Mental Health Support

Our mental health affects the quality of life and provides resources to cope with all the challenges and adapt to a new country. Mental health is important at every stage of life, especially now, as it influences how we think, feel, and act.
The OPORA team is ready to help you build inner strength and adapt to life in the UK. We have gathered the best advice from psychologists and informational resources that will surely help you take care of yourself and your mental health.
We understand how essential mental health is and we hear it from you. Many people who reached out to OPORA have shared how timely support and care helped them regain balance and confidence.
Next to this text, you can watch a short video - just a few of the hundreds of stories from people who have found strength, stability, and the reassuring feeling that they are not alone.

Meet our Mental Health Team

Psychological Support Channel

Join up

A Telegram channel providing support for Ukrainians in the UK on issues related to psychological health, moderated by experts and volunteers.
Join our channel to learn more about psychological health and support for Ukrainians in the UK.

Drop-in Support Group

Joing our Support Group

This is a safe space to talk, be heard, and feel supportedThese bi-weekly online drop-in groups are designed for Ukrainians living in the UK who are navigating displacement, uncertainty, and the challenges of rebuilding life in an unfamiliar place. Led by Maryana Petryk, a qualified psychologist with experience supporting displaced Ukrainians, the sessions provide a warm, non-judgmental space where you can talk about what matters to you.Sessions are held in Ukrainian.

Interactive Mental Health Map

Go to Map

An interactive map of psychological support services for Ukrainians located in the UK. Link to the map: http://bit.ly/3K0fHmL
OPORA continues to gather information on possible options for psychological support. If you are attending or organizing events (support groups, therapies, lectures) or are a psychologist or psychotherapist, please send detailed information to .ku.aropo%40htlaehlatnem

IRC and OPORA have joined together to support Ukrainians in the UK, creating 10 videos on key mental health topics to increase awareness and provide self-help tools. Each discussed topic combines theoretical and practical components. For more details about IRC, visit: https://www.rescue.org/uk

Watch Videos

Healthy Communication

● Positive First Contact● Healthy Relationships● Personal Boundaries● Body Language● To download the materials provided during the webinar, click here

Watch

Healthy Communication

● Positive First Contact● Healthy Relationships● Personal Boundaries● Body Language● To download the materials provided during the webinar, click here

Watch

Bullying – why is this happening to me?

● How and why bullying occurs● How to protect yourself and your loved ones● How to recognise hidden forms of bullying● How to build psychological boundaries — for adults and children● How these topics are portrayed in film and literatureTo download the materials provided during the webinar, click here

Watch

Healthy Communication

● Positive First Contact● Healthy Relationships● Personal Boundaries● Body LanguageTo download the materials provided during the webinar, click here

Watch

Who are teenagers?

● What values do teenagers have?● Separation and self-identity● “Bad” teenage behavior● What damages relationships● How to successfully resolve conflicts with teenagers● Traditions for strengthening relationshipsTo download the materials provided during the webinar, click here

Watch

Myths About Emotions That Hinder Life

● Myths that lead to suppressing emotions.● How a child's perspective on emotions shapes adults.● Resentment, guilt, fear, helplessness, confusion, sadness, joy — let's figure out what to do with them. To download the materials provided during the webinar, click here

Watch

Emotions as the mentality foundation

● How to recognize your emotions and understand why they can be hard to bear.● Ways to help yourself during emotional outbursts without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms.● Which emotions need to be processed and which may stem from past trauma or illusions.● How to make emotions a helpful ally in your life. To download the materials provided during the webinar, click here

Watch

Studying at Two Schools: Yes or No? A Psychologist's Perspective

● Adaptation of Children Abroad● Assistance for Preschool Children● How to Support Teenagers● Practical advice● To download the materials provided during the webinar, click here

Watch

Emotional burnout

● Symptoms of emotional burnout● Psychological stability tools ● Test for the level of emotional burnout● Practical advice● To download the materials provided during the webinar, click here.

Watch

Adaptation Shock

● Adaptive Intelligence● Path: from shock to adaptation. What stage am I at?● Is it possible to adapt to today's world?● How does a Ukrainian's code work in another country?● To download the materials provided during the webinar, click here.

Watch

The art of self-regulation

● The concept of self-regulation● Methods and practices● Ways to regulate your emotional state● Practical exercises

Watch

Path to Integration

● Forced relocation: stages and consequences● Emotional processes after a year of being in the UK● Methods of self-regulation● Practical exercises● To download the materials provided during the webinar, click here.

Watch

Barnardo's is an organization that supports and protects children. They have opened a hotline for Ukrainian speakers with translators available in Ukrainian and Russian.
The hotline operates:● Monday-Friday from 10:00 to 20:00● Saturday from 10:00 to 15:00To call the hotline 0800 148 8586or email .ku.gro.sodranrab%40troppusnainiarku

If you or someone else is in danger, call 999.If you need mental health support, seek help from NHS online or call 111.
Contact the 24-hour mental health helpline in your region, and learn more by country:● England - https://bit.ly/3ItvGKB ● Scotland - http://bit.ly/3xVVXva ● Wales - http://bit.ly/3IvVRz3 ● Northern Ireland - http://bit.ly/3ZjHDrW

The British Red Cross provides a free and confidential support line to help people in difficult situations. The helpline offers support in various areas, including psychological support, medical assistance, legal advice, and more. If you need help or advice, contact The British Red Cross support line.
Contact: 0808 196 3651 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily (London time)

The "How are you?" program is a communication campaign within the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program, initiated by Olena Zelenska.
The crisis helpline provides support in the most difficult moments for Ukrainians in the UK.Contact: +44 808 164 2432*All calls from UK local numbers are free.

Mind is a charity organization that focuses on mental health issues. The organization provides a wide range of services that promote support and education on mental health issues in the local community. Its goal is to support individuals in their recovery process and promote social inclusion.
Contacts: email ku.gro.dnim%40ofni and phone number 0300 123 3393

Our two books were created by OPORA to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of Ukrainian children and teenagers in the UK. Their publication was kindly funded by The Story of Christmas (Registered Charity No. 1145066).
The wider “Mental Health” project has been made possible by funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

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