heart every time I try to close my eyes and get some sleep.We should take a step back and rethink the mental health methods and tools we are using, perhaps we should make them more contextualized, realistic, and therefore effective."Rima El Basst, IFRC MENA Community Health Assistant“Honestly, I’m not okay. Physically, I’m fine, but I’m generally not okay. Sometimes I feel numb, sometimes I cry out of the blue, sometimes I just feel unreal. There’s a mix of emotions and I cannot put it into words. You can use all the tools and do all the therapy, but it’s impossible to disconnect and it’s extremely difficult to take care of one’s mental health.“There are constant feelings of guilt and anxiety. I’m even scared of sleeping and I cannot hear a loud sound anymore without thinking that it’s an airstrike. I’ve been trying to take care of myself by doing little things, like finding support in other people by talking to them, but it’s just not enough.”Yasmin Hakim, IFRC MENA Migration Senior Officer“As a Communications Officer in emergencies, I am constantly connected to crises that never end. The challenge isn’t just the intensity of our work, but how the inability to disconnect deeply affects our mental health.Our digital presence mirrors the urgency and chaos of the real world, with each notification, post, and message bringing us closer to the heart of disasters. The pressure to stay engaged 24/7 blurs the line between personal time and professional duty, leaving little room for recovery. While we’re dedicated to our work, the toll on our mental health is often unseen but deeply felt—a cost that’s hard to ignore in the face of constant crises.”Joanna Daou, IFRC MENA Communications OfficerLearn more about how IFRC works to protect the psychological well-being of staff, volunteers and people impacted by crisis.Mental health and psychosocial support/IFRCWorld Mental Health Day: By helping others, a young volunteer learned how to help herselfUruguayan Red Cross project sends life-saving message: the lives of young people cannot be left just to chance – suicide is preventable5 top tips on maintaining mental health from Red Cross first-respondersBreaking the silence: addressing mental health and fighting stigma in the aftermath of Ukraine's conflictEuropean Mental Health Week: The healing power of art helps people cope with the upheaval caused by conflict

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World Mental Health Day: By helping others, a young volunteer learned how to help herself

When Gunel Abbasova was a young student, she dreamed of doing something to help others. But for some time, conflict in her country kept from her realising those dreams.“Due to displacement from Aghdam, the conflict left many traces in my life: my unfinished dreams, my lost childhood, and my inability to pursue higher education,” she says. “Little Gunel had already grown up, but her dreams had not yet come true. I always thought that when I grew up, I would become a lawyer and help people in need.”But then Gunel discovered a new way to help others, as a volunteer with the Aghdam district branch of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society. Gunel explains that throughout these difficult experiences, the National Society gave her hope and helped her realise her potential.“Time passed, year after year, and I was losing hope,”she recalls. “However, when my hopes were nearly exhausted, I happened to meet a person who informed me about the Aghdam branch of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and said there was a need for volunteers. He mentioned that I could be a part of this community's mission as a volunteer without financial compensation.“Normally, each of us expects some financial support in return for the work we do, even if it is small. But somehow, I didn't think about it for a second. I had already made my choice. I believed that I would find myself there, and indeed, I was not wrong.The Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society became the sun shining brightly on me after the rain..”Now Gunel is one of many volunteers helping to bring mental health and psychosocial support to people as part of a project supported financially by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the IFRC.The project is called “Bridging the Gap between Community Needs and Local Capacities and Capabilities of the Civil Society Actors in Azerbaijan” and it aims to strengthen the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) capacity of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzRCS).The National Society soon became a place where she could develop her knowledge and skills. However, Gunel still felt that something was missing.“Years later, I had given up on the idea of studying, but I began to develop myself at the National Society. I visited many regions and cities, received training from professional and educated trainers, and increased my knowledge and skills.”“I started to feel happier. I participated in the distribution of humanitarian aid, provided first aid, met many people, and made friends. But there was still something missing. Sometimes I was very weak. Sometimes I ran away from situations as the fear of losing did not allow me to move forward.”“As I developed, I began to search for myself. Who am I? Where am I? Where should I be? I asked myself these questions all the time. One day they announced a new training. When I heard the name of the training, a spark arose in me. At that point in my life, I needed exactly that – mental health and psychosocial support training.”‘Now I have found myself’The mental health and psychosocial support field helped her fill the missing void in her life, made her understand herself better, become happier, and improve her relationships with people.“While attending training and participating in activities in this field, I better understood myself and my aspirations. Over the years, I reached a level where I could inform other people on this topic. As an AzRCS volunteer, I started working with children aged 5-12 in schools, conducting psychosocial sessions for them.Now I have found myself, and I know that it is impossible to be healthy without mental health. I can handle stress and take care of myself. I conduct awareness sessions for community members on this topic. If people are aware of their mental health, they can cope more easily with psychological issues and traumas. They realise that there is hope and light in their lives.”“I am stronger now. I want people to unite and support each other in difficult situations, just like we do at the National Society. I am very grateful to the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support team who helped me.”Learn more about how the IFRC and its member National Societies support people with mental health and psychosocial services.Mental health and psychosocial support at IFRC5 top tips on maintaining mental health from Red Cross first-responder volunteersUruguayan Red Cross project sends life-saving message: the lives of young people cannot be left just to chance – suicide is preventableBreaking the silence: addressing mental health and fighting stigma in the aftermath of Ukraine's conflictEuropean Mental Health Week: The healing power of art helps people cope with the upheaval caused by conflict

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Article

Uruguayan Red Cross project sends life-saving message: the lives of young people cannot be left just to chance – suicide is preventable

Uruguay is known for being one of the smallest countries in South America. Its population is less than four million and, according to various studies, for being the happiest on the continent.In this context, one statistic has caught the attention of many people in the country: at least two people in Uruguay commit suicide every day. That means 823 Uruguayans take their own lives each year, a rate of 23 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants. This is the third highest in the region, after Guyana and Suriname.The Uruguayan Red Cross has taken on this critical through the project “Una vida más que una posibilidad,” which offers practical tools to prevent suicide among teenagers and volunteers. The project name can be interpreted in several ways: Translated literally as ‘Life, more than a possibility’, it sends the message that suicide prevention is possible, if people are given the right tools. Just as important, it sends the message that suicide prevention, and life itself, is not something that we can just leave to chance.To find out more, IFRC Communications Officer Estefany Jiménez spoke to the project coordinator, Tatiana Linares, a specialist in clinical and health psychology.Jiménez: I would like to start by asking you how you started this process around such a stigmatized and often unspoken issue?Linares: The process started with an open call to all volunteers from the different branches of the Uruguayan Red Cross, and then we interviewed them to get to know and understand the situations they were going through.We started the process with 25 volunteers from eight branches and four people from the technical team of the National Youth Institute. We met people who were going through complex situations, who needed psychosocial support and who even had suicidal thoughts. Or they knew someone who had or was having suicidal thoughts at the time.With this group we ran three virtual workshops on suicide, emotional intelligence and psychological first aid. This was complemented by a face-to-face workshop focusing on the practical part of the training. It was very inspiring to see the commitment and willingness with which they joined the project.And how did this training process impact the mental health of the volunteers?It was a breakthrough, an opportunity for them to express their emotions openly, without judgement. I think it was very valuable for them to recognize and identify these emotions and then ask for help or support to deal with them.They also set up an active support network, a chat group where they kept in touch throughout the process. They wrote and messaged each other daily, offered support to the group and were very willing to look after each other. This created a caring network to support them in different situations.After this phase of training and supporting the volunteers, how was the process of working with the young people?After the theoretical and practical training, it was the volunteers themselves, with my guidance, who designed and facilitated the workshops for almost 150 teenagers from two high schools and a youth centre in the municipalities of Guichón, Paysandú and Mercedes.Each workshop consisted of three days of sessions organized in phases: phase one, ‘I know myself’; phase two, ‘I help myself’; and phase three, ‘I help others’.As a product of the process, the young participants developed and distributed messages based on what they would like to read to another young person going through a difficult situation. In the schools, they put them up in the bathrooms, at the entrances and in other places.Would you say that the project achieved what it set out to achieve or were the results very different from what you expected?The first great achievement and strength of the project is that we managed to connect with the young people and get them actively involved in suicide prevention. We also managed to ensure that our volunteers are now trained to work on this issue.Some of the volunteers who took part in the project have even decided to dedicate themselves to mental health initiatives, which we did not expect but we are very happy about.Tell us more about your work with adults. Have you also worked with older people at risk of suicide?It was more about people who were interested in joining prevention efforts. The community of Guichón asked for our support to address this issue with the families of the young people we were working with, but also with professionals in psychology and social work, religious leaders and other adults who work with or provide services to young people in their daily work.It was a very positive and challenging space that touched them in a very personal way. While their main motivation was to find a way to help a young person, they ended up sharing personal stories of suicidal thoughts.In these spaces we tried, with love, experience and knowledge, to break down the myths surrounding suicide: that it is hereditary, that we cannot prevent it, and so on. The result was so positive that they asked for more interventions.Suicide is surrounded by myths. Did this make the journey very challenging?Yes, one of the first challenges was to talk about it openly, because talking about suicide is taboo and people, even our volunteers, believed that talking about suicide encouraged it. Changing that belief is a huge challenge, but creating a group of volunteers who could do that was also a huge achievement.Learn more about IFRC’s efforts to promote psychological wellbeing in the communities we serve.How does the IFRC's promote psychological well-being in communities impacted by crisis or hardship?Visit the IFRC Psychosocial Centre.Is the threat of climate change impacting the mental health of people in impacted communities?

