Training of support group facilitators for first responders held in Kyiv

On 14–15 May, a training session for support group facilitators under the “Helping the Helpers” initiative was held in Kyiv for first responders, including representatives of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response teams. The training was delivered with U.S. support.

The training brought together staff and volunteers from regional branches of the Ukrainian Red Cross working in mental health and psychosocial support in the most affected regions along the front line and in frontline areas.

During the training, participants explored the theoretical foundations of psychosocial support, organisational aspects of working with groups of first responders, and further developed their support group facilitation skills. Particular attention was given to the support group manual and practical exercises.

Preparing facilitators for “Helping the Helpers” support groups is an essential part of strengthening community-based psychosocial support systems, as these specialists provide timely and high-quality support to people working under high levels of stress and in protracted crisis conditions.