Kyiv, 14 November 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with support from the Governments of Japan and Sweden, organized a series of specialized training sessions for psychologists from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). The initiative aims to equip emergency responders with advanced skills in providing effective psychological support to communities impacted by the war. A two-day training session in Kyiv marked the culmination of the series, and followed on from a previous session held earlier this month and funded by Sweden.

The training series is designed to strengthen the SESU’s response capabilities, recognizing the crucial role psychological resilience plays in both individual and national recovery. It provides practical resources and techniques, in turn enabling SESU psychologists to offer specialized mental health support to conflict-affected populations across Ukraine.

Opening the event, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers emphasized the significance of these training sessions in building a resilient Ukraine: “The joint support of Japan and Sweden underscores a shared commitment to the well-being of Ukrainian communities,” Cilliers said. “By empowering the SESU with essential skills and resources, we ensure that Ukraine’s emergency responders are equipped to address the psychological wounds of the war. Together, we are building a foundation for lasting resilience.”

The training curriculum, led by experts from the Lisova Polyana Resource Centre, focuses on addressing complex trauma-related mental health challenges. Topics covered include techniques for managing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), counselling for those who have endured captivity and torture, and strategies to support families coping with the loss or disappearance of loved ones. To ensure effective, compassionate care, SESU psychologists were given 50 customized field kits designed to assist in trauma-informed care for affected populations and 50 metaphorical cards, which serve as a subtle tool to encourage reflection and open dialogue, aiding in the sensitive exploration of personal experiences.

Volodymyr Demchuk, the deputy head of the SESU, highlighted the importance of these training sessions: “Our psychologists frequently work on the front lines, providing support to individuals in the most challenging circumstances,” Demchuk noted. “This series of training sessions will not only enhance their professional skills, but also reinforce their resilience. We’re profoundly grateful to UNDP, Japan, and Sweden for recognizing the importance of psychological support in Ukraine’s recovery, and for standing by us in this mission.”

In 2023, Japan supported two additional training sessions for the SESU and the National Police of Ukraine, reflecting a deep and sustained commitment to psychological resilience and mental health in Ukraine. This broader collaboration extends to critical mine action efforts, with UNDP and the SESU working hand-in-hand to reduce the risks posed by explosive remnants of war. Together, these initiatives support the SESU’s mission to safeguard Ukrainian civilians, ensure their physical and psychological well-being, and foster a safe environment for communities across Ukraine.

Through this collaborative approach, UNDP and its partners are strengthening the capacity of subdivisions within the Ministry of Internal Affairs to provide trauma-sensitive psychological support. This initiative is paving the way for comprehensive healing and resilience-building across Ukraine’s war-affected communities.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org