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European Mental Health Week: The healing power of art helps people cope with the upheaval caused by conflict

In the first few months after Svitlana arrived in Burgas, a city on Bulgaria's eastern Black Sea coast, she lived in a shelter and made money by playing violin on the streets.The former music teacher who fled conflict in Ukraine also received support from the Bulgarian Red Cross in the form of food, clothes and hygiene kits. Eventually, she found a job at the Burgas Opera House as a stage assistant.Now Svitlana is able to share her creative gifts in the form of music and art therapy sessions for other people impacted by the conflict in her homeland.“When people hear a song in their native language, from their homeland, it makes them feel better,” she says, adding that music and art – and the conversations it leads to – also help people feel more comfortable and integrated in their new communities.Svitlana’s music and art therapy sessions are just one of many examples of how Red Cross National Societies in Europe are using people’s inherent creativity to help them through a tumultuous and difficult time.A complimentary therapyIn a world where stress and anxiety are constant companions, expressive therapies that use the creative process have gained traction in recent years as a complement to traditional psychotherapy.Amidst the displacement crisis stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, Red Cross National Societies have stepped forward with a wide-range of innovative approaches to support the mental well-being of people forced to flee their homes.Spearheaded by the EU4Health programme, funded by the European Union's DG Sante project, this initiative aims to deliver crucial mental health and psychosocial support to people displaced from Ukraine.Representing one of the most substantial responses to mental health crises in emergencies within the Red Cross and Red Crescent family, the partnership between DG Sante and the IFRC has introduced diverse forms of art therapy tailored specifically to the needs of affected communities.These therapeutic interventions offer an avenue for people to articulate and process their experiences, facilitating a sense or healing and hope amidst the prevailing uncertainty.FriendshipThe Finnish Red Cross, for example, organized an event for Ukrainians under the theme of friendship. Surrounded by scraps of paper, markers, glue and other craft supplies, the children wrote messages on cards that they then shared with loved ones.In making the thank-you cards, they used words, drawing and pictures cut out of magazines to express their feelings. They also learned and wrote down some Finnish words, further encouraging a sense of belonging in their new communities. One child made a birthday card for his father. The event was defined by a spirit of happiness and togetherness.‘Personal growth’One local branch of the Portuguese RedCrossorganized a handicraft workshop specifically tailored for Ukrainian women. While children attended school or spent time at the Red Cross safe space, women make handicrafts that, at the same time, help them learn Portuguese, acquire new craft skills and feel more integrated in their new communities.Their participation not only facilitated skill development but also contributed to a boost in self-esteem. "It was a significant challenge for everyone involved, but it led to personal and professional growth," said one of the participants.What does happiness look like?One project organized by the Romanian Red Cross asked Ukrainian children at the Multicultural Humanity Centre to reveal on paper what happiness looks like to them. Using coloured pencils and a lot of imagination, the children opened their hearts."I am happy when I have my sister, my family and my stuffed toys by my side," nine-year-old Yeseniia wrote on her card.The art therapy offered by the Romanian Red Cross is just one part of a larger comprehensive approach that aims to meet the participants’ urgent and basic needs. This includes health services and psychosocial support, thematic workshops for children and parents, Romanian and English language courses, life skills activities, and hot meals.Back in Bulgaria, the music and art therapy sessions organized by Svitlana are also a chance for her to find comfort after a harrowing ordeal that forced her to leave her home in Dnipro, Ukraine.Svitlana remembers how her house was constantly trembling during the air raids. “I’m grateful to live under a peaceful sky,” Svetlana says.The content of this article is the sole responsibility of IFRC and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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Podcast

Ana Gabriela Mejía Silva: Psychologist and Red Cross volunteer explores the mental health costs of climate change

Eco-anxiety is a relatively new term in the lexicon of psychology, but it’s gaining more attention. In a world facing an existential threat from climate change — and many communities already facing tremendous upheaval — the mental health impacts of climate change are impossible to ignore. People who rely on farming, fishing, or whose cultures are connected to natural cycles, are being deeply affected. Livelihoods are drying up, or being washed away, and in many places, suicide rates are rising. Psychologist and Red Cross volunteer Ana Mejía unpacks what’s happening and explains what we need to do, collectively and individually, to help people cope.

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Sudan: 'the most difficult year' after outbreak of conflict

One year after the outbreak of violence in Sudan that killed thousands of people and displaced as many as 8.6 million others, the volunteers and staff of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) are still working around the clock with limited resources to meet massive humanitarian needs.Wajdan Hassan Ahmed has been volunteering with her National Society for 16 years. She describes the 12 months following 15 April 2023 – when residents of the capital Khartoum woke to the terrifying sound of gunfire and explosions – as the most difficult year of her life.“The stories I experienced at the beginning of the war – the evacuations of people disfigured by bomb shrapnel, the stories of fathers who had lost their daughters, mothers who had lost their children, parents who lost their whole family… all these stories have stayed with me, and I cannot forget them,” she said.Psychosocial supportAs well as helping to evacuate people and bring them to safety far away from the fighting, Wajdan and her Red Crescent colleagues have been providing much-needed psychosocial support as well as food, water, and information.Many families were separated in the panic caused by the violence, and the resulting displacement within and outwith Sudan has pushed people far away from their loved ones. The Sudanese Red Crescent’s Restoring Family Links service is still helping to connect and reunite them.“We’re working hard to reunite families who have [been separated from] their children,” Wajdan said. “Some are aged seven to ten, and others of different ages.”Health clinicsSRCS teams have also been operating both fixed and mobile health clinics, helping at-risk people to get the care they need, wherever they may be. An estimated 80 per cent of Sudan’s healthcare facilities have stopped functioning since the crisis began, putting intense pressure on existing community-based Red Crescent health services.As a trusted neutral and impartial organization with thousands of highly trained volunteers and a permanent presence in communities in all 18 States, the SRCS has been at the forefront of the response during this past year. Around 4,000 volunteers have been directly involved in the emergency response.The IFRC had been working closely with SRCS and the ICRC long before the start of the conflict and will continue to do so for as long as people are in need. Many partner Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies have also given support, resources and personnel to enhance the response operations. These include National Societies from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Spain, Sweden , Switzerland, and Türkiye.UnderfundedAnEmergency Appealwas launched by IFRC in support of the Sudan Red Crescent Society, although this appeal remains underfunded.A regional population movement appeal was also launched to help National Societies in Egypt, Chad, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Ethiopia and Libya to support people displaced from Sudan.Both appeals are critical in providing aid and relief to those affected by the ongoing crisis in Sudan and the surrounding region. More funding is needed to meet the urgent needs of these vulnerable populations.Call to actionThe IFRC and the Sudanese Red Crescent are calling upon all parties in Sudan to reflect on the humanitarian challenges that the conflict has posed. Despite the support that has been mobilized — around 10 per cent of the total required — nothing will be able to fill these gaps if the root causes are not addressed.The Red Cross and Red Crescent network calls upon all parties to come together for the sake of humanity and for the people, including children, who are suffering due to this ongoing conflict. And it calls on people around the world to support the critical emergency appeals that will help us ensure that affected communities and families can overcome this crisis, now entering its second year.

