The team from the Psychosocial Support and Rehabilitation Department of the Ukrainian Red Cross joined the Ukrainian expert delegation on their visit to Canada

This five-day trip took place within the framework of the international cooperation of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme “How Are You?” initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. The participation of the Ukrainian Red Cross team in the project was made possible through the support and organisation of the Canadian Red Cross.

The Ukrainian delegates met with Canadian senators and ministers, visited several healthcare facilities, and exchanged experiences with their foreign colleagues. During the meetings, they discussed mental health issues related to government coordination, veteran policy, the mental health of children and adolescents, integration into education and communities, and specialised mental health care.

The Canadian Red Cross also shared its experience on how humanitarian organisations can become reliable partners for the government and effectively address the most pressing needs of society by providing support to the population. In turn, the Ukrainian Red Cross, which plays a crucial supportive role in the country and has the largest network of local branches, can actively engage in implementing mental health projects alongside government agencies.

This visit was another important step in building Ukraine’s mental health care ecosystem!