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Last week, our co-founders, Mariya Melnyk and Kateryna Aleksandrova, had a meeting with Andreas Sveningsson, the President of Volvo Defense, Jonny Lindfors, the Major General, Chief of the Swedish Army, and Yuliia Popova, our big friend at Volvo Defense.
We sincerely appreciate the warm welcome and the genuine interest in our mission to support veterans, active-duty military, and civilians whose lives have been profoundly affected by the war in Ukraine.
Since the first days of the full-scale invasion, we have been focusing on the most urgent and critical challenges and requests faced by the Ukrainian communities both in Sweden and in Ukraine.
We are deeply inspired by the continued support and commitment to our shared values of freedom and human dignity. Sweden’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine stands as a beacon of hope and resilience.
Thank you, Volvo Defense, for the opportunity to present our work and the stories that drive our mission forward 🇸🇪🤝🇺🇦
Two case vehicles are now being rebuilt into advanced evacuation units in Kyiv region, thanks to the support of several Rotary clubs in Gothenburg. Once completed, the vehicles will be deployed at or near the frontline, where they will function as fast-response evacuation transport for wounded soldiers.
There are currently no official figures published on the number of injured and killed in combat zones. However, the intensity of fighting in several regions—and repeated reports of targeted attacks on both military and civilian infrastructure —indicates a significant and ongoing rise in casualties. In these conditions, frontline evacuation vehicles are indispensable.
In practice, these rebuilt units act as “ambulance funds” at the front, picking up injured personnel directly from the battlefield and transporting them to safer areas for stabilization and further care. Designed for dangerous terrain and rapid response, they are essential for saving lives in real time.
Rotary’s contribution makes a direct and lasting impact. It strengthens front line medical logistics and provides a critical lifeline to those injured in active combat zones.
We thank the participating Rotary clubs for their long-term commitment and for once again demonstrating that concrete action can save lives.
Help Ukraine Gothenburg is proud to announce a strengthened collaboration with Region Halland, which has resulted in the donation of five fully equipped ambulances to our organization. Several of these ambulances are now in active service in Kharkiv and the Poltava region, where the need for emergency medical transport remains acute.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s medical infrastructure has been under direct and repeated attack. According to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, 116 ambulances have been damaged, 274destroyed, and 80 seized by Russian forces. In total, over 2,300 medical facilities have been hit by missile strikes or shelling.
Ambulances have become one of the most critical components of Ukraine’s emergency response system. In areas where hospitals have been destroyed or are operating under extreme pressure, ambulances serve as mobile bridges between injury and care. Without them, access to urgent medical treatment often becomes impossible.
The contribution from Region Halland reflects not only material support but also the importance of sustained international cooperation to protect essential services under threat. These vehicles are now helping to restore critical capacity and protect life where it is most vulnerable.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Region Halland for its trust, responsibility, and timely action.
Looking Ahead
The need inUkraine is still great. But so is the potential for meaningful, long-term engagement. With partners like Region Halland, we are not only addressing urgent needs —we are helping build resilience into the healthcare system.
We warmly inviteother companies, institutions, and stakeholders to join us. Whether throughmedical donations, logistics, funding, or knowledge-sharing, there is alwaysroom for another partner who wants to make a difference.
Contact usat contact@hug.ngo Learn more about our work at www.hug.ngo
Together, we bring not just supplies but support. Not just aid, but care.
Our HUG’s ambassador, Per Josefson, Chief Legal Officer at Nobelstiftelsen, recently visited Ukraine in a delegation, alongside Nobel Prize laureates Ferenc Krausz, Serge Haroche, and humanitarian advocate Adrienn David.
The group visited Kyiv and Kharkiv to witness the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression. The visit is captured in a short documentary film, showing Ukraine’s life after Russia’s invasion — from the bombed ruins of Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv to the destroyed Faculty of Physics in Kharkiv city.
What left the deepest impression, however, was the resilience, clarity, and quiet strength of the Ukrainian people.
"You are all heroes, each and every one in this room. You are here, and you said you are doing your job day by day. You educate. You translate knowledge. You are defending all the values that are important for us in Europe." - Ferenc Krausz at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Following this journey, 131 Nobel Prize laureates signed an open appeal to European leaders: to use frozen Russian state assets to rebuild Ukraine.
We are proud that our ambassador, Per Josefson, stands at the heart of this movement. His leadership reflects what HUG is about: turning solidarity into action and bringing international voices to stand with Ukraine.