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Press release

A sense of ‘futurelessness’: new data shows severity of mental health challenges for people from Ukraine

Geneva/Brussels - 10 April 2024More than two years of armed conflict - with no end in sight - is leading to a sense of ‘futurelessness’ for displaced people from Ukraine, experts said at a conference in Brussels. Despite the incredible resilience people have been showing, this experience is likely to have a long-term impact on their mental health if not addressed in time.The conference was organised by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as part of aEuropean Union-funded EU4Health project, which aims to provide mental health and psychosocial support services for people affected by the ongoing conflict. Speakers included Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, and Xavier Castellanos Mosquera, Under Secretary General for the IFRC. Participants discussed the mental health needs of those forced to leave their homes, based on a recent survey conducted by the IFRC. Findings include:83% of people affected by the conflict said they or family members had faced stressful or traumatic events. Two-thirds said displacement had had a negative impact on them. Of those surveyed, 79% were outside Ukraine, 21% inside.30% of displaced Ukrainians had sought some form of psychological support since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, which reveals a demand for mental health services.Ganna Goloktionova, Technical Advisor in the IFRC’s Psychosocial Centre, said that uncertainty about the future was the top source of stress for Ukrainians. She emphasised that the combined toll of ongoing armed conflict, insecurity through displacement, the destruction of family structures, the temporary nature of protection, and financial stresses all negatively contribute to displaced Ukrainians’ mental health.“Many Ukrainians can’t see a future.” she said. “This state of ‘futurelessness’ is having a devastating impact on the mental health of Ukrainians, both those in Ukraine and refugees in countries elsewhere.”Xavier Castellanos Mosquera, IFRC Under Secretary General said:“Intervention at the right time can help and, in the long term, give people their futures back. Psychosocial support programmes are some of the least expensive activities in humanitarian responses. But they can have a priceless impact.”Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe said:“We know how vital mental health interventions can be, particularly when provided early. Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers from Ukraine and host communities build the necessary trust that helps us in addressing the stigma that still, sadly, surrounds mental health.”Across Europe, 37 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies are providing mental health and psychosocial support services and have reached 1.2 million people.BackgroundThere is an EU-funded collaboration between the IFRC, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety, and National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 European countries to provide psychosocial support to people from Ukraine since May 2022. This programme has supported more than 200,000 affected people and has seen 11,000 health professionals and volunteers trained in mental health and psychosocial support.Listen to IFRC’s People in the Red Vest podcast episode:Nataliia Korniienko: Helping her fellow refugees cope with the stresses of conflict, migration and starting over | IFRCFor further details or interview requests contactGeneva – Andrew Thomas +41 763676587Brussels – Zsofia Varga +36 70 508 5718

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Basic page

EU4Health and the IFRC

Adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Commission's EU4Health programme seeks to boost pandemic preparedness and build stronger, more resilient and more accessible health systems. A key part of the EU4Health programme includes an historic and ambitious partnership with the IFRC to provide psychological first aid and mental health services to people throughout Europe who have been impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.

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Article

Ukraine: Helping people get back on their feet after severe injury

Across Ukraine, people deal with the daily reality of air alerts and fear. Areas remain under evacuation, and some people cannot return home.But in many parts of Ukraine, recovery has begun and it’s about more than the reconstruction of buildings and infrastructure. It’s about restoring people’s health, livelihoods and wellbeing.The Ukrainian Red Cross (URCS) contributed to the creation of the National Rehabilitation Center Unbroken in Lviv, where recovery comes in the form of treatment, rehabilitation, and in some cases prosthetics."In the time since the injury, I had already learned to cope with many things using just one arm,” says Valentin Anohin, a physical education teacher who lost his arm due to injury in the conflict. “But when I put on the prosthesis, I felt how much easier my daily routine became. Now I can do everything twice as fast."After five months of rehabilitation, Anohin realized his dream. Using the prosthetic, he successfully threw a basketball straight into the hoop.From fear to confidenceYana Kovalova lost her leg due after an explosion in her backyard in Donetsk. Found by neighbours, she was evacuated and had surgery before being stabilized and moving across Ukraine to the Unbroken centre."Physical therapists started working with me immediately here,” she says. “At first, I was afraid to even stumble on crutches – let alone climb stairs. But with each session, I feel more and more confident."Vyacheslav Aleksandrov‘s experience started with questions.“The first feelings after the injury were fear. What to do next? How will all this be?” he said, adding the process is different for everyone."My acquaintance, whose limb amputation was not high, started walking in just three weeks. For someone else, it's a complex and lengthy process, involving both group and individual work."“Psychological support is crucial."‘She really inspires me’With support from the IFRC and other partners, URCS look for new ways to engage and support people with disabilities. Red Cross also supports mental health at Unbroken.“We help them to stabilize their mental feelings. Sometimes they lose their houses or their relatives,” said Sofia Nevoyt, a psychotherapist at the Unbroken centre.One of her clients was injured very badly. “But she was very motivated,” she said. “She told that when this event happened she was even shouting, ‘I want to live.’”“Her progress was very good and I really love to work with her because she inspires me too.”URCS contributes to the recovery of local communities by supporting access to health, mental health, and social care services. Psychosocial support and rehabilitation programs will continue to be focal points for URCS in the years ahead.

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Article

Post earthquake, Red Cross China helps people heal and rebuild

Justmore than one month ago, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Linxia Prefecture of Gansu Province in China. The quake struck at midnight on December 18, 2023, as people were sleeping through a cold winter night,destroying homes and claiming lives.With its well-developed disaster preparedness capacity and an established cooperation mechanism with its provincial chapters, the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) responded immediately, swiftly carrying out rescue and relief work as it raced with time to save lives.The first batch of relief items dispatched by the RCSC arrived within the first 12 hours after the earthquake.In coming hours and days,more than 20 Red Cross rescue teams in five categories – from medical relief to psychological support – were dispatched to the disaster area.The teams carried out comprehensive response work,including search and rescue, basic aid material, psychological support, provision of meals and toilets, construction of resettlement sites, as well as transportation and distribution of disaster relief materials.Within ten days of the earthquake, the people affected by the earthquake had moved into clean and warm temporary shelters and schools had resumed classes.Now, with the rapid response complete, the operation has moved to the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction stage.Mental health: a key part of recoveryWith the gradual normalization of people’s lives, some places in the village havestarted to offer skill training courses such as welding, elderly care and housekeeping, with training subsidies provided. The training sessions aim to make people more confident and capable of rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.Another key building block in the recovery is helping people adjust to the massive disruption the earthquake has had in their lives. This is one reason why volunteers regularly organize counselling sessions, as well as fun, lively activities, and games for children in many of the resettlement areas."Are you coming back tomorrow?" onechild asks Chunhui Ji, a team leader from the Red Cross's Gansu Mingrui psychological service team after one such joyful session of games at one of the resettlement sites."Crisis intervention is an important part of post-disaster recovery,” saysChunhui Ji. “If timely counselling is not provided, it will affect the psychological and even physical health of the affected people long after the disaster, especially affecting the growth of young people.”The difference the counselling is making can be seen in the way the children interact with each other before and after the sessions. One small boy — frightened by the earthquake and its aftermath — was reluctant to play or talk. After the counselling with the psychological team member, however, his nervousness eased a lot and he began to actively join in the games with his friends."Disasters like earthquakes are sudden with serious damage," saidTao Tian, a team member of the psychological rescue team and doctor of Ningxia Ningan Hospital. “Throughout the disaster and post-disaster periods, people may exhibit varying degrees of psychological stress at different times, requiring tailored intervention techniques to help restore mental health.”The RCSC attached great importance to the mental well-being of the affected people, giving priority to the psychological counselling of adolescents and children.Responding to the imperative need, 25 members from Gansu and Ningxia Red Cross Psychological rescue teams had been fully operational at the resettlement sites since the third day after the earthquake.“People are exposed to extremely distressing events when disasters, such as an earthquake, happen to them,”says Olga Dzhumaeva, Head of IFRC East Asia Delegation. “Addressing people’s mental health is a vital part of what we do during and after a disaster. Psychosocial support to affected people, including children, is key to humanitarian response, bringing priceless impact on the life of people who are in critical need.”Some information from Xinhua News Agency

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Podcast

Nataliia Korniienko: Helping her fellow refugees cope with the stresses of conflict, migration and starting over

Nataliia Korniienko knows firsthand the psychological and emotional stresses of conflict, migration and living as a refugee. In 2022, she was a mental health and psychosocial field officer for the ICRC when conflict finally forced her and her daughter to leave for Poland. Now her experience as a psychologist, former Ukrainian Red Cross technical adviser and refugee is helping her provide services to other Ukrainian refugees throughout Europe as a mental health and psychsocial specialist for the IFRC.

