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Last year, Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) delivered life-saving vehicles to Ukraine to support healthcare providers working under extreme pressure. Today, we’re especially glad to receive updates that show how this support is being used in real life — and that our donations continue to serve patients long after delivery.
One of the vehicles is currently serving at Kharkiv Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital No. 3, providing essential care to the most vulnerable patients. The hospital provides inpatient psychiatric care across 12 adult wards and supports a large community of patients and medical staff in the Kharkiv region.
According to the hospital's director, Volodymyr Ryabko, the ambulance is now helping deliver palliative care to patients with mental and behavioral disorders, as well as transporting those with limited mobility who need urgent medical attention. The vehicle ensures that vulnerable patients can access the care they need, while also taking pressure off emergency services that are already working at full capacity.
Receiving such reports reminds us why this work matters. Every vehicle we send represents not just transportation, but hope, dignity, and access to essential healthcare for people facing unimaginable challenges.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported our mission and made donations like this possible. Together, we make a difference.
On 14 November, HUG coordinated an online meeting with the Consul of Ukraine in Sweden. The initiative was launched after a recent meeting with the Ambassador of Ukraine in Sweden and the Ukrainian community in Gothenburg and in response to the many requests we receive from Ukrainians regarding consular questions.
For many members of our community, consular services are part of everyday life: passport procedures, notarial actions, questions about the electronic queue, waiting times, or the delivery of documents from Ukraine. All of these processes can be complex, and people often need clear explanations to navigate them.
That is why this online meeting was so valuable. It gave participants a chance to understand how the consulate works, what steps apply in their specific situation, and what to expect from different procedures. Meetings of this kind also help reduce repeated inquiries and ease the workload on the consulate.
During the session, the Consul explained how key procedures function in practice, addressed common issues related to passports and documentation, and answered participants’ questions based on their individual circumstances. Since many of the questions involved personal information, the meeting was not recorded.
To ensure that everyone could take part, we also hosted the meeting at our office with a live stream for those who were unable to join online.
We are deeply grateful that the Embassy responds to the needs of Ukrainians in Sweden and supports open, accessible dialogue with the community.
For us at HUG, it was important to contribute to this initiative, and we appreciate the trust and collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine in Sweden. We are ready to support similar initiatives for our community in the future.
On November 22, we're opening our doors to everyone who wants to get to know HUG better. Come chat with our team, learn about our programs and volunteer opportunities, ask questions, and spend quality time with our community.
For almost four years, HUG has been a special place for Ukrainians in Gothenburg – a space where people find support, build connections, and create community together. Our Open Day is your chance to see what we do, meet the people behind our programs, and discover how you can become part of our story.
We welcome everyone at:
Date: November 22, 14:00 – 20:00 Location: Bankogatan 61, Göteborg
Program:
14:00 – 15:30 | Meet-up for Ukrainian Community We'll talk about HUG's mission, values, and what we've achieved together over 4 years. You'll discover how volunteering works in Sweden and learn about the different ways you can get involved.
15:30 – 17:30 | Celebration Everyone is welcome to join our official program! Our team will take you through HUG's journey from day one to today, celebrate our amazing volunteers, and share our exciting vision for the future.
17:30 – 20:00 | Informal Mingle Time to relax and connect! Explore our different program areas, chat with volunteers and team members over refreshments, and meet others in our community in a warm, casual atmosphere.
Whether you're curious about HUG's work, want to become a volunteer, or are simply looking to make new connections – we'd love to see you there! Bring your questions, your ideas, or just yourself. Every person who walks through our doors adds something special to our community.
Please register in advance so we can prepare for the event and make sure everyone feels comfortable and welcome:
On November 12th, Region Halland donated three ambulances to Help Ukraine Göteborg (HUG). The vehicles will now be transported to Ukraine, where they will be used in areas severely affected by Russian aggression to strengthen life-saving care on the ground.
Thanks to their previous support, HUG has been able to send ambulances, medical equipment, medicines, and essential supplies to hospitals and stabilization points across Ukraine. This is a strong example how Sweden continues to make a significant impact in the humanitarian crisis.
