Emergency in Ukraine - Immediate Relief Assistance

Soleterre remains an important reference point in Poland for offering specialized psychological and psycho-social support to those who have fled the war in neighboring Ukraine. Among these refugees are some of the most vulnerable, individuals, including children struggling with cancer, survivors of gender-based violence, persons suffering from acute mental illness, and those living with chronic illness. Their situation is made all the more precarious now that the war continued into its 19th month.

Mental health services are crucial to these vulnerable groups, not only for immediate action but also to help prevent long-term damage to their psyche. If the importance of mental health is ignored, the result could create serious challenges to psychological development and social behaviors. Therefore, it is imperative to address the mind, as well as the body, when supporting these children and adolescents impacted by the ongoing war. By prioritizing psychological support, we are dedicated to a greater definition of health, including their ability to integrate into the social and economic fabric of society unscathed. Soleterre echoes the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

For this reason, our team has been actively incorporating art therapy and associative therapy activities as a means to support children and adults alike to identify the various levels of the trauma they currently face. By engaging in art therapy activities, participants are unlocking the tools to confront the consequences of the ongoing war and reflect on the changes that are impacting their everyday life. Using symbols and non-verbal forms of expression, we can at times better recognize, understand, and consolidate the feelings generated by our experiences and convert those feelings into artistic works.

Our team of psychologists incorporates art therapy activities as a way of supporting children and to create a safe space. Within this environment, children are able to express themselves more freely, even exploring non-verbal means of communication—especially for those topics that are too difficult to confront with mere words. In analyzing the children’s paintings and drawings, psychologists are working on practical and effective strategies to help them individually overcome the trauma they face.

Among these new and innovative therapeutic services offered by our team, one of Soleterre’s psychologists recently launched an exciting new project infused with elements of psychology, art therapy and science. This creative method incorporates elements of neurographic art, which aims at stimulating neural connections through artistic expression. Effectively, neurographics is a creative means to transform one’s experience, fears and stress, from the inside out.

How did it help? The psychologist in charge of this effort began by assessing the needs of each individual based on their participation in the workshop. Next, a cycle of group therapy sessions were scheduled with a specific goal: to provide refugee women a safe space to heal. Focusing on those living near Rzeszow, Poland, the first workshop was so successful, that the schedule has been expanded to engage additional groups on an extended timeline.

In Przemysl, another art therapy event was organized by our staff to address the needs of Ukrainian mothers and their children who have been displaced by the war. The event was organized in collaboration with the global non-profit, Alight. This incredible organization focuses on co-creating with displaced people and fostering continuity throughout partnership.

During this event, the children were asked to create a tree. As a symbol of growth and connection, every leaf and every branch was carefully prepared with loving care. The impact of the collective work was simple yet inspiring: when we work together and join forces, the result is extraordinary. While the children were building their communal tree, their mothers were busy utilizing another medium.

Working with metaphors, the women worked with another one of Soleterre’s expert psychologists to explore emotions and relationships through art. The activity inspired some wonderful and meaningful conversations, making it a major success. The event was doubly successful, however, as it allowed us to expose a wider audience to the benefits of mental health. Little by little, our team is working to chip away at the harsh stigma relating to therapy and psychological support that is deeply rooted both the Ukrainian and Polish culture.

Our staff in Poland and Ukraine and doing all that they can for these families displaced by the ongoing conflict. But our team doesn't end there. Each and every one of you are members of the Soleterre team, working to support children with cancer, everywhere. Thank you for your continued support of the families of Ukraine scattered across Europe. Together, we will continue to make a difference.

Links:

• Learn more about how the WHO defines "health"
• Learn more about or most recent partners, Alight

Soleterre began its intervention in Poland at the end of March 2022, just one month after the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Now that one year has passed, our team of Italian and Ukrainian psychologists at Soleterre have organized more than 13,500 consultations for over 3,500 individuals.

Initially, Soleterre deployed a team to assist with refugees throughout the Podkarpackie and Lubelskie regions of Poland. The goal was to offer psychological and social support to the waves of Ukrainian refugees crossing the border to safety. Soleterre has been recognized as the sole reference point prioritizing mental health among assistance programs in the area. The team originally consisted of six Ukrainian psychologists and one cultural mediator to bridge the gap between teams working in Ukraine, in Italy, and amongst local partners in Poland. Working with mobile resources and online programs, the team was able to harness this hybrid style to expand their outreach and increase their overall impact on a wider range of communities.

With offices in Przemysl and Rzeszow, Soleterre offers free counseling programs for those in the general vicinity and encourages people to seek psychological support during their transition. The offices also act as a safe space for individuals to come and converse with others, share their stories and, for a brief moment, lift their spirits and lighten the weight of the trauma they are facing. This kind of communal therapy is tantamount for those who do not yet feel ready to engage in a more formal session but nonetheless are looking for some reprieve. Our therapy sessions are also flexible, incorporating both individual sessions and group activities depending on the need.

Through these headquarters, our team is able to establish relationships with local partners in Poland, especially among refugee shelters in the area, instilling a sense of continuity and trust. Since we are registered in Poland as a national non-profit organization, Soleterre partners with 15 local Polish and international organizations, including contacts in Italy and Ukraine. With these solid relationships in place, our team is able to transit from accommodation centers, transit centers, private houses, hospitals and private clinics, so that Soleterre can make a greater impact in the region. To achieve this mobility, Soleterre deploys 2 mobile units focusing on patients discharged from hospitals or other facilities, to provide support across 45 points of intervention.

Soleterre’s psychologists are not only engaging in-person with individuals throughout the regions of Podkarpackie and Lubelskie, but also across the country with the help of online resources. These online counseling sessions are key for our team to be able to reach those living in more remote areas. With this hybrid network in place, Soleterre firstly supports pre-established local efforts in addition to spearheading independent projects. Through these relationships, Soleterre is able to learn about children who are in particularly vulnerable situations and need specialized medical or psychological support. We can then organize for individualize assistance for their families and respond to their needs without delay.

As the war rages on in Ukraine, we are working to support local efforts and build international networks dedicated to helping those in need. We thank you for your continued generosity to our cause and we look forward to what the future holds. With your help, Soleterre is working to give support to children with cancer, everywhere.