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Press release

One month after Libya floods: Urgent mental health support needed

Geneva/Beirut/Benghazi, 11 October 2023 — One month after devastating floods struck Libya, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Libyan Red Crescent Society (LRCS) are urgently calling for support to meet immediate needs in clean water, sanitation, cash assistance, and crucially, psychosocial support. The floods have wreaked havoc, displaced thousands and straining already fragile infrastructures in regions such as Derna and Tobruk. The disaster led to overwhelming destruction, with people losing homes, family members, and their sense of security. Libyan Red Crescent Society teams were the first responders, providing vital services from search and rescue to first aid. To date, 450 dedicated volunteers have been actively involved in these efforts, some even losing their lives while saving others. Tamer Ramadan, IFRC Head of Delegation in Libya, said: "The emotional and physical toll of this disaster has been immense. While we have been diligent in our immediate response, the recovery process is far from over. Attention must not wane." In Libya, the focus of aid is not just immediate relief but also long-term recovery. Cultural norms favor financial autonomy; hence cash assistance is essential. Furthermore, with damaged sewerage systems contaminating water sources in Derna, there's a heightened risk to community health. Teams are also focusing on providing holistic psychosocial support, especially given the emotional toll of losing entire families. The LRCS has been indispensable in relief efforts. With a central emergency operation room in Benghazi and two temporary centers in Derna, their services range from family reunification to relief item distribution. They've supported over 54,000 people through various services to date. In light of the escalating needs, IFRC has officially launched an appeal for 10 million Swiss francs to support the ongoing efforts of LRCS in providing comprehensive aid and care for survivors. As of now, 3 million Swiss francs have been raised, leaving a crucial 70 percent of funding appeal yet to be met. Donations can be made through participating national societies and directly via the IFRC website. More information To fund the emergency appeal and support the people of Libya in their time of dire need, visit the IFRC website. For b-roll footage, visit the IFRC newsroom. To request an interview, contact: [email protected] In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67 Mrinalini Santhanam: +41 76 381 50 06 In Beirut/Bengazhi: Mey Alsayegh: +961 3 229 352

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Article

Breaking the silence: addressing mental health and fighting stigma in the aftermath of Ukraine's conflict

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, millions of people have been displaced from their homes, facing distressing situations that have left them with trauma and loss. The impact of this crisis on mental health cannot be underestimated, with one in five individuals affected by mental health disorders in post-conflict settings, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The conflict in Ukraine has been devastating, forcing 6,199,700 people to flee their homes as refugees around the world, with an additional 5,088,000 internally displaced within Ukraine itself. These individuals have endured heartbreaking losses, including the deaths of loved ones, the destruction of their homes, and the loss of their livelihoods. Witnessing traumatic events has further compounded the mental anguish faced by many. Since the beginning of the conflict, Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been on the ground, assisting people at border crossing points, train stations, and temporary shelters. They have been providing a listening ear, demonstrating empathy, sharing life-saving information, and taking care of vulnerable individuals. In neighboring countries, IFRC member National Societies are witnessing an increasing number of pleas for mental health assistance through their community feedback systems. To address this massive need for mental health and psychosocial support, IFRC, the IFRC Psychosocial Centre, and National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 European countries have united their efforts. Since 2022 June, the EU4Health program provides in-person Psychological First Aid (PFA) within Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services, via helplines and other service platforms, and by building and strengthening the capacities of Red Cross Red Crescent National Society staff and volunteers, frontline responders and other professionals. “Through this project, we are continuously creating the awareness to all that it is okay to take a break and prioritize your emotional, psychological, and social well-being especially in stressful situations,” says Basilio Muiruri acting Project Coordinator of Health and Care at IFRC Europe. “As a team together with the national societies’ staff and volunteers, we are emphasizing to the people fleeing Ukraine and those affected inside Ukraine, that indeed they are worthy of happiness and peace of mind, through provision of psychological first aid and basic coping skills.” As part of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), the EU4Health programme takes a comprehensive approach to mental health and psychosocial support. Funded by the European Union, EU4Health is committed to restoring hope and healing to the people of Ukraine during their time of greatest need. In this collaborative project, National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 European countries have achieved significant milestones in their mission in the last year to provide psychosocial support to individuals displaced from Ukraine. Some key accomplishments include: Establishment of 27 helplines providing Psychological First Aid and Psychosocial Support services to 68,706 people displaced from Ukraine. Training of 4,114 staff and volunteers in Psychological First Aid and Psychosocial Support, including 440 who are Ukrainian or Russian speakers. Engagement of 1,853 staff, volunteers, and first responders in the response to the Ukraine crisis. Facilitation of 490 meetings between National Societies, key stakeholders, and partners to ensure a coordinated response. Mental health is a neglected area of public health in the WHO European Region, with over 150 million people suffering from mental health conditions by 2021. Only 1 in 3 individuals with depression receive proper care, according to The Pan-European Mental Health Coalition (who.int). The conflict in Ukraine has led to an estimated 15 million people needing psychosocial support, with millions potentially requiring medical treatment. Stigma, discrimination, and human rights abuses still hinder access to mental health services. World Mental Health Day on October 10th serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and address gaps in mental health services, with a focus on it being a universal human right in 2023. The content of this article is the sole responsibility of IFRC and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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Article

5 top tips on maintaining mental health from Red Cross first-responder volunteers

We all know that mental well-being is as important as physical health. But how often do we actively take care of our mental health? What can we do to support ourselves and others? Why not ask some experts? People whose job is to take care of others during and after crises and emergencies. We decided to ask volunteers from a Honduran Red Cross team that provides medical and mental health services to migrants at a mobile Humanitarian Service Point in Danlí, 92 km southeast of Tegucigalpa. To do their job, they must take care of themselves. After all, how can you support others if you’re not processing your own emotions in a productive, healthy way? Here are 5 tips they offered that can help everyone - even if you are not a volunteer - to take care of your mental health, anywhere, at any time: 1. A little help from close ones: Individual and team care. In emotionally intense situations, it is important to rely on work teams, friends and family. You don't have to face it alone. Sharing experiences and reflecting together helps us deal with the emotional impact of daily work. "In the team, we are always trying to fill ourselves with good energy and good attitude towards difficult situations. We always try to take care of ourselves physically, and above all to take care of our mental health. Because we see many cases, aggressive people, without self-control. In childhood care, we can handle a lot of stress, a lot of anxiety, and we try to understand but also to take care of ourselves." Scarlet Chirinos Honduran Red Cross It is necessary to allow yourself to feel and validate all emotions in order to heal, even if they make you feel uncomfortable. Engaging in self-care practices that involve physical activity and moments of relaxation, as well as resting and spending time in nature, or with people you love, can also help you through painful situations. 2. Someone to lean on: Seek professional support. Access to information and psychosocial support resources can save lives. Despite the fact that close to one billion people in the world suffer from a mental disorder, stigma and social difficulties make it difficult to promptly seek help and mental health care. "We rely on our own team, we reflect and share the experiences we have lived through, and that helps us to provide emotional support. But beyond that, there is also a team of mental health professionals that we can rely on." Ángel Zelaya Honduran Red Cross Talking about your emotions is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. You may be struggling with what you feel is part of the human condition and there is no shame in doing so. You are just a person going through a difficult time and doing the best you can. There will always be someone who understands what is happening to you.You can always ask for help. 3. I hear you: Practice active listening Just as sharing your feelings is beneficial to your mental health. Listening to others in an attentive and respectful way, validating their experiences and emotions, can strengthen your relationships and bonds. It can also provide valuable emotional support, and even more so during crisis and emergencies. "For me, this time I have being a volunteer has been very eye-opening. Gettingclose todifferent realities and learning what people live through along the migratory route, helped me grow as a mental health professional." Scarlet Chirinos Honduran Red Cross By practicing active listening, you develop empathy and open yourself to know realities different from your own. When you see that someone is suffering and having a hard time, let's listen, validate, support and, if possible, accompany them to seek professional help. 4. Keep learning: Look for useful resources. Training is a powerful tool for understanding and addressing mental health challenges and identifying symptoms and situations that can lead to stress and anxiety. "In the Red Cross, I was trained from the basics. I learned what the Red Cross was, safety measures for field work, the meaning of our uniforms. I also received training in Psychological First Aid, Restoring Family Links and Protection, Gender and Inclusion. "We know that in the field we need this knowledge to provide adequate care and to protect ourselves, which is part of the Red Cross training." Yaritza Herrera Honduran Red Cross Don't miss the opportunity to strengthen your mental health knowledge and learn how to help yourself and people around you. Visit our mental health page to find more resources. 5. Support others - support yourself: Volunteer service By supporting others in times of crisis and emergencies, you not only provide support to those in need, you can also find meaning and satisfaction in your life. "You see on the news what the people who pass through the Darien go through, they come with their complications, there are people who have even died on the way.... And to see the joy of the adults, when we take care of their children, when they have their medicines and the possibility of healing their wounds, is the most valuable thing. People always leave grateful, giving you blessings". Leonardo Baca Honduran Red Cross The advice and practices shared by Scarlet, Angel, Yaritza and Leonardo show that taking care of our mental health is essential to facing life's challenges and providing effective supportto those in need. Access to mental health services must go hand-in-hand with actions that guarantee basic needs for all people, whoever they are and wherever they are. There is no health without mental health.