The scale of destruction to Ukraine’s medical infrastructure is immense. As of November 2025, according to regional health departments and the Kyiv City Military Administration, 2,530 medical facilities within 815 healthcare institutions have been damaged or destroyed. Russian aggression has completely destroyed 327 facilities belonging to 125 healthcare institutions.
Ambulances have become critically important to Ukraine’s emergency system. In areas where hospitals have been destroyed or are overwhelmed, ambulances serve as a vital link between injured civilians and medical care. Without them, many people simply cannot reach life-saving treatment in time. Each donated ambulance means countless lives can be saved.
The need remains urgent. HUG is currently running a fundraiser with the goal of delivering 10 ambulances to Ukraine – and thanks to the support of our Swedish partners, we are now one step closer to reaching it.
Thank you to Region Halland and to everyone in Sweden who continues to stand by Ukraine’s side.
Our HUG team joined the event, serving homemade vegetarian borscht — and every single portion sold out by the end of the day! We offered it for a minimum donation of 100 SEK, and thanks to your generosity, together we raised an amazing 20,000 SEK!
All funds will go directly to our fundraiser to send 10 ambulances to Ukraine — a goal we’re now one big step closer to reaching.
Together with guests, we played "Always Win Lottery", where everyone walked away with a sweet surprise – from homemade cookies and sweets to delicious jam.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, tasted our homemade borscht, and showed their support for Ukrainian culture.
Thanks to REMESLO.uart and ImagiNation Art & Educational Center at Mölndal Galleria for hosting this beautiful and heartwarming event.
This weekend, 15-16 November, we invite you to the Christmas market at Gunnebo Slott for our homemade Ukrainian food.
Fembrunch is an inspiring event for young Ukrainian women who are interested in building careers in technology and business in Sweden.
After the success of our first Fembranch, we came together again to share experiences, build connections, and learn from women who have forged remarkable career paths in Sweden
Our guest speakers:
Lisa Churkina, Producer Digital Content Lead at Volvo Cars, and Daryna Pesina, Senior Project Coordinator at Chalmers/EuMA, shared their professional journeys, discussing career choices and pathways in the Swedish tech landscape. Together we went through the challenges they faced, the decisions that shaped their paths, and what it takes to grow professionally in a new country.
Mónica Andrea Cabarcas, Project Manager at Business Region Göteborg AB, spoke about the broader picture of integration — not just professional, but social and cultural as well. She highlighted how women are shaping Sweden's modern workplace and what it means to find your place in a new professional environment while staying true to yourself.
Beyond career advice, we talked about the realities of starting over, building confidence in a new system, and finding balance between ambition and well-being.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Fembranch on Sunday!
We're deeply proud to see Fembrunch growing into a supportive community where young Ukrainian women can find inspiration, build networks, and form genuine friendships.
Hug (Help Ukraine Gothenburg) invites you to a charity concert on November 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Oscar Fredrik's Church in Gothenburg. This event combines live music with humanitarian support, where every ticket sold contributes directly to aid for Ukraine.
The concert takes place in the historic Oscar Fredrik's Church, known for its excellent acoustics and welcoming atmosphere. The afternoon features musical performances designed to bring the community together while supporting an important cause.
Tickets are priced at 200 SEK, making this an accessible way to enjoy quality music and support humanitarian work at the same time. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to Hug's ongoing efforts to provide essential aid to communities affected by the war in Ukraine.
If you're looking for a concert with purpose, where your ticket helps make a real difference, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss.
The meeting took place at an event at the Stockholm School of Economics, where Khartiia Brigade presented the film “The Khartiia Method”, followed by a panel discussion on Ukraine's military innovation
.We have been working closely with Khartiia Brigade for a long time, providing evacuation vehicles, equipment, and other critical support. For us at HUG, it was especially meaningful to connect in person and discuss how Ukraine's experience of military and civilian cooperation can provide lessons for strengthening national defense that can also be adapted in Sweden. Thank you to the Khartiia Brigade for presenting us with signed flags from the fighters who use the donated evacuation vehicles.
