Helpline goes live for Ukrainians

A psychosocial helpline service has been launched on Leeside for Ukrainians living in Ireland experiencing distress due to war or displacement.

Together Razem has spent the past 4 months developing the new service called Call Tanya.

Callers can phone the helpline and have a conversation with one of the trained call ambassadors, discuss their worries or concerns, and as a result, experience a reduction in stress and distress levels and increased well-being.

Support provided will be in line with the PFA Psychological First Aid model of look, listen, support, Together Razem has said.

The new Ukrainian psychosocial helpline, which was launched by Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Damian Boylan, is open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-11am and 3-6pm.

Aliona Capatici, Project Coordinator, said: “We have skilled Ukrainian and Russian speaking volunteers with psychology credentials from Ukraine and they are available to provide listening service to Ukrainians in Ireland. We use modern telephone systems and we will introduce implemented Telegram chat soon too. This is a pilot project supported by the Community Foundation for Ireland and Cork City Council Healthy Ireland.”

Voyteck Bialek Together-Razem CEO said: “Together-Razem delivers services to support Ukrainians mental health and well-being. Since May 2022 we have provided trauma counselling service in Ukrainian language.

“This service is provided by a Ukrainian speaking qualified, professional psychotherapist who was educated in Ireland and accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. We also run a weekly Women Support Group for Ukrainian women. This project aims to reduce women's stress, helping them integrate into the community.”