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Article

Red Cross helplines offering mental health resources in Ukrainian

The conflict in Ukraine has exposed people to extremely distressing situations. People have lost loved ones, homes and jobs. Many have witnessed traumatic events or are now finding their way in countries, far from friends and family, among people who do not share their language. At times like this, it’s important to have someone to talk to. This is why Red Cross National Societies around Europe are there to offer a listening ear. From Bulgaria to Spain, Red Cross National Societies are offering telephone helplines, staffed by trained staff and volunteers who speak Ukrainian, to offer emotional and psychological support. During times of stress, it’s important to recognize and talk about your emotional well-being. Here below you will find a list of helplines and addresses that offer mental health and psychosocial support in Ukrainian. Гарячі лінії Червоного Хреста пропонують психологічну підтримку українською мовою. Завжди важливо мати можливість поділитися своїми почуттями з кимось, коли ви переживаєте складні моменти. Від Болгарії до Ісландії, Національні Товариства Червоного Хреста в Європі готові вислухати вас. Ви можете зателефонувати на гарячу лінію допомоги, де працюють досвідчені оператори, які володіють українською мовою, щоб надати вам підтримку у важкі моменти. Під час стресу дуже важливо розпізнавати свої почуття і відкрито говорити про них. Якщо ви відчуваєте потребу в розмові з кимось, будь ласка, не соромтеся звертатися до гарячих ліній психологічної та психосоціальної підтримки в країні вашого поточного проживання. Нижче ви знайдете список гарячих ліній та адреси, де можна отримати психологічну допомогу українською мовою. Bulgarian Red Cross Helpline (National Contact Centre): Tel.: 080011466 Болгарський Червоний Хрест Телефон гарячої лінії допомоги (Національний контактний центр): Тел: 080011466 Hellenic Red Cross Mobile Health Unit Department of Thessaloniki: Tel.: +30 2310 531534 Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp: +30 6936879405 Multifunctional Athens Centre: Tel.: +30 210 5126300 +30 210 5140440 Viber, WhatsApp: +30 6934724893 When: Monday to Friday Multifunctional Thessaloniki Centre: Tel.: +30 2310 270914 +30 2310 270496 Viber, WhatsApp: +30 6955563471 When: Monday to Friday Грецький Червоний Хрест Відділ мобільного медичного пункту у м. Салоніки: Тел: +30 2310 531534 Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp: +30 6936879405 Багатофункціональний центр у м. Салоніки: Тел: +30 2310 270914 +30 2310 270496 Viber, WhatsApp: +30 6955563471 Коли: з понеділка по п'ятницю Багатофункціональний центр в м. Афіни: Тел: +30 210 5126300 +30 210 5140440 Viber, WhatsApp: +30 6934724893 Коли: з понеділка по п'ятницю Polish Red Cross Infoline: Tel.: +48 800 088 136 (from within Poland) or +48 221 520 620 (from abroad). When: Monday to Friday from 09:00 AM to 17:00 PM. Польський Червоний Хрест Інформаційна лінія: Тел: +48 800 088 136 (з Польщі) або +48 221 520 620 (з-за кордону). Коли: з понеділка по п'ятницю з 09:00 до 17:00. Romanian Red Cross Red Cross call center in Romania: Tel.: +40 37 441 5000. Telegram: @RomanianRedCross Viber: +40763983980 WhatsApp: +40763983980 When: Monday to Friday from 09:00 AM to 17:00 PM. Румунський Червоний Хрест Телефон гарячої лінії допомоги Червоного Хреста в Румунії: Тел: +40 37 441 5000. Телеграм: @RomanianRedCross Viber: +40763983980 WhatsApp: +40763983980 Коли: з понеділка по п'ятницю з 09:00 до 17:00. Russian Red Cross Psychosocial support helpline: Tel.: 8 (800) 250-18-59. Psychological support is available at the regional branches of the Russian Red Cross, as well as at the Russian Red Cross mobile support point in the Belgorod region. Російський Червоний Хрест Гаряча лінія психосоціальної підтримки: Тел.: 8 (800) 250-18-59. Психологічну підтримку можна отримати в регіональних відділеннях Російського Червоного Хреста, а також в мобільному пункті підтримки Російського Червоного Хреста в Бєлгородській області. Slovakian Red Cross Helpline: Tel.: +421 910 910 116 When: Monday to Friday from 09:00 AM to 17:00 PM Language: Slovak, Ukrainian, Russian, English The helpline could be overloaded; we kindly ask you for patience. You can also write us: [email protected] Словацький Червоний Хрест Тел: +421 910 910 116 Коли: з понеділка по п’ятницю з 9:00 до 17:00. Мова: словацька, українська, російська, англійська Лінія може інколи бути перевантажена. В такому випадку, будьте терплячі або напишіть ваше питання або відгук на електронну пошту [email protected] Spanish Red Cross "Cruz Roja Te Escucha" service: Tel.: 900 107 917 When: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (one hour less in the Canary Islands) and on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (one hour less in the Canary Islands). Іспанський Червоний Хрест Послуга " Червоний Хрест слухає вас ": Тел.: 900 107 917 Коли: з понеділка по четвер з 10:00 до 14:00 та з 16:00 до 20:00 (на Канарських островах на одну годину менше), у п'ятницю з 10:00 до 14:00 (на Канарських островах на одну годину менше). Swiss Red Cross "Helpful" website with important information (e.g. healthcare) including an integrated Telegram Channel: helpful.redcross.ch If you don’t find the information you need you can write to the Telegram channel: Telegram: Join Group Chat Швейцарський Червоний Хрест "Корисний" веб-сайт з важливою інформацією (наприклад, про охорону здоров'я), включаючи інтегрований Telegram-канал: helpful.redcross.ch Якщо ви не знайшли потрібної інформації, ви можете написати в Telegram-канал: Telegram: Join Group Chat Ukraniain Red Cross Information Center: Tel.: 0 800 332 656. To connect to a psychologist, select number 2 in the menu. When: from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 AM to 18:00 PM. Calls from the numbers of Ukrainian mobile operators are free and confidential. You can also leave a request for a consultation by e-mail: [email protected]. Червоний Хрест України Інформаційний центр: 0 800 332 656. Для з’єднання з психологом потрібно обрати цифру 2 у меню. Коли: з понеділка по п’ятницю з 09:00 до 18:00. Дзвінки з номерів українських мобільних операторів безкоштовні та конфіденційні. Також можна залишити заявку для отримання консультації на електронній пошті: [email protected]. Helpful resources We've also gathered a collection of helpful resources, including articles and tips, to help improve your mental well-being. Video of self-care advice The well-being guide 14 Day Well-Being Kit How to manage your exposure to news events and social media How do you to talk to children about war? Saying goodbye to loved ones when it's difficult Ми також зібрали корисні ресурси, включаючи статті та поради, які допоможуть покращити ваш психологічний стан. Відео з порадами щодо турботи про себе Посібник для доброго самопочуття 14-денний щоденник для доброго самопочуття Як контролювати вплив новинн і соціальних мереж на себе Як говорити з дітьми про війну? Прощання з близькими людьми, коли це важко Telegram Viber IFRC Psychosocial Center