Two years ago, we launched Better You & Me (BYM), a mental health and wellbeing program created to support Ukrainians in Sweden. These two years have brought countless meetings, honest conversations, tears and laughter, hugs, new friendships, and the powerful feeling of being part of a community that supports each other even in the hardest moments.
“The idea for Better You & Me came in 2023, when mothers at our children's daycare shared their struggles in the changing rooms. We couldn't stand aside. At Hug, we follow a simple principle: see a need, analyse the situation, and find solutions. That's why mental health became one of our core focuses — and over these two years, we've never once doubted this decision.” - Nadiia Kvasha, co-founder HUG and project manager BYM
What began with 44 participants in our first month has become a thriving community of 652 people walking this path together.
"This program gave me the community I was missing — people to talk to, those who truly understand. Thanks to that support, I could finally find my inner balance and start enjoying life again." - Lesia Mizyk, participant BYM
The Heart of the Program
Better You & Me offers comprehensive mental health support through art therapy, dance therapy, emotional support groups, psychoeducational groups, and retreats. Together with participants, we've been learning to understand our needs, overcome anxiety, and break the stigma around mental health that often prevents people from seeking the help they deserve.
"I joined BYM for the first time this summer, at a retreat in Slottsskogen. I still remember the body therapy session — how movement and dance helped release emotions and bring a calm I hadn't felt in a long time. I'm very happy I found this project." - Viktoriia Razinkova, participant BYM
Over these two years, our community has shared 2,100+ hours of individual psychological consultations, 800+ hours of group sessions, and hundreds of stories about trust, healing, and finding the path back to ourselves.
"You have to find yourself within yourself. During Better You & Me sessions, we worked through exercises that helped us reconnect with who we are — learning to notice our needs, understand our emotions, and care for our mental health instead of hiding it." - Daria Volovyk, participant BYM
In the beginning, the project focused mainly on crisis support, helping people navigate the first stages of displacement. Over time, it evolved into something deeper.
"Better You & Me has grown from a small initiative into a living, supportive community of psychological care that helps Ukrainians recover mentally. This journey has been an evolution from a space of individual meetings into a platform for personal growth, where balance, self-care, and mutual respect are core values." - Yaroslava Shven
Today, the project is entering a new stage — the stage of co-creation, as the community itself has become a source of support and inspiration.
"We aim to create a safe and caring space for people affected by war and displacement, because we believe that no one should carry that weight alone. When people feel seen and heard, when there is a welcoming community where they can share their stories — that's where recovery begins." - Viktoria Svidovska
Celebrating Our Journey
On Saturday, we gathered to celebrate this milestone. The anniversary event gathered participants to reflect on our growth and honor the courage it takes to prioritize mental health.
Yunona Lototska joined us with an inspiring lecture, "How to become the author of your own life," exploring how to reclaim the right to choose and find new meaning in our lives. The celebration continued with creative activities: a special bingo game where participants discovered each other's hidden stories and talents, and a collective collage where everyone contributed their personal symbols of mental health.
The BYM team prepared special gifts for every participant, and the evening ended with cake, laughter, and the warmth of community.
Our heartfelt gratitude
Thank you to everyone walking this path with us — our participants, mental health counselors, partners, and volunteers. Because of you, this project lives, grows, and continues to support those who need it most.
Mölndal Galleria and REMESLO.uart are hosting a unique market that brings together the beauty of Ukrainian handmade art and the warmth of local community spirit. You’ll discover a wonderful selection of handmade jewelry, home décor, natural soaps, candles, cozy knitwear, traditional sweets, and authentic Ukrainian food — all lovingly crafted by Ukrainian artisans living in Sweden.
The Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) team will also be there, serving our famous homemade vegetarian Ukrainian borscht — a comforting dish made with beetroot kvass, smoked pear, and organic vegetables from Halland. Each portion is freshly prepared and served in a convenient takeaway box, so you can enjoy it on the spot or take an extra one home for later.
