Key points
- The Coordinating Centre for Mental Health has developed an Infobox to support people released from captivity.
- It includes an educational series, videos, and a handbook.
- The materials help with recovery, adaptation, and avoiding stigma.
- The project is implemented within the “How Are You?” programme and created in cooperation with international partners.
The Coordinating Centre for Mental Health of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has developed an Infobox aimed at supporting and interacting with people released from captivity.
The Infobox includes:
- an educational series on the Diia.Education platform titled “Do No Harm: Supporting After Release from Captivity,” consisting of 10 episodes. It addresses key questions about helping people after the experience of captivity, explains the specifics of psychological recovery, and outlines approaches to avoiding stigma and re-traumatisation;
- a series of short explainer videos published on the “How Are You?” social media platforms. They provide answers to complex questions, including maintaining one’s identity in conditions of isolation and the specifics of a social “quarantine” after release;
- the handbook “Life and Service After Captivity.” This is a step-by-step guide with practical advice on medical recovery, psychological support, and social adaptation. The materials also cover financial literacy, employment, the development of veteran business, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention.
The Infobox was created within the framework of the All-Ukrainian mental health programme “How Are You?”, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska.
The project was implemented in cooperation with DIGNITY – the Danish Institute Against Torture, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
Experts from the Coordinating Centre for Mental Health, representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry for Veterans Affairs also contributed to the development. Starlight Media served as a media partner, while technical support was provided by the NGO “Barrier-Free”.
Read also:
Lviv and the Ukrainian Red Cross will provide compensation of up to 400,000 UAH for adapting housing for veterans
