Psychological First Aid Training in Odesa

In Odesa, a training session on Psychological First Aid (PFA) was conducted in an innovative format. 

On the first evening, participants gathered for an informal meeting where they shared their experiences. The following day, the team covered several topics, including the types of support available, how to create buddy pairs (supportive partners), rules for providing PFA, potential challenges in delivering PFA, and responses to crisis events. The training programme featured both theoretical and practical components. On the morning of the third day, colleagues reviewed the results, shared their impressions of the training, and exchanged contact information for future collaboration. 

The event was attended by 14 participants, including psychologists from mobile health units, a mobile psychological clinic, and a mobile medical hospital in the Mykolaiv region. Volunteers and staff from the Mykolaiv and Odesa regional branches of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society were also present. 

The main objective of the event was to develop practical skills in providing PFA and foster a positive strategy for self-care and team well-being. A key focus was on the recognition that staff and volunteers must prioritize their own well-being to support others effectively. 

The event was conducted as part of the EU4Health programme.