Last week marked the final day of our Summer Camp for Ukrainian children in Gothenburg. And while we're still filled with emotions from this adventure, we want to take a moment to reflect and to thank everyone who made it possible.
From June 29 to July 6, we ran a full-week day camp for Ukrainian children aged 6 to 16 who are being displaced by the war.
Each day was shaped around a theme designed to support self-expression, confidence, and mental health. The program included art therapy workshops, child-friendly yoga, team-building games, and psychological support.
Here we created a special space where children could be loud, playful, carefree, and completely themselves.
To many, this might look like just a summer camp. But for children whose world has been turned upside down, it's a rare space where they can finally let out what’s been held in.
Some of the children are too young to remember life before the war. Others carry memories they should never have. At HUG, we can’t erase what they’ve lived through. But we can give them moments that feel safe, joyful, and whole.
Thanks to the support from our community in Sweden and beyond, participation in the Summer Club was free for every child.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our donors and partners for making this summer camp possible. A special thanks to Signal & Andersson, Kronfågel, Dahls, FRAM, and Tingstad for providing delicious food and essential supplies.
And a heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers, Anders and Åsa, for their hands-on support through the program.
After more than three years of incredibly dedicated work, our Head of Mission, Katja Blagodyr, is ending her role at Hug.
Katja has been with us from the very beginning, through the most challenging moments of forming the organization, finding resources, building trust, and connections. Her contribution cannot be overestimated: from strategic vision to the deep humanity that has always been at the heart of our mission.
Katja, you leave a deep mark on Hug’s heart – thank you for everything.
Mariya Melnyk has been elected as the new Chair of the Board. Mariya, Hug’s co-founder, has been our permanent coordinator and project leader since 2022.
Her experience, empathy, and consistency are a solid foundation for the next phase of Hug’s development.
We look back with gratitude and look forward with hope to new solutions, partnerships, and life-changing results.
Last month, we at HUG (Help Ukraine Gothenburg) launched a pilot recovery and training program for Ukrainian war veterans and their families. We have now continued the project with a two-day program where veterans and their families participated in outdoor activities with ongoing support from military psychologists.
When someone who has experienced trauma connects with nature, pushes their boundaries, and succeeds in new challenges, something powerful happens. Each success shows them that their story continues - they still have capabilities and can find joy. This spreads to families through moments of shared pride and renewed hope.
Family-centered recovery
The project shows that recovery cannot be separated from family and community. Every veteran has family members who have also been impacted by war and trauma. Wives, husbands, children, parents — all carrying their own need for healing and adaptation.
Watching families learn together, support each other through challenges, and celebrate small victories showed why isolated treatment approaches fall short. Healing happens in relationships, in community, through love and shared experience.
The power of shared experience
Veterans connected with others who understood their journey without needing explanation. In conversations by the water, during shared meals, and in moments of quiet reflection, bonds formed that extend far beyond the two-day program. These connections represent an invaluable resource — peer support that continues long after the organized activities end.
The psychological support from military specialists created a safe space for this natural healing process, addressing both individual needs and collective resilience.
The program showed that recovery works in three ways: building physical strength and confidence through activities, providing psychological support through peer connections, and helping people engage socially beyond their immediate family.
Building stronger communities
The veterans who participated aren't just recovering from war; they're preparing to contribute to rebuilding their communities and country. Their recovery directly impacts the health and resilience of Ukrainian society. Any community's sustainable development depends on comprehensive, long-term support for those who have defended its freedom.
This veteran-focused initiative builds on Help Ukraine Gothenburg's work supporting those affected by conflict. We've organized recovery and training program for children of military personnel and war-affected youth. Now we're expanding to support veterans and their families as part of our core mission.
This year, Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) took part in Almedalsveckan with a clear focus: to ensure that the challenges faced by displaced Ukrainians — and the solutions developed by civil society — are part of national dialogue and long-term policymaking.
We joined strategic meetings, contributed to discussions on reconstruction, integration, and mental health, bringing proposals based on our fieldwork, research, and lived experience.
HUG’s focus
For us at Help Ukraine Gothenburg, this recognition reinforces the direction we are already taking. Our current focus includes:
Trauma-informed psychosocial support
Veteran rehabilitation
Long-term social integration and reintegration
We are proud to have built real expertise in these areas, and we are ready to scale our impact. The interest we met at Almedalen confirms that this work is not only relevant but needed. We also had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion, organised by Ukrainska Hubben, where important topics were raised – our work on the ground in Ukraine, psychosocial support and integration to the challenges faced by displaced Ukrainians in Sweden. Such conversations are necessary, and we are grateful for the space in which they can take place openly and meaningfully.