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Article

Gabon ferry disaster: Gabonese Red Cross supports ongoing mental health recovery

"The sinking of the Esther Miracle, which I now call the Esther Ghost, profoundly changed the course of my life. I lost half of myself, my beloved wife," says Gabriel, a survivor who was travelling from Port Gentil to Libreville when the boat sank. "We used to make this trip to Port Gentil regularly. It was around 8pm when we boarded. As a former seaman, I could already sense that something wasn't quite right. And indeed, it wasn’t.” "Between one and two in the morning, we heard suspicious noises. A policeman on board approached us and the other passengers to inform us that there were a few minor problems on the boat but that everything was under control. Shortly afterwards, everything went wrong. The boat tilted dangerously to one side. On the orders of the policeman, we tried to balance the boat, but to no avail, and the boat began to sink.” Hearing of the emergency, the Gabonese Red Cross rushed teams to Port Môle in Libreville where survivors, rescued by another boat, began to disembark in the early hours the following day. Ambulances began transporting people in critical condition to hospital. Red Cross volunteers provided urgent care and first aid to survivors at the scene, and a psychosocial support unit was quickly set up to provide urgent mental health services. "When we arrived at Port Môle, the Gabonese Red Cross teams were already there to receive the shipwrecked survivors, who were all in a bad way. It was only thanks to them that we all received first aid and support. Psychologists were made available to us", explained Gabriel. For Priscillia, it was her uncle who was travelling on the Esther Miracle and who unfortunately lost his life. "I thought of him as more than just an uncle, because he played many different roles in my life and in the lives of many members of our family. He was a pastor and had a huge impact on my life, supporting me so much from a very young age.” “What we know is that when the boat was sinking, not knowing that there were not enough life jackets on board, my uncle gave his to another person who survived. I’m told he spent the last moments of his life saying prayers to strengthen the people around him," explained Priscillia. “The Gabonese Red Cross was very supportive. Emotionally it was difficult at the time. From the first day at the port, when the survivors disembarked on the quayside and my uncle wasn't one of them, the Gabonese Red Cross volunteers were there to help us and take care of us. We were at the port in the morning and came back very late at night every day, and their teams were always there,” she added. As well as providing psychological assistance, the Gabonese Red Cross prepared more than 7,000 meals within 10 days for survivors and families who had come to wait for news of their loved ones at the port. They also set up a special Restoring Family Links (RFL) unit to reconnect people with their lost loved ones. And in the weeks following the disaster, they provided continued medical advice to survivors and helped people to track down lost belongings that were able to be recovered. "It was our duty to provide assistance at such a difficult time. Providing first aid services enabled us to save lives. Similarly, the psychological unit that we opened enabled survivors and family members waiting for news of their loved ones to have an attentive ear ready to provide them with the necessary support. This support continues to this day", said Véronique TSAKOURA, President of the Gabonese Red Cross. In the months since the disaster, Gabonese Red Cross psychologists have referred survivors and relatives of the victims to specialist mental health services in Port Gentil for continued assistance. And their door remains open to anyone seeking comfort or a listening ear. -- Click here to learn more about our work in mental health and psychosocial support.

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Article

Hiding from bullets in a water tank: Kenyan evacuee who fled Sudan shares her story

“I heard the bullets outside when I was cleaning. My boss told me the war had started.” These are the words of Theresa*, a young woman from Kenya who bravely agreed to share her story with me about fleeing the conflict in Sudan. Feeling afraid for her safety, she asked me to not publish her photo. Theresa had just started working as a domestic worker with five other young women in a large home in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, when the fighting broke out. “I was new in Sudan. My bosses left for Egypt and I stayed with five girls and three security. The electricity went off, there was no water, it was too hot.” She says thieves came into the house, tied up their security and started looking for her and her fellow workers. “We went and hid upstairs at the top of the house where there was a water tank. The thieves broke the doors, took gold, money, everything in the house. Even my passport.” “They came upstairs and looked around. We had left a phone and kettle of tea and they said ‘the girls are around and have taken their tea here’.” “I was inside the water tank. They shot bullets so we would come out, but we didn’t. We kept quiet in that tank of water until they ran away.” Theresa and her fellow workers fled the house several days later when another group of men came and moved into it. “I left everything in that house. The road was not safe. The bombs were everywhere. They were shooting, I didn’t care [if I died]. […] I came to my embassy. I stayed there then they brought me to Kenya.” Theresa is just one of 44 people I met in Nairobi airport who’d managed to get evacuated to safety from the conflict in Sudan. They drifted through the airport gates in small pairs and groups, collapsing onto chairs that volunteers from the Kenya Red Cross (KRC) had set out for them. “Karibu, you’re welcome” were among the first words they heard. The group was made up of mostly women – their evacuation prioritized due to the increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence. They had come from different countries and had all been in Sudan to work or study. Social worker and Kenya Red Cross volunteer, Alexina, tells me most of the women and some of the men she’s helped have survived sexual violence. She’s welcomed numerous groups now, and stories like Theresa’s are shockingly similar. People have often fled in a hurry, or their possessions have been stolen en route, meaning they typically have no passports, money or belongings by the time they reach Nairobi. When they arrive, evacuees first register with Kenya Red Cross volunteers who take their details to help reconnect them with their loved ones. They’re then led to a tent where they can have quiet conversations with trained mental health workers. Inside the tent, volunteers, including psychologists and a social worker, sit with small circles of evacuees who share their stories of what they’ve been through. This early psychosocial support gives people who’ve been through traumatic situations a chance to start to process what’s happened. Next is a police table to help them with ID documentation. Then there’s a comfortable welcoming area where people enjoy food and drinks, and a first aid station with medical and hygiene supplies. People can access free phone services, and the Kenya Red Cross runs a bus service to transfer people to free accommodation. “I’m very happy to be back in Kenya now […] When they were looking for me and I was inside the water tank, I thought that was my day to die,” says Theresa. After recounting her story, Theresa looks numb and exhausted. I struggle to find adequate words as we say goodbye. She climbs, carrying her one bag, into one of the buses, and I think about what I should have said: “I’m in awe at your resilience, Theresa.” -- An estimated nine million people have been affected by the conflict in Sudan. Some 1.2 million people have been displaced internally and nearly half a million people have fled to neighbouring countries. The IFRC has launched two Emergency Appeals in response to this crisis: one to support the Sudanese Red Crescent Society to help people inside Sudan, and another to support National Societies in six neighbouring countries welcoming people fleeing the conflict. To help people like Theresa, please donate to our appeals by following the links above. -- *Name has been changed to protect her identity.

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Article

Polish Red Cross Infoline offers care and support to people fleeing Ukraine

“Yesterday I was told I’m an angel. That’s why it’s worth doing this job.” Alla Karapeichyk is a psychologist from Ukraine working at the Information Line of the Polish Red Cross, providing mental health and psychosocial support to people who call in. Most of her callers are people from Ukraine who have not yet been able to adapt to their new circumstances. Many of them expected to come to Poland just for a couple of weeks or months, but now they’ve been away from home for over a year. They feel confused about their next steps in life and are looking for some guidance. “By the time someone calls the Infoline, they already have a kind of solution in their mind for the problem. A well-timed, smart question from a mental health professional can help that solution take shape,” Alla explains. Christina from Kyiv is also a member of the team of seven operators at the Polish Red Cross Infoline. With her colleagues, she responds to an average of 300 calls per week, providing referrals to medical and public administration services. “Sometimes people who call are so stressed that they cannot stop crying. We’ve been trained to talk to them in a way that helps reduce their stress. When they receive the information they need, they can finally relax,” says Christina. “I’m also far from home, so I feel the same way as the people who are calling us. I can absolutely understand their problems, and I’m glad to be able to help.” Both Alla and Christina have received training in Psychological First Aid thanks to the EU4Health project supported by the European Union, so that they can better respond to the psychological needs of people impacted by the armed conflict. “Just as many other things in life, the situation in Ukraine is beyond our control. What we can change is our behaviour – we can influence our environment and have an impact on the people around us,” concludes Alla. -- If you left Ukraine because of the current conflict and need support, you can contact the Polish Red Cross Infoline on +48 800 088 136 (from within Poland) or +48 221 520 620 (from abroad). The Infoline is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 CET. About the EU4Health programme: National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EAA) countries joined forces to offer mental health and psychosocial support services to hundreds of thousands of people from Ukraine. Funded by the European Union and with technical assistance from the IFRC and the IFRC Psychosocial Centre, the project connects vulnerable people with mental health professionals and volunteers from the National Societies. -- This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the IFRC and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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Article

São Tomé and Príncipe: Older people receive care and compassion from Red Cross volunteers

"Today, thanks to the centre, I feel better and have regained a taste for life." These are the words of Manuel, 81, a resident of the São Tomé and Príncipe Red Cross welcome centre for the elderly, where volunteers work every day to bring a smile and hope to some of the country's older population. Set up in October 2005, with funding from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the welcome centre has been run by the São Tomé and Príncipe Red Cross for nearly 20 years. Today, volunteers are taking care of 18 residents – people from all walks of life who have come upon hard times and need a little extra help to get by. In Manuel’s case, it was a story of great tragedy that brought him to the centre. He had worked for the Portuguese Embassy for a long time. But financial difficulties meant he was unable to build the house of his dreams – the one where he hoped to spend his old age. When the time came for him to retire, he had to leave his house to move in with his daughter. One night while they were at home, an enormous fire broke out. Manuel lost everything, including his precious daughter. Distraught and completely lost, he found support and comfort in the Red Cross centre after being approached by a volunteer in his community who had noticed his distress. "Today, thanks to the centre, I feel better and I’m getting back to life. I have the support of a doctor, a roof over my head, a meal every day and friends to talk to.” Manuel Resident The centre has evolved a lot during the past 20 years. "The initial project was to provide a home and basic assistance for older people who had been rejected by their families. But over time, we transformed it into a properwelcome centrewhere we take care of more complex needs of our residents,” says Filippa Fernandes, volunteer and director of the centre. "We strive to provide them with an environment where they can flourish by taking care of their physical and mental health," she added. Friendship and conversation are an important part of supporting the mental health of older people in the community. So the São Tomé and Príncipe Red Cross also runs a social centre nearby which opens its doors every day, letting all older people in the community come and socialize with one another. Together, all visitors can spend the day in a safe and peaceful place where they have access to basic amenities, such as food and washrooms. Ronaldo, is one of the seven volunteers who work to keep the social centre active. As manager and cook, he manages the day-to-day business inside the centre, but also heads out into the community to deliver meals to people with limited mobility. "We try to do our best to make sure that no one is left behind.” Ronaldo Red Cross volunteer Too often in societies around the world, older people are underserved, cast aside or viewed as a burdenon a country's resources. But thanks to the kindness of Red Cross volunteers like Ronaldo and Filippa, older people in their community are being treated with the dignity, respect and care that they deserve. -- The welcomecentre for the elderly receives funding from local churches and associations, as well as members of the diaspora. The social centre was initially set up with funding from the joint IFRC and ICRC Empress Shôken Fund. In 2022, the IFRC provided water, sanitation and hygiene kits to all residents. If you are a donor and are interested in learning more and supporting the IFRC’s work in São Tomé and Príncipe, please read our IFRC network country plan here which includes contact details for our cluster office in the region. You can also click here to learn more about the IFRC’s work supporting healthy ageing.

