Since December 2025, the Empower UA project has been implemented as part of the activities of Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG). The project aims to strengthen the psycho-emotional resilience of Ukrainians living in Sweden and to support their social integration.

The mental health component is delivered through conversational psycho-emotional support (samtalsstöd). The work is carried out by samtalsterapeut Yaroslava Shven, who is responsible for conducting individual support sessions and psychoeducational group meetings.

Results since the project launch (3 months):

• 42 clients have received individual conversational support
• 2 psychoeducational events have been conducted in the PsyLab format (a psychological awareness platform)

Topics of the psychoeducational meetings:

• Functional psycho-emotional states, self-regulation skills, and guidance on accessing the Swedish healthcare system
• Experiences of loneliness and social isolation in the context of migration

"During individual support sessions, clients often address complex life experiences related to fragmented or disrupted life trajectories resulting from migration, social disconnection, and changes in cultural environment. In this context, clients need a safe space to become aware of their emotional states, symbolize losses, and integrate new aspects of identity. This approach acknowledges the non-linear nature of life trajectories as a natural response to migration and creates a safe environment for adaptation, integration, and the development of a more coherent life narrative."
— Yaroslava Shven, samtalsterapeut within the Empower UA project

Conversational psycho-emotional support serves not only an individual function but also a broader social one. It contributes to strengthening community resilience, supports the integration process, and enables early recognition of emotional states and challenges.

If needed, participants receive guidance on further steps and information on how to access specialized support within the Swedish healthcare system — including doctors, psychologists, or other relevant professionals.

Services within the project are provided free of charge for Ukrainians in Gothenburg in person and online for those living in other regions of Sweden.

The Empower HUB project is implemented by HUG and partners. Co-funded by the European Union through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).

Please note: This is a translation from Ukrainian. Always verify the information on official government resources.

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