From insight to action
We shared findings from our recent policy brief, Support for Mental Health and Integration: Long-term Solutions for Ukrainians Who Have Fled to Sweden, developed under the Better You and Me project. The brief was referenced in several discussions, with Delmi recommending it for further reading by political actors.
“Mental health conditions are considered an exceptionally serious challenge for Ukrainian refugees,” said Anna Hammarstedt from Delmi during a panel at Almedalen, referring to HUG and Delmi recent policy brief on the topic.
Building strategic connections
During the Almedalen week, we had conversations with:
Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Migration
Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence
Ulrik Tideström, Special Envoy for Ukraine
Pär Lager, Senior Advisor, Swedish Defence University Anna Hammarstedt, The Migration Studies Delegation (Delmi)
Anna-Karin Hatt, former Minister and Centre Party leader
...and many more experts, colleagues, and partners committed to Ukraine’s future.
Our counterparts expressed appreciation for the projects we are already running, and for the practical experience and knowledge we are ready to share with Sweden.
We also felt a strong shift in how Ukraine is perceived — not only as a recipient of aid, but as a partner in knowledge exchange, innovation, and resilience building.
Ukraine has gone from being a recipient of aid to being seen as a source of valuable expertise. It is a development marked by great sacrifice — but also one that can help shape the future of Europe.
Shared responsibility
One of the most important conversations took place between representatives of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (UD), Sida, and the business community. The meeting highlighted a shared responsibility to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and prepare for future EU membership.
Sida and UD emphasized their ongoing work in capacity building, democratic support, and institutional strengthening, while the business sector stressed the importance of sustainable investments, expertise, and innovation in reconstruction efforts.
“The collaboration between UD, Sida, and the business community will mark an important step towards a long-term and strategic Swedish engagement. It is through joint efforts and mutual learning that we can best contribute to a sustainable and democratic future for Ukraine — as a full member of the European community.” - Kateryna Alexandrova, HUG
For HUG, these discussions validated our approach to civil society engagement and highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration. We contributed our perspective on how mental health support, veteran rehabilitation, and community integration fit within broader reconstruction goals.
What we take forward
We return from Almedalen with strengthened networks, visible alignment with national priorities, and new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
Civil society plays a central role in shaping responses to complex challenges — and psychosocial support and integration to the challenges faced by displaced Ukrainians in Sweden must remain on the agenda.
Thank you to everyone who listened, engaged, challenged, and contributed to shaping what comes next.
We look forward to continuing this work in collaboration with a clear purpose.
We’re proud to share that Better You & Me by Hug (Ukraine), a project born out of care, necessity, and love, has been recognized by Delmi - The Migration Studies Delegation - a trusted voice in Swedish migration policy and research.For us, this isn’t just about recognition.It’s about being seen.It’s about the stories of Ukrainians 🇺🇦 who fled war and fear, who arrived in Sweden not just needing shelter - but needing to feel human again. Whole again.And it’s about knowing that what we do matters - not only to those we walk with every day, but now also to those who shape the future of integration and wellbeing in Sweden.
This project - led with heart and wisdom by Viktoriia Svidovska (PhD in Pedagogical Sciences) and Yaroslava Shven (PhD in Psychology) - has always been more than a service. It’s been a lifeline. A soft landing. A quiet space to exhale.Because we believe:
Mental health is the beginning of everything.
Belonging is the foundation of real integration.
Healing must come before rebuilding.
This recognition from Delmi is an honour. But more than that — it’s a responsibility.
To keep going. To keep listening. To keep building a Sweden where newcomers are not just received, but truly welcomed - with empathy, support, and dignity.To Anna Hammarstedt and Henrik Malm Lindberg — thank you for your guidance and thoughtful review.
To Delmi — thank you for trusting in our work and in the people we serve.
To Mariya Melnyk 🇺🇦 Nadiia Kvasha Eliza Kravchenko Yehor Suslenko - you are the reason this project lives, breathes, and makes a difference.To everyone who has walked this journey with us - your stories shape this project.And your courage gives it meaning. We carry this milestone in our hearts — and continue the work with even greater care.
Better You & Me is just getting started.And we’re not walking alone.
This Policy Brief summarizes findings from the Better You&Me project, conducted within the non-governmental organization (NGO) Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) between 2023 and 2025. The main aim of the project is to support the mental health and integration of displaced Ukrainians in Sweden. The findings suggest that mental health and integration are closely interconnected, and that comprehensive and culturally sensitive long-term support plays an important role in strengthening both.
