On 23 April 2024 the AER Working Group on Mental Health organised a study visit to Odesa.

The event which was moderated by Kaltum Hussein, International advisor in Värmland (SE), was organised in two main parts: First a part on mental and physical rehabilitation, and second, a part on education and addressing the needs of children in the context of the war in Ukraine.

Genuine connection despite circumstances and distance

During an online visit, which was organised to be feasible even in the event of an air strike, participants were guided through the current reality of Odesa region.

The war in Ukraine has led to mass displacement of people who were forced to leave their homes in search of safety and shelter. This resulted in high numbers of internally displaced persons and created a difficult situation in the field of social support and quality of life. Because of this, providing access to quality mental health care has become a challenge in Odesa Region.

The Odesa team led by Mr Vadym Shkarivskiyi, Deputy Chairman of the Odesa Regional Council, and supported by Liudmyla Maliuta, Acting director of the Cross border cooperation agency “Euroregion Lower Danube” introduced different aspects of the work on mental health, starting with a presentation on their Mental Health Center.

Repairing the present, preparing the future

Several actions, either at the Mental Health Center, or at the Center for psychological support for veterans and their families are preparing families and inhabitants in general to actively support the reintegration of veterans by exercising empathy, managing expectations, adapting communication modes.

In particular, the training “People with war experience. Dignity of interaction” aims to:

• Discuss the importance and complexities of interacting with war veterans and those who have been through military conflicts.
• Teach empathy and compassion techniques to improve communication with veterans.
• Review and analyse important aspects of psychosocial support of veterans in everyday life.
• build positive relations with veterans and promote their successful reintegration into society.

Participants had the opportunity to ask further questions to Anna Velichko, Regional Coordinator of the All-Ukrainian mental health program “How are you?” and Yuliya Yermakova, Psychotherapist of Odesa Regional Mental Health Center

A focus on children

Based on the request of members of the working group, the Odesa team focused the online study visit on the measures for children, be it in mental rehabilitation or in education. It has to be said however, that the region is also implementing specific measures to support women and prevent gender-based violence, as explained by Oksana Uglik, Head of the Department of Preschool, Correctional Education and Social Work of the Department of Education and Science.

In the conditions of war, constant air raids, and shelling, the main priority of educational institutions of Odesa is the support and safety of all participants in the educational process. This video and this other one show how children are being schooled in shelters. They are being taught safety measures, as well as self-comforting techniques to use in case of panic attacks.

One of the most popular exercises is the “Butterfly Hug”. We suggest you also perform this exercise! This is a modified version of hugs that helps restore inner peace. Humans need hugs to feel happy and therefore healthy.

Cross your arms on your chest so that your right hand rests on your left shoulder, and your left hand rests on your right. Begin slow alternating taps. Track what associations arise when performing this technique. The exercise distracts and allows you to concentrate on its performance. It cleanses thoughts of negativity, helps restore peace in the soul.

The hug technique can be used during panic attacks, to overcome stress, anxiety and fear. Odesa region has mobile teams providing psychological support for children and youth.

And then the alarm went

Before the end of the presentations, the Odesa team had to leave the meeting to go into a shelter because of an airstrike. While the exchanges continued, participants shared how they were deeply moved by the stories and content shared as well as by the sudden irruption of the war in this shared virtual space.

How to help?

The Odesa region shared the following needs:

In terms of mental & physical rehabilitation, the region is looking to

• Share experience and new knowledge with European specialists;
• Training for trainers who could share their knowledge;
• Training of family doctors, psychologists, social workers, educators in methods of quick psychological support;
• Establishment of cross-border exchange of knowledge on mental health issues;
• Help in the development of new techniques for overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder;

• Building a system of training, certification, monitoring the quality of training of psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychologists;
• Creation of a register of specialists and methods, systematisation of data, development of a model of retraining and retraining of personnel, and system for their involvement.

As for education and sciences, the region needs:

• Exchange of experience with European methods and specialists;
• Conducting training for teachers and psychologists with further implementation of knowledge and skills in the field of education;
• Acquisition and arrangement of special mobile inclusive resource centers
• Arrangement of classrooms for the organization of the educational process in shelters.

Regions willing to start a collaboration with Odesa on any of the above elements can contact AER Coordinator for Policy & Knowledge Transfer Johanna Pacevicius.

The AER Ukraine Focus Group

To mediate peer-to-peer collaboration for the support and reconstruction of Ukraine, AER regions have created the Ukraine Focus Group. By sharing expertise, opening-up investment opportunities, and working together to influence decision-making, AER member regions can support Ukrainian regions in the context of the war and afterwards.

Regions interested in getting involved in the Ukraine Focus Group should contact AER Membership Coordinator Justin Sammon.

Next steps for the AER Working group on Mental Health

The AER Working Group is currently preparing a workshop on prevention for mental health together with the Youth Regional Network, which will take place on 13 August on the occasion of the AER Summer Academy.

All presentations of the Study Visit are on the event webpage

The AER Working Group on Mental Health, is chaired by Daniel Schützer (Värmland, SE). To join the AER Working Group, exchange with peers and contribute to shaping future activities please fill in this form.

Pictures: Kelly Sikkema and Erik Karits on Unsplash