Finding Strength in Support

Kyiv hosted the Self-Support Leaders Conference, bringing together over 50 self-support group leaders, mental health practitioners, and community leaders committed to strengthening psychosocial support networks in war-affected regions. The event focused on the crucial role of self-support groups in maintaining mental well-being, especially in the ongoing context of war and the profound emotional toll it continues to take on Ukrainian society.

Empowering Self-Support Leaders in a Time of Crisis

Organized as part of the “Support for the Network of empathy providers and Ukrainian civilians in war times”, the conference aimed to empower those who provide emotional and psychological support to communities across Ukraine. The event brought together key organizations in the field, including Empathy-Ukraine, Veteran Hub, the Institute of Health Psychology, Mash Foundation, and the Charitable Fund “Partnership – To Each Child”, highlighting the inter-organizational collaboration necessary to strengthen psychosocial support efforts.

One of the key discussions emphasized that self-support groups fill a crucial gap between formal psychological care and the need for everyday emotional support. Unlike traditional therapy, which often involves deep psychological work, self-support groups offer accessible, community-driven emotional care for those who may not seek professional treatment but still require structured, safe spaces for healing. Experts highlighted that a three-month training course can adequately prepare facilitators to lead self-support groups, making this an effective and scalable model for reaching a wider population.

Another important topic was the changing perception of psychological support in Ukraine. While in 2014, mental health advocates had to convince communities of the importance of emotional well-being, today, people are more willing to seek support on their own. However, reaching those in the most difficult situations remains a challenge, as individuals struggling with severe emotional distress often lack the resources or energy to ask for help.

Addressing the Psychological Toll of War

The conference also tackled complex challenges faced by self-support group leaders. In small communities, it remains difficult for individuals to open up about their mental health struggles, and the stigma around seeking psychological support still persists. Additionally, facilitators working with groups that include veterans, survivors of captivity, or victims of violence often face resistance from participants who feel that a facilitator who has not experienced war firsthand cannot truly understand their pain.

Speakers emphasized that facilitators should not rely on their own personal experiences but instead create a space for participants to exchange their diverse experiences. The role of a facilitator is not to provide answers but to foster trust, listen actively and ensure there is emotional safety within the group. This approach ensures that self-support groups remain inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of all participants.

Veteran support was also a key focus. Many veterans struggle with adapting to civilian life while their comrades remain on the battlefield, making it difficult for them to engage in psychosocial support. Experts stressed the need for tailored approaches when working with veterans, integrating nonviolent communication, peer support, and gradual reintegration strategies to create safe and effective spaces for their healing.

Collaboration and Future Steps

The second day of the conference focused on practical training sessions for practitioners, providing them with hands-on techniques in group facilitation, conflict resolution, and burnout prevention. Participants worked in groups, applying the knowledge gained from the discussions to real-life scenarios.

During the final session, participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to connect, learn, and reflect. Many emphasized that common events like this are crucial for the self-support community, not just for exchanging knowledge, but also for networking, mutual encouragement, and preventing burnout among facilitators. A military psychologist in attendance shared that she now plans to incorporate more empathy-based and group therapy techniques into her work with soldiers, as simple support and understanding are often more effective than deep psychological interventions.

Expanding Partnerships and Strengthening Outreach

The conference also opened discussions on potential new partnerships. Two participants from the Ivano-Frankivsk region, who work in veteran rehabilitation in mountainous areas, expressed interest in collaborating with Pro Peace to enhance their support programs. Additionally, Veteran Hub representatives shared updates on their services, which have reached over 43,000 individuals since 2018 through psychological support, legal aid, education, sports, and rehabilitation programs. With main offices in Kyiv and Vinnytsia and mobile teams in Dnipro, Veteran Hub is exploring options to expand its reach, particularly in Chernivtsi, where regional demand for veteran support is growing.

The Impact of the Empathy Project and Pro Peace's Commitment

The impact of the Empathy Project extends far beyond this conference. Since its inception, the initiative has provided direct psychological support to over 1,000 Ukrainians, facilitated hundreds of group and individual empathy sessions, and trained dozens of self-support leaders who are now helping their communities navigate these challenging times.