By getting a bowl of borscht, you’re not only tasting a piece of Ukrainian culture — you’re supporting HUG’s humanitarian mission.
A minimum donation of 100 SEK per portion will go directly to HUG’s campaign to send 10 ambulances to Ukraine, helping save lives in war-affected areas.
Event details:
Date: November 8 Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Location: Mölndal Galleria, Floor 2, Barnhemsgatan 22, 431 31 Mölndal
If you’d like to make sure you get your portion of borscht, please register!
Come, bring your friends, support local Ukrainian creators, and make an impact together with Help Ukraine Gothenburg. Every bowl, every smile, every conversation helps us get one step closer to our shared goal — helping Ukraine heal and rebuild.
Two fully loaded trucks filled with school desks, chairs, shelves, and other reused materials are now on their way from Alingsås, Sweden, to the war-torn Kharkiv region in Ukraine. This humanitarian shipment is part of a joint effort by Alingsås Municipality, Alingsåshem, Sweco, and Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) — turning what once would have been waste into valuable resources for Ukrainian communities.
From Demolition to Renewal
The materials come from the recently demolished Ingared School. Instead of discarding them, the municipality and Alingsåshem chose to give the items a new life through reuse.
“Reusing more is an important new focus for us,” says Christian Sylvan, project manager at Alingsåshem. “The demolition of Ingared School gave us a unique opportunity to give materials a second life — and it feels fantastic that the furniture and equipment will now make a real difference, both here at home and in Ukraine.”
The reused furniture and fixtures were stored in the former Alingsås fire station, now converted into a reuse warehouse by Alingsåshem. From there, two trucks were filled with 62 school desks, 273 chairs, 66 tables, 18 cupboards, 4 whiteboards, and a large amount of sanitary equipment such as toilets and sinks — all destined for Ukrainian schools and community centers.
Hands and Hearts from Sweden to Ukraine
On Wednesday, a team from Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) joined local partners in Alingsås to help pack and load the trucks. Among the volunteers was Olena Petrus, representing HUG.
“We are deeply, deeply grateful for the help and support to Ukraine in this difficult time,” she said while helping to label and organize the furniture.
Six volunteers from HUG — Pelle, Per, Monica, Gunell, Anders, and Åsa — worked side by side with local partners to make the shipment possible.
“Been in Alingsås today and packed lots of school benches for HUG – Help Ukraine Gothenburg – for transport to Ukraine,” wrote Pelle on Facebook after the long day. “Pain in the back, but good in the heart.”
A Partnership for the Future
This collaboration marks another successful example of how Swedish communities can contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding through sustainable and practical actions. The organizations involved hope to continue this partnership, creating new cycles of reuse and support — where every item can make a difference.
Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) has been honoured with an award from the Centre for Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care (CICE) at Linnaeus University.
The award was presented at the CICE Conference 2025 in Växjö. The conference brought together clinicians, teachers, and researchers to advance emergency care through collaboration across professions and organizations.
This year's theme was "Civil Preparedness" — exploring how different sectors can work together to strengthen resilience and save lives in times of crisis.
Ukraine's healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges — hospitals and ambulance services operate under constant threat, with medical facilities targeted and equipment destroyed. In this context, every ambulance, every piece of medical equipment, every trained professional makes a difference in saving lives.
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, HUG has been working to support Ukraine's emergency medical system by delivering ambulances and critical medical equipment. What started as a grassroots response has grown into a coordinated effort that brings together healthcare professionals, logisticians, emergency services, and volunteers from multiple countries.
Each ambulance we send represents countless hours of work from people with different expertise united by one goal.
This recognition from CICE speaks to the power of that collaboration. Emergency care doesn't stop at borders, and neither does the willingness of people to help. When professionals from different backgrounds and countries work together, they can achieve what seems impossible alone.
A special thank you to Professor Carina Elmqvist and Associate Professor Anders Svensson from CICE, and to Linnaeus University for this honour. We are grateful to every partner, volunteer, and supporter who makes this vital work possible.