Some overall conclusions and recommendations:
Swedish state institutions in direct contact with displaced communities are encouraged to build partnerships with NGOs, thereby expanding service outreach and improving responses to the needs of displaced communities. They are also encouraged to organize public awareness campaigns for displaced communities focused on mental health.
Mental health support should be incorporated into education and integration programmes for Ukrainian TPD holders and other displaced populations.
Trauma-sensitive screening should be introduced at early contact points, such as language schools, employment services, and social support centres, and frontline professionals should be equipped with comprehensive, hands-on training.
Swedish and EU decision-makers should acknowledge that as TPD offers short-term status without a clear path to permanence, for many Ukrainians it can cause uncertainty that worsens mental health and disrupts integration. The legal frameworks should therefore support long-term inclusion of vulnerable groups.
About the authors
This Policy Brief was initiated by the NGO Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG). The authors of this Policy Brief, Viktoriia Svidovska (PhD in Pedagogical Sciences) and Yaroslava Shven (PhD in Psychology), are both involved in the Better You&Me project by HUG and have extensive backgrounds within psychology. Svidovska is currently a researcher and mental health coach, and Shven is a team leader for mental health coaches and methodologist at HUG since 2023.
We have now had our first exchange of experiences within the framework of FRID – Facilitating Refugee Integration through Dedicated Mental Health Support. During the week, and through joint workshops with our partners from MIELI Mental Health Finland and Reach for Change, we have begun to delve into how we can improve and best meet the mental health needs of Ukrainian refugees in Sweden.
Funded by the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation, FRID is a community-driven initiative focusing on mental well-being.
Through FRID project we bring the TOIVO model developed by MIELI in Finland to Sweden, offering group sessions led by trained peers who understand the challenges first-hand and help participants support one another.
With the support of MIELI’s long experience of community-based, low-threshold support efforts, we have discussed methods and approaches that work in practice. The focus is on creating safe contexts, increasing accessibility to support, and strengthening individuals’ resources through community and guidance.
This is just the beginning – together, we are building sustainable paths to recovery and integration. 💙💛
We at Help Ukraine Gothenburg have launched a pilot recovery and training program for Ukrainian war veterans through active tourism and psychological assistance.
This is not just a trip - it is an opportunity for our defenders to return to an active life, restore physical and psychological balance, find support, and prove to themselves that life goes on even after serious injuries and amputations.
Project goal
The program supports war veterans and their family members. We help them adapt to new realities through movement, teamwork and interaction with nature. We work in close cooperation with military psychologists who accompany participants at all stages - this helps overcome adaptation difficulties and is important for both the veteran and the entire family.
Continuation of our mission
We started by supporting children from vulnerable categories - we organized recovery and training programs for children of military personnel and those who suffered from war. Today we continue this work, focusing on veterans — those who gave the most for Ukraine and now need support on the path to a new life.
We are convinced that sustainable development of Ukrainian society is impossible without comprehensive, humane and long-term support for those who defended our freedom.
Why is this important?
Physical recovery
Activity helps fight the consequences of injuries, improves overall well-being, and helps restore self-confidence.
Psychological support
Communication with peers, support from professional psychologists, and joint overcoming of challenges create a resource environment for internal changes.
Social adaptation
Involvement in active life outside the family circle through interaction with nature, joint activities, and new experiences.
We are only at the beginning of this important path. Ahead are new stages of the program, expansion of the format and involvement of more participants. We believe that such initiatives create not only healthy communities, but also a strong, resilient country.
HUG (Help Ukraine Gothenburg) will soon be on-site in Almedalen, and we’re looking to meet those who want to help shape a sustainable future beyond war.
We believe that rebuilding starts with people – their well-being, their sense of belonging, and their opportunity to grow.
We support this through:
Mental health support programs
Inclusive social and educational programs
Empowerment of youth, women, and families
Humanitarian support with dignity and trust
We are inviting forward-thinking partners, funders, policymakers, and changemakers who want to invest in long-term recovery and tomorrow’s healthy and resilient Ukraine, person by person.
You’ll find us in tent 212 – say hi, meet the team, and learn more about our work.
Reach out to schedule a conversation or visit www.hug.ngo
A new convoy has just crossed the border into Ukraine: six ambulances and one CASEVAC vehicle, all ready to begin operations near the frontlines. In places where every second counts, these vehicles will play a critical role – not just delivering emergency care, but offering people a second chance at life, recovery, and reunion with loved ones.