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Article

Ukraine one year on: seven things to know about the ongoing humanitarian crisis

1. Millions of refugees are still adjusting to life in a new country Since 24 February 2022, more than 8 million people have fled Ukraine to seek safety abroad. Forced to leave everything behind, and unable to safely return to their homes, they’re still trying to adapt to their new “normality”. That’s one year of fear, sorrow, uncertainty, separation from friends and family, and worrying about the people and homes left behind. For the past 12 months, the IFRC, along with 58 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has been working in Ukraine and the wider region to provide essential aid to people fleeing the country—including women, children, older people, and people with disabilities—and to help them integrate in their new communities. 2. Millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine are still in need of basic assistance The displacement of more than 5.3 million people within Ukraine remains a staggering humanitarian crisis. Many of these people fled their homes with only the clothes they were wearing and are still staying with relatives or host families, in collective shelters or rented apartments. Working together with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, the IFRC network has been there from the very beginning, providing crucial relief items to those who need them. While the initial shock of displacement may have subsided, the need for ongoing support and assistance remains critical. 3. Some people have returned to their homes, but rebuilding their former lives is a daunting challenge Despite ongoing hostilities, more than 5.5 million people have chosen to return to their homes—whether from abroad or within Ukraine. Many of their houses, however, have been damaged or destroyed. The cost of rebuilding or repairing them can be prohibitively expensive, and many families simply cannot afford the materials or labour needed to make their homes habitable again. Members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are providing vital support to people in Ukraine, including assistance with rent and utility payments, refurbishment of collective centres hosting IDPs and of individual housing, and providing building materials for home restoration. However, many people, particularly those in frontline areas, are still suffering. 4. The significant toll on people’s mental health remains The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on the mental well-being of people inside and outside of the country. Many have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. People—including children—have been uprooted from their communities. The long-term uncertainty and instability are weighing heavy on so many people’s minds. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has provided psychosocial support to more than 328,000 people this past year. While this is a significant achievement, there are still so many more people who need a listening ear and professional support for their mental health. 5. For many, access to medical services is limited The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported more than 700 attacks targeting health facilities in Ukraine since February 2022. Many hospitals and medical facilities have been either destroyed or severely damaged, leaving people—especially those living near the front lines—with little or no access to medical services when they need it most. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement continues to provide basic medicines and medical equipment to health facilities across Ukraine. Together, we’ve launched nearly 100 mobile medical units, providing vital medical care to people living in hard-to-reach areas throughout the country. The IFRC is funding a health centre in the city of Uzhhorod, run by the Ukrainian Red Cross, which provides essential healthcare services to vulnerable people and IDPs. And funding from our Emergency Appeal is also helping the Ukrainian Red Cross to provide home-based care and rehabilitation services to older people, those with disabilities, and wounded veterans. 6. The country's energy infrastructure has been severely damaged While the cold season has now ended, and the energy provision within Ukraine somewhat restored, social and health institutions across Ukraine continue to face the threat of recurrent power shortages. These facilities, particularly those in frontline areas, often suffer from electricity cuts, depriving the local population of basic services. The IFRC has already delivered 130 high-power generators to Ukraine over the course of the last winter. However, the country still needs further support to ensure the basic delivery of public services for millions of people affected by the conflict. 7. The country's economy has been severely affected In 2022, Ukraine experienced a staggering 35% decrease in GDP and a shocking 30% annual inflation rate. This means that families across the country are struggling with skyrocketing food and rent costs. For many households, savings have been all but depleted, leaving people in a state of financial hardship and uncertainty. National Societies in Ukraine and the surrounding region, supported by the IFRC, have been running several cash assistance programmes to help the most vulnerable get by. The crisis is ongoing: what comes next? Though this crisis has slipped from the headlines, the world cannot forget what’s happening in Ukraine. This past year, our Movement has worked tirelessly to support people affected in Ukraine and beyond. But despite our efforts, the scale of this crisis demands more, and continued, support and attention. Thanks to its auxiliary role and permanent presence in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Red Cross is best positioned to support affected people now and long into the future. The IFRC network will continue to support the Ukrainian Red Cross and the people affected, as long they need us. -- Click here to access the IFRC’s recently revised emergency appeal for Ukraine and impacted countries. And if you would like to support our life-saving work, please donate to our appeal here.

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Press release

Türkiye and Syria one month on: A mental health ticking time bomb

Geneva/Ankara/Damascus, 03 March 2023 – Nearly one month since two devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warns of the urgent need of a sustainable short- and long-term response to the health and mental health and psychosocial needs to prevent a “second disaster”. Since day one, the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent with the IFRC support, have been meeting the immediate humanitarian needs in the hardest hit areas, including the distribution of food, clean water, hygiene items, winter clothing, blankets and the provision of first aid, health care and sanitation services. But one month into the response, scaling up mental health services is crucial. The demand for mental health and psychosocial support and health care is immense, and in some areas where access is difficult, it can put the most affected at even higher risk of developing medium- and long-term mental health challenges that can hinder recovery and resilience. The earthquakes have rocked survivors to their very core. Entire communities are suffering after losing everything from their loved ones to homes, jobs and many sentimental belongings they own. Moreover, many caregivers and first responders are struggling to cope with what they’ve seen in addition to the exhausting workload and secondary trauma. In Türkiye, Red Crescent teams have set up safe spaces offering mental health and psychosocial support for children to play, supporting over 42,000 people, including first responders and health workers. They also provide psychological first aid and offer referrals to local health facilities. “Responding from the local level, with both mobile and fixed units, is what allows the Turkish Red Crescent and IFRC to respond immediately to the physical and mental health needs of those most affected. A localised and early health and mental health response is and will continue to be essential to prevent negative long-term and even permanent effects on people's lives”, said Lauren Clarke, IFRC health coordinator for the humanitarian response in Türkiye. In Syria, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent teams have supported over 30,000 people with psychological first aid, especially children and continue to provide healthcare and medicines through mobile health units, and physical rehabilitation programs and clinics. The earthquake comes after nearly 12 years of conflict that has already displaced millions and traumatised many communities. “Many of the damages caused by the earthquake are not visible. People have suffered more than a decade of conflict which has already affected their mental health and wellbeing. This earthquake adds another layer to that. We also have seen that psychological wounds won’t always appear right away. That is why we need to provide continuous support, not only right now but for years to come. Hopefully, there will not be another disaster that would complicate the situation even further”, said Gwendolen Eamer, IFRC Health Coordinator in Syria. The IFRC Emergency Appeals for 650 million Swiss francs will support the Turkish Red Crescent and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to continue scaling up their humanitarian response and recovery efforts over the next two years in what is one of the most challenging earthquake responses recently faced by the global Red Cross Red Crescent network. For more information or to coordinate an interview, please contact: [email protected] or +41 79 708 4367 Note to editors In Syria, Syrian Arab Red Crescent teams have also distributed more than 1.2 million relief items, such as winter clothes, food, clean water, hygiene articles, and they have provided sanitation services, as these are key to prevent outbreaks such as diarrhea, respiratory and skin infections, COVID-19 and other viral diseases. In parallel, the Palestine Red Crescent in Syria together with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent continue to deliver aid, including food distribution, ambulances and medical services, focusing mainly on the Palestinian camps in Aleppo and Latakia. In close coordination with the health authorities, the Turkish Red Crescent is also providing health care through seven mobile clinics in hard-hit rural areas and temporary shelters. Where markets are functioning, they have distributed more than 140,000 cash vouchers, helping to empower survivors by restoring their agency, and giving them the freedom and control to meet their needs in the way they prefer. Turkish Red Crescent volunteers have also distributed over 94 million hot meals.

