‘A space to breathe’: Irish Red Cross Supports Ukraine’s Mental Health Lifelines

Stories of Impact

‘A space to breathe’: Irish Red Cross Supports Ukraine’s Mental Health Lifelines

May 26, 2025

For over three years, the relentless full-scale conflict has cast a long shadow over Ukraine, subjecting millions to unimaginable stress. Violence, displacement and the loss of loved ones have become daily realities. Airstrikes interrupt everyday life, and changes in the international political landscape fuel constant fear and uncertainty. These are just some of the factors that have led to an estimated 15 million people in Ukraine in need of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).

In response to this immense need, the Irish Red Cross and Danish Red Cross have partnered to support colleagues at the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) who provide mental health and psychosocial supports to people across Ukraine. At community-based centres run by dedicated URCS staff and volunteers, individuals can access vital psychological consultations, counselling and group mental wellbeing sessions. Children can also participate in creative activities, giving them the tools they need to express themselves and process their emotions in a supportive environment.

For me, these gatherings are a space to breathe, to share, to find moral support among people who understand.

Psychosocial Support That Feels Like Home

These community centres have become more than just support hubs; they are important places for internally displaced people (IDPs), who find in them a safe space to process emotions and build back their emotional resilience.

Lyubov’s story exemplifies this. Since March 2022, she and her son have sought refuge in a shelter in Chernivtsi, over a thousand kilometres away from her hometown of Popasna. The weekly support sessions have become their lifeline, offering a precious semblance of normality

“My son loves these sessions. He never wants to miss them because they make him feel at ease – almost like home” she shares. “These moments help him forget the horrors we’ve been through. He’s so excited about the sessions that he even sets an alarm to make sure he doesn’t miss them!”

“When he returns, he is calmer, happier, and more relaxed. And I feel the same after our own sessions. It’s a space where I can talk to people who understand my pain, share my feelings, and find emotional relief – especially on tough days.”

Lyubov reflects on the emotional toll that the war has taken on herself and her loved ones but finds comfort in the environment created by the sessions. “Life as an internally displaced person is not easy. My family lost everything – our house was destroyed in April 2022. We have nowhere to return to. But these activities help us regain strength and mental resilience. It’s more than just support – it’s our only escape.”

A Safe Space for Parents and Children

Ksenia, a mother of three who was forced to flee from the Donetsk region, echoes this sentiment. The weekly psychosocial support sessions she attends with her daughters have become a vital part of their lives. “These sessions help my daughters open up and communicate more freely. They always come back in high spirits. If my daughters miss a session, they get really upset. They love these meetings! I’ve noticed a big change in them – they’ve become more open and engaged.”

The emotional benefits of the sessions are also shared by Ksenia herself: “For me, these gatherings are a space to breathe, to share, to find moral support among people who understand.”

The stories of Lyubov and Ksenia highlight that mental health support is just as important as providing basic necessities for displaced Ukrainians navigating these uncertain times. The Irish Red Cross continues to support the Ukrainian Red Cross Society to create these vital safe spaces. Here individuals find not only respite from the trauma of conflict, but also the opportunity to forge connections and rebuild a sense of belonging, even far from home.

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