Olha Khoroshevska
Mental Health Manager, Irish Red Cross
Trauma therapy reduces symptoms of PTSD by up to 30% for Ukrainians who — scarred by tragedy and loss — have fled the conflict to restart their lives in Ireland.
Since February 2022, the war in Ukraine has caused widespread emotional trauma. Targeted mental health support is vital for conflict-affected populations that are prone to experience significant mental disorders — far higher rates of PTSD, depression and anxiety.
Hundreds of Ukrainians who fled to Ireland are receiving PTSD therapy from the Irish Red Cross. This powerful intervention helps them process trauma, reframe memories and regain control of their mental health. By learning practical techniques, clients are empowered to manage their wellbeing and support others facing similar challenges.
Crucial emotional support has also come
from the thousands of Irish people who
have welcomed Ukrainians into their homes.
Improving the quality of relationships between client and therapist
Funded by the EU, this service is made possible by people like Violeta Bialkovska, a Ukrainian psychotherapist who fled to Ireland with her family. In 2023, she was recruited by the Irish Red Cross to provide free therapy in Ukrainian, helping fellow countrymen and women to rebuild their lives after fleeing unimaginable disruption, to feel seen, heard and supported.
“Women like Violeta, who are survivors themselves, are now supporting the mental health of fellow Ukrainians,” says Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General. “There is an urgent need to implement scalable mental health interventions to address the burden of trauma for those who fled conflict. We are the only organisation in Ireland providing trauma therapy in their native language. Doing so is proven to be twice as effective as working with an interpreter. It enhances the trust, understanding and quality of the relationship between client and therapist, which leads to better outcomes.”
The Irish Red Cross also offers Psychological First Aid (PFA) to help its volunteers and frontline workers to support people in distress. Its core approach — Look, Listen, Link — is simple and effective, especially in crises like accidents, disasters, violence or war. No clinical training is needed.
“The beauty of PFA is in its simplicity,” says Olha Khoroshevska, Mental Health Manager, Irish Red Cross. “It gives frontline workers and volunteers the skills to pay attention to a distressed person’s reactions, listen actively and offer practical assistance to help address their needs. It has been a key part of our response to support Ukrainians in Ireland.”
Irish hosts support Ukrainians’ integration
Crucial emotional support has also come from the thousands of Irish people who have welcomed Ukrainians into their homes as part of the pledged accommodation programme operated by the Irish Red Cross. Many of the Irish hosts have become invaluable support networks, helping their Ukrainian guests in the transition to life in Ireland and guiding them to access essential supports and integrate into local communities.
