The Ukrainian Red Cross Continues to Implement Psychosocial Counselling Services for the Population

A regular 40-hour training course for psychosocial counselling specialists has recently been conducted. The team of counsellors has now been expanded to include staff and volunteers from the Kharkiv region, who will provide support to the residents of Izium, Lozova, Krasnohrad, and Kharkiv. 

This service is currently being implemented by specialists and volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross in the Dnipro, Kirovohrad, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Mykolaiv regions. 

What is psychosocial counselling? It is individual work with a person over the course of 5-6 meetings. The techniques used during these meetings help to prevent the escalation of distress into more serious issues and to overcome difficult life situations. The sessions are aimed at helping people learn to cope with emotional stress, including anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness. Additionally, practical problems such as conflicts in relationships, finding employment, seeking livelihood opportunities, and adapting to new environments are addressed. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month as part of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme ″How Are You?″, created at the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska. In support of the project, the Ukrainian Red Cross, as an expert in mental health and psychosocial support, continues to develop a training system and support mechanisms for the population.