“During crises and times of hardship, I feel that my work can truly make a difference in the lives of others,” says Mariia Fokshek, a mental health and psychosocial support volunteer at the Chernivtsi regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross

Mariia, who comes from the Carpathian village of Putyla, joined the Ukrainian Red Cross in 2023. She was motivated by a strong desire to support children, parents, and colleagues affected by the war. With over two decades of experience in the social sector, she has worked with a wide range of vulnerable groups.

Although professionally trained in psychology, Mariia chose to complete a Psychological First Aid (PFA) course to refresh her knowledge and enhance her ability to support people in crisis. One of her key takeaways from the training was the importance of not simply offering ready-made advice, but of being present and truly listening.

One particularly memorable case for Mariia was supporting a woman with two children who had lost her home and was facing a difficult life situation. Drawing on the skills she gained during her training, Mariia was able to help the woman calm down, regain her strength, and seek further support.

For Mariia herself, spending time in nature, making handmade soap, and continuing her self-education in psychology have become valuable sources of resilience. The knowledge she has acquired has helped her care for her own mental health more effectively, enabling her to recognise when she needs rest or support.

Today, Mariia firmly believes that everyone who works with people should complete the PFA training, which is implemented by the European Commission as part of the #EU4Health programme. In her view, it not only fosters empathy but also deepens self-awareness.