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Press release

Ukraine: IFRC warns of psychological wounds adding cruel layer of pain one year on

Geneva / Budapest / Kyiv 23 February 2023 -The psychological wounds of the international armed conflict in Ukraine are adding another cruel layer of pain to people already struggling to cope with shelter, hunger, and livelihoods needs, warns the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). As the effects of the last year continue to impact families, the IFRC network is running the biggest humanitarian response in its history. With a CHF 1.6 billion appeal spanning 58 countries, the IFRC network has reached more than two million people with medical care, mental health support and shelter; and so far has distributed more than CHF 87 million in cash assistance to bring choice and dignity to families who have lost everything. A total of 42 IFRC member National Societies are engaged in activities supporting people from Ukraine, domestically. IFRC Secretary General, Jagan Chapagain, said: “This grueling year has devastated the lives of millions of people and that brings with it psychological harm as significant as physical injury. We are preparing to expand our mental health interventions alongside cash, shelter, medical care and urgent assistance to help people manage the harsh winter with power cuts and water shortages.” Red Cross and Red Crescent teams are working everywhere—from bomb shelters in Bakhmut to refugees’ new homes across borders—and have provided more than a million people with psychosocial support since February 2022. As time marches on, more must be done to address mental health. “Trauma knows no borders: those in Ukraine and those who have fled are equally in need of comfort, stability, and a sense of normalcy,” remarked Mr. Chapagain. The Ukrainian Red Cross has provided psychosocial support to hundreds of thousands of people since the start of the conflict’s escalation. An additional 34 IFRC member National Societies are delivering specialist help to hundreds of thousands who have sought safety in other countries. Ukrainian Red Cross Director General, Maksym Dotsenko, said: “They have lost loved ones, homes, jobs, everything—this is devastating enough. People’s lives are in limbo and this anguish is eating them up inside, compounding the mental health crisis even further. “Helping families find coping mechanisms, treatment and support is crucial for us. We are training people on how to respond to mental health emergencies and this training is happening in bomb shelters and basements.” In neighbouring countries, IFRC member National Societies are receiving a growing number of pleas for mental health help via their community feedback systems. “We are a long way away from recovery for people from Ukraine, but ensuring support for mental health, alongside cash support, protection and other basic services is a way we can contribute to that eventual recovery,” said Mr. Chapagain. Over the past year, the IFRC network has mobilized more than 124,000 volunteers to respond to urgent needs of people affected by this international armed conflict. For more information, please contact: [email protected] In Kyiv: Nichola Jones, +44 7715 459956 In Budapest: Corrie Butler, +36 70 430 6506 In Geneva: Jenelle Eli, +1 202 603 6803 A/V materials available to media on the IFRC Newsroom. Note to editors: In a regional initiative to meet the massive need for mental health support, National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 countries across the EU/EEA have joined forces to provide mental health and psychosocial support services to more than 590,000 people over the course of three years. Target audiences include displaced people in Ukraine and impacted EU countries, caregivers, children, older persons, people with disabilities, host communities, as well as Red Cross volunteers and staff. Funded by the European Union and with technical assistance from the IFRC and the IFRC Psychosocial Centre, the EU4Health project connects vulnerable people with mental health professionals and volunteers from the 25 National Societies.

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Article

West Africa migration: Red Cross offers an oasis of help and hope to migrants in Kolda, Senegal

"They are exposed to violence, exploitation, abuse, security risks, sexual and gender-based violence, and all kinds of dangers along their migratory routes; here we offer them hope, as well as protection, assistance, guidance and counselling”. This is how Mariama Mballo, a social worker, sums up the work carried out at the Kolda Humanitarian Service Point (HSP) run by the Senegalese Red Cross and IFRC in southern Senegal. "The Kolda HSP is a centre for listening, psychosocial support, counselling and assistance for migrants. It offers an anonymous, confidential and free space for reception and counselling", says the 30-year-old sociologist by training, who has been working there since February 2022. Senegal, historically considered a destination country for migrants in West Africa, has become a transit country. Due to its geographical location, migrants, especially those coming from West Africa, pass through Senegal on their journey north to Maghreb countries or Europe in search of a better life. The importance of psychosocial support Travelling along perilous migration routes can have a profound impact on both the physical and mental health of migrants. The aim of the psychosocial support provided in Kolda is to help people on the move regain a certain normality, mental balance and, above all, to encourage people to be active and committed to their own recovery—by finding defence and protection mechanisms that work for them. When migrants in transit have needs that cannot be met at the HSP, they are referred to other external partner services. "The key to the project is its volunteers, in fact, they are the 'front door', the ones who first receive the migrants, listen to them and then direct them to the social worker for an active and in-depth listening", stresses Mariama. Staff working in Kolda can also sometimes become overwhelmed when listening to the experiences recounted to them by migrants during counselling sessions. “Yes, there are stories that shock us, but we have the capacity to overcome them in order to offer migrants the guidance and support they need," says Mariama. Meeting people’s wide-ranging needs People on the move can access other vital assistance, such as food and water, in Kolda. Many migrants who arrive, including women and children, have gone days without food as they undertake their long journeys through often inhospitable areas. Kolda's volunteers and staff also offer people useful advice and counselling on issues such as human trafficking, regaining contact with their families or the handling of important travel documents. And, if necessary, migrants can also receive legal assistance, always with the utmost confidentiality and protection, as well as basic help with clothing and hygiene in order to ensure their health and well-being. "The people who arrive at the HSP are often in a situation of advanced vulnerability, so we do everything we can to immediately meet their most pressing needs," says Mariama. Volunteers don’t just support migrants. They also carry out intensive work with the local community to raise awareness and knowledge about respect for the rights and dignity of migrants. This important work is carried out with the utmost confidentiality, always in line with our fundamental principles and the IFRC’s migration policy. Assistance and protection of the most vulnerable migrants in West Africa Kolda is just one example of the more than 600 Humanitarian Service Points run by National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies along the world’s main migration routes. They are neutral spaces that provide a welcoming and safe environment for migrants to access essential services, regardless of their status and without fear of being detained or reported to the authorities. Since the launch of the Kolda HSP en 2020, wich includes other small posts in Tanaff, Salikégné, Diaobé and Pata, volunteers have welcomed and supported more than 1,500 migrants. It was set up as part of the 'Assistance and protection of the most vulnerable migrants in West Africa' project. Funded by the European Union, the project covers different busy migratory routes through Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mali, Niger and Senegal. In addition to the National Societies of these countries, the project also involves the IFRC, Spanish Red Cross, Danish Red Cross and Luxembourg Red Cross. -- For more information, visit our migration and displacement webpage to learn more about the IFRC’s migration policies, programmes and operations

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Healing the invisible scars of the Ukraine conflict: IFRC and European Union launch mental health project

According to the WHO, one in five people are affected by mental health disorders in post-conflict settings. If left without treatment and adequate support, people from Ukraine face long-lasting effects that could harm themselves, their families and communities. “Wounds of war are deep, sometimes too deep to manage alone,” says Nataliia Korniienko, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support delegate with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). As a Ukrainian herself who had to leave the country when the escalation began, she understands firsthand the stress faced by those fleeing conflict. “People are craving for someone to take the time to sit alongside them in their pain, but this often lacking for many fleeing Ukraine right now.” In a regional initiative to meet this massive need, National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 EU/EAA countries have joined forces to offer mental health and psychosocial support services to hundreds of thousands of people from Ukraine. Funded by the European Union, and with technical assistance from the IFRC and the IFRC Psychosocial Centre, the project connects vulnerable people with mental health professionals and volunteers from the National Societies. Support is offered in Ukrainian and other languages through various platforms, including helplines, mobile outreach and in-person group activities. Materials on psychosocial support in several languages are also going to be distributed among mental health professionals and the public. Since the first days of the conflict, Red Cross Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been assisting people at border crossing points, train stations and temporary shelters – listening and demonstrating empathy, sharing life-saving information, and taking care of vulnerable people. Aneta Trgachevska, acting Head of Health and Care at IFRC Europe, said: “We try to reach everyone in need in a convenient, personalized way. Assistance will not be limited to just a couple of calls or meetings—a person will receive support as long as we are needed. This kind of early response can alleviate symptoms and prevent people from developing serious levels of distress or even mental health conditions.” -- The content of this article is the sole responsibility of IFRC and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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