Training "Help the Helpers" from Red Cross at TSNUK

On October 10, a training session titled “How to Support Those Who Support Others: Caring for Helping Professionals” was held at the Faculty of Psychology, specifically adapted for Taras Shevchenko National University by the staff of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Department of the National Committee of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society. The main purpose of the training was to prepare facilitators for target groups of frontline workers—professionals and volunteers who are at the forefront of providing social and psychological assistance to various segments of the population. This training became possible as a result of the establishment of a national network within the international project “Who Cares PSS,” financially supported by the European Commission.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, most helping professionals have continued to fulfill their professional duties and have been where they are needed. Facing the pain and suffering of others daily, they also experience their own war-related traumas. Staying resilient during this time has become particularly challenging, and it is encouraging that there are those who are ready to support those who support others. This was the essence of the training supported by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, expertly conducted by Mr. Denys Humeni.

Mr. Denys, or Den as he prefers to be addressed, showcased a remarkable mastery of being a trainer, demonstrating that creative adaptation is possible in ways one might not immediately consider. Conducting a theoretical exploration of mental health, the well-being of helping professionals, and trauma-informed approaches in the format of a quiz? Explaining the concept of the window of tolerance while sheltering during an air raid alert? Easy. Because it’s not just about words; we tackle these challenges with practical case studies.

The research conducted as part of the Who Cares project (https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/system/files/2024-…) showed that helpers from various key groups require specific forms of intervention. Naturally, the appropriate support for educators and emergency service professionals will differ. Mr. Denys astutely connected this in the participants' practice by working on potential training programs for representatives of different target groups: psychologists, social workers, healthcare professionals, educators, volunteers, and others.

The training was attended by 22 master’s students from the Faculty of Psychology across various educational programs, including "Psychology," "Social Rehabilitation," "Social Pedagogy," "Social Work," "Child and Family Psychology with Basics of Psychotherapy," "Clinical Psychology with Basics of Psychotherapy," and "Neuropsychology," as well as practicing psychologists from partner institutions. Some participants even traveled from Dnipro and Vinnytsia for this purpose. Judging by the feedback received during the certificate handout and the sincere, warm conversations that took place after the official conclusion of the training, all participants’ expectations were fully met. This was even despite having to work in a shelter due to an air raid alert!

The most important expectation from the training on World Mental Health Day was to “find a reason to celebrate it.” And that was achieved! It turned out, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), that it is possible to be mentally healthy even with diagnosed mental disorders. If a person seeks support from qualified mental health professionals (such as psychotherapists, psychiatrists, etc.) and receives the necessary psychosocial and/or medication support, they can reach a level of well-being that allows them to realize their potential, cope with stress, work productively and effectively, and contribute to the community.

So, take this as motivation and inspiration for self-care, and remember that, according to WHO’s definition, you are healthy if you are capable of not only providing support but also seeking it.