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Posted: 17th May 2022

New Ukrainian Peer Support Project

Doncaster Mind’s new mental health and wellbeing service for the Ukrainian community

Doncaster Mind is leading the way for Ukrainian Refugees. We have secured funding to set up and deliver a peer led group for both Ukrainian Refugees and Ukrainians already settled in Doncaster which will provide support around mental health and wellbeing.

For over 40 years Doncaster Mind has been supporting individuals and their families who are experiencing mental health difficulties and those who are socially isolated. Thanks to the £10,736.66 matched funding from National Mind and Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council we have the opportunity to offer that much needed support and assistance to members of Ukrainian community.

More than 5m people have fled following the Russian invasion, and many have carried with them trauma and loss. That has been compounded by the economic stress of living abroad and by family separation as Ukrainian men aged 18-60 must stay and help defend their country. The World Health Organisation (who) estimated in March 2022 that at least half a million Ukrainian refugees were suffering from mental health issues.

Our project will offer group sessions to Ukrainian adults aged 18 years and above and will aim to deliver practical and emotional support, create opportunities to build friendships and connections which would reduce social isolation and support the refugees integrating into the Doncaster community.

Doncaster Mind CEO Laura Arthur said: “I am very proud that Doncaster Mind is able to deliver this service and we are so grateful to National Mind and Doncaster Council for supporting this valuable cause. We are working collaboratively with many providers in Doncaster including the Ukrainian Centre to ensure that refugees can access mental health and wellbeing support as soon as they arrive in Doncaster”

Doncaster Mind is currently in the process of recruiting for the roles needed to deliver this service. If you are an individual who speaks both Ukrainian and English, have an understanding of Ukrainian Culture and have passion for supporting people, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, details of the project and the job vacancies, please click here.

We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health difficulty gets the support they need and deserve.”

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