Meeting with the Ambassador of Ukraine in Sweden at HUG
On October 17, Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) hosted a meeting between Svitlana Zalishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine in Sweden, and the Ukrainian community in Gothenburg.
The Ambassador opened the evening with an inspiring speech about her work in Sweden, the international support Ukraine is receiving at the highest levels, and the important role our communities play in sustaining that support.
“I am here not simply as the Ambassador of Ukraine. I am the ambassador of Ukraine at war. I represent a country that is fighting not only for its own freedom, but for the freedom of the free world. We are fighting not just for our borders, but for the very idea that borders should be respected — for sovereignty as a value, and for international law that must be upheld.” - Svitlana Zalishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine in Sweden.
Ambassador also shared her own reflections on Sweden’s strong commitment to Ukraine:
“In every meeting — with politicians, ministers, members of parliament, and representatives of defense industries — I have felt extraordinary support and solidarity. Although Sweden is 1,500 kilometers away from the frontline, politically it stands on the frontline of the fight for European security.”
During her speech, the Ambassador outlined the key priorities of the Embassy's work in Sweden — strengthening defense and energy cooperation, expanding economic partnerships, encouraging Swedish business investments in Ukraine, and coordinating humanitarian aid such as medical supplies, ambulances, evacuation vehicles, and reconstruction equipment.
Engaging with the Community
Following her speech, participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences — from cultural and political topics to everyday consular challenges Ukrainians face living in Sweden.
With many questions related to consular services and documentation abroad, the Ambassador proposed holding a follow-up online meeting with the Consul to provide more detailed answers to the community's concerns.
"Community engagement is also important to us. To feel your support, to know that you have backing here in Sweden, and to maintain dialogue."
At HUG, we believe that open dialogue between the community, organisations and diplomatic representation is invaluable. Such conversations strengthen our collective efforts and ensure that the needs and voices of Ukrainians in Sweden are heard at the highest levels.
Supporting Ukraine Together
After the official meeting, everyone was invited to taste Ukrainian syrnyky (cheese pancakes) to support our fundraising for ambulances for Ukraine. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised over 7,000 SEK during the event.
We are deeply grateful to Ambassador Svitlana Zalishchuk for her visit and to everyone who joined us. When the community, organizations, and diplomatic representation work together, our support for Ukraine becomes stronger.
This Christmas, we're raising funds to send 2000 tourniquets to Ukraine.
Tourniquet isa modern device that stops critical bleeding in seconds – and crucially, it's designed to be simple enough that an injured person can apply it themselves, even with just one hand.
When someone is wounded under fire or losing consciousness, they can use it on their own injury. It's the only reliable way to stop life-threatening blood loss on the spot and preserve limbs until proper medical care arrives.
In conflict zones across Ukraine, severe bleeding injuries happen daily – from shrapnel wounds to traumatic damage. Medics and soldiers need tourniquets within arm's reach.
Ukrainian hospitals and frontline units are running low on these critical supplies. Each tourniquet costs 400 SEK, and every one we send gives a medic or soldier the tool they need to save a life.
We work directly with medical teams on the ground, ensuring your donation reaches those who need it most. We'll keep you updated throughout the campaign on our progress.
Help us reach our goal of 2000 tourniquets!
Donate 400, 800, 1200 SEK or more:
Swish: 123 0645481 Bankgiro: 5840-2280 Mark your donation: "Julgåva"
If your company would like to consider a larger donation, we would be grateful for any contribution that can help us reach our goal.
By giving a larger amount, you can help save even more lives and make a significant impact.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at contact@hug.ngo to discuss how you can get involved and support our work.
If you'd like to send a customized Christmas card, we’ll take care of it.
You can personalize your card with:
Your name or your organization’s name.
A unique phrase or message that represents your support for Ukraine.
Any additional touch you'd like to add, such as encouragement for others to join the cause.
How does it work?
Send us an email with your details and preferences.
Send us proof that you've donated to us.
Once your request is received, our team will create a unique design and send you back the card.
