In the framework of the Crisis Support Hotline Project we provide veterans with two distinct avenues of assistance:
- Crisis Support Hotline : Our 24/7 toll-free Hotline offers immediate and cost-free support to veterans.
- Weekly Support Groups: These gatherings are designed to accommodate both veterans and their family members, fostering a mixed-format support environment.
Crisis Support Hotline
The Crisis Support Hotline 0 800 33 20 29 received almost 17 000 calls from veterans and their relatives.
The Hotline is toll-free and operates 24/7.
- For veterans adapting to civilian life
- For families awaiting loved ones from the frontlines
- For anyone needing reassurance during shelling
- For people after occupation
- For those returning from captivity
- For those awaiting their loved ones from the frontlines In case of loss of loved ones, homes, or forced relocation
- For all Ukrainians experiencing difficult emotions when emotions take over
The specialists of the hotline are qualified psychologists who have received special training in crisis assistance and support, and they have extensive practical experience. Chief Psychologist of the Hotline, Oleksiy Chamorsov, is a veteran himself who provides assistance on a peer-to-peer basis.
The Crisis Support Hotline of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation was launched on June 27, 2022. This project became possible thanks to the Ukraine Rapid Response Fund program, implemented by IREX in Ukraine with the support of the U.S. Department of State.
The Crisis Support Hotline is part of the All-Ukrainian mental health program “How are you?”, initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.
Support Groups
Within the project, several support groups are operating. This project offers the opportunity to be among people with similar experiences, in an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance. The first support group was held in August 2022 and they are still regularly held. These groups include 3 different directions:
- A support group for veterans and their family members.
Support groups take place every Sunday at 19:00 online in Zoom. - A group of support and “gentle” assistance in bereavement;
- A support group for Ukrainians who lost loved ones in the war, conducted in accordance with the 8-step program developed by the Center for Psychological Support.
Support groups take place in Kyiv, as well as online in Zoom for Ukrainians from other cities. These include 8-12 meetings held once every two weeks on weekends
To participate in the support group, veterans need to register. A few hours before the start, registered participants receive a letter by email. It contains an invitation link to the online meeting.
Previously, specialists of the Crisis Support Hotline prepared conversation topics in advance at the request of participants. Support groups now take place in a reflective format. Veterans and their loved ones can share a sad or happy event that happened to them, share their own experiences, and learn about the experiences of others.
Veterans and their families need support groups like these. After all, it is important to have a safe space where they can be heard, understood, and supported.
Over 70 support groups for veterans and their families were held.
There are over 60 participants in the weekly support groups, including veterans and families, and also those who have lost loved ones.
Guide for veterans and their family members within the system of providing psychological, medical, and psychiatric care.
This is a collection of works and adapted materials from the experience of the Crisis Support Hotline of the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation.
The Guide includes an overview of the needs of Ukrainian veterans, as well as their relatives and loved ones. The collection presents the authors’ work and adapted materials, designed to support veterans and their family members as they reintegrate into civilian life.
In particular, the collection contains the “Roadmap” in the system of providing psychological, medical, and psychiatric care, as well as recommendations for veterans and their family members. These recommendations were drawn up by experts of the Crisis Support Hotline, based on experience activities of the line and personal experience of practical psychological work, including in conditions of a full-scale war in Ukraine.
We can help when you need it the most. Call for support and share information with those who need it.
The hotline works with the support of the “Ukraine Rapid Response Fund” program, implemented by IREX with the support of the US State Department