Whether you’re gifting to friends, clients, partners, or loved ones, this card will carry a heartfelt message of hope and solidarity.
Reach out to us at contact@hug.ngo with your ideas, and let’s create something truly special together!
The first training group of facilitators within the FRID project officially started in Gothenburg on October 4-5. Over two intensive days, participants immersed themselves in the TOIVO methodology, learning the skills and tools needed to lead peer support groups within the Ukrainian community.
What is FRID?
FRID (Facilitating Refugee Integration through Dedicated Mental Health Support) is a community-driven initiative, created in collaboration between Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG), MIELI Mental Health Finland, and Reach for Change.
Funded by the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation, the project runs for 18 months — from April 2025 to October 2026 — and aims to strengthen the mental health of Ukrainian refugees in Sweden as a foundation for sustainable integration.
Why FRID Matters?
Recent surveys in Gothenburg reveal significant mental health challenges within the Ukrainian community. In August 2023, 71.8% of Ukrainians reported sleep and eating disturbances, 62.4% experienced anxiety, and 50.9% struggled with loneliness. Follow-up data from the Better You&Me program (May 2024 - January 2025) shows the persistence of these challenges: 67.7% of participants showed probability of anxiety disorders, 51.5% faced difficulties with daily functioning, and 36.9% showed probability of depression.
Despite these challenges, many face barriers to accessing professional help due to language barriers, cultural differences, and the complexity of the healthcare system.
The TOIVO Approach
To bridge this gap, FRID introduces peer-based mental health support rooted in MIELI’s TOIVO model — a proven approach that builds community trust and emotional resilience through shared experience.
Each FRID group will be led by trained facilitators — people who understand the challenges of adapting to life in a new country and can create safe, inclusive spaces for others to share, learn, and heal together.
The TOIVO peer group model is built on the principle of "act-feel-apprehend." In each session, group members decide on an activity to do together, followed by discussions about the emotions the experience evoked. Through this process, participants discover small, practical changes they can incorporate into daily life to positively impact their mental health — such as improving eating and sleeping habits.
Groups meet 8 times, with each session focusing on a key wellness topic: healthy food, physical exercise, sleep, relationships, stress, emotions, and more. By combining MIELI’s experience, HUG’s community work, and Reach for Change’s innovation expertise, FRID aims to make peer-based, culturally adapted support available across Sweden — ensuring that mental well-being becomes an integral part of refugee integration.
Positive Response to the First Training
The demand for the first facilitator training exceeded all expectations — the group was fully booked within just one day. Participants were curious, open, and deeply engaged, sharing their reflections, ideas, and personal experiences.
I believe this project is very important for Ukrainians living in Sweden, as it helps develop valuable skills for building and maintaining mental well-being. - Kyrylo Semenov, participant
During the workshop, we explored the core principles of the TOIVO methodology, discussed how peer support can strengthen mental health, and practiced role-based exercises focused on trust-building and group facilitation.
The discussions touched on what strengthens mental health — and what Ukrainians in Sweden often lack today: continuity, belonging, and community. The atmosphere in the room was warm, attentive, and inspiring. One participant even joined from Malmö, showing how strong the interest in the method is across regions.
I’ve always had ideas, and this truly resonates with my experience, so I really want to try myself in the role of a facilitator. - Yuliia Tretiiak
What Comes Next
In October, the first wave of FRID peer-support meetings will begin. Step by step, we will observe how small group connections can make a big difference — helping participants strengthen resilience, prevent challenges, and feel less alone.
FRID is more than a project — it’s a growing community of care. Together, we’re creating a space where every Ukrainian in Sweden can feel seen, supported, and connected.
For more information, you are welcome to contact:
Mariya Melnyk, Project Manager, Help Ukraine Gothenburg: mariya.melnyk@hug.ngo
Jane-Ange Musekura, Project Manager, Reach for Change: jane-ange.musekura@reachforchange.org
Melis Ari-Gurhanli, Project Manager, MIELI Mental Health Finland: melis.ari@mieli.fi
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