Three ambulances were donated by Region Halland, a powerful act of solidarity showing how Swedish regions can make a real impact beyond their borders. The remaining vehicles were purchased thanks to the heartfelt support of Rotary Gothenburg and Mannheimer Swartling law firm.
These vehicles didn’t just appear in Ukraine. They were driven all the way by our incredible volunteers, who once again gave their time, energy, and hearts to ensure that help reached where it was most needed. We are deeply grateful for their courage and commitment.
Why does this matter?
In Ukraine, the need for functioning emergency vehicles is desperate. Many ambulances are damaged or destroyed near the front, while others are worn out from extreme use. Meanwhile, in Sweden, fully functional ambulances are often retired – even though they still have so much more to give.
The vehicles now delivered will be used in CASEVAC operations (casualty evacuation) – transporting the wounded from the battlefield to safety and care. In a war zone, an ambulance is more than just a vehicle. It is a lifeline. Behind every siren, there is a story. A life saved. A family reunited.
We need more vehicles – now
At Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG), we are constantly working to identify, collect, and deliver vehicles that can make a difference in Ukraine: ambulances, evacuation vans, 4x4 vehicles, and CASEVAC equipment. The need is immense – but so is the willingness to help.
So far, we have delivered 111 ambulances and CASEVAC vehicles to Ukraine. But the war is not over – and neither is the need.
We call on more Swedish regions, municipalities, and companies to follow Region Halland’s example. If you want to join our next convoy or help in any way – get in touch.
What is no longer needed here can become a lifesaving asset in Ukraine.
Your time, energy, and heart are what make this possible.
We’re deeply grateful to all the incredible volunteers who showed up, prepared the vehicles, loaded them with materials and aid, and shared moments of connection before driving every vehicle all the way to Lviv. There, each ambulance and CASEVAC was personally handed over to those who need them most.
Together, we save lives.
Want to contribute or volunteer? Contact us: contact@hug.ngo
At Hug, we know that humanitarian work is never done alone. It takes partnerships, trust, and unwavering dedication to make a difference in times of crisis. That is why, for over three years, our collaboration with Essity has been at the heart of our mission to support the people of Ukraine.
Delivering Continuity and Care: Hug and Essity's Ongoing Partnership in Ukraine
For over three years, Essity, a leading global hygiene and health company, and Help Ukraine Gothenburg (Hug) have worked hand in hand to ensure that vital medical supplies and hygiene products have reached the people and places that need them most in Ukraine. What began as a response to urgent needs has developed into a trusted, long-term collaboration built on shared values, fast action, and unwavering commitment.
In our latest joint effort, a full truck of wound care supplies, orthopedic supports, antiseptics, gloves, and children’s plasters was delivered from theNetherlands to Ukraine. The supplies were received and distributed in Kharkiv, one of the regions closest to the frontlines, and from there reached more than 30 hospitals and care institutions across six regions—including Donetsk, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhya, Sumy, Poltava, and Kramatorsk.
Reaching Those Who Need It Most
This collaboration doesn’t just move boxes, it delivers care where healthcare workers are under daily strain, where wounded civilians and defenders rely on every dressing, every splint, and every pair of gloves.
Within just three days of arrival, the shipment supported a wide range of care facilities, including:
Regional and municipal hospitals
Perinatal and cardiology centers
Infectious disease clinics and AIDS prevention centers
Primary health care units and mobile stabilization points
These medical centers provide care in high-pressure, resource-limited settings, and thanks to Essity’s continued support, their shelves are no longer empty.
A Special Focus on Children
A significant part of this delivery was a selection of bright, soft, and reassuring children’s plasters and wound dressings sent to pediatric palliative and oncology wards across the country.
So far, five children’s hospitals have been reached. This support directly touches the lives of children undergoing the most difficult treatments. It gives healthcare teams tools to work with, and children something as simple as a colorful plaster to make the pain a little more bearable.
Deliveries to Ternopil, Lutsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Uzhhorod are already planned as the project expands.
Support to the Frontline and Beyond
Medical aid from this Medical shipment also reached Ukraine’s soldiers and brigades, where antiseptics, orthopedic supports, and protective supplies are helping defenders maintain mobility and hygiene in austere field conditions.
A dedicated veterans’ hospital also received compression bandages, orthoses, and materials used in long-term rehabilitation. For those recovering from combat-related injuries, access to the right supplies can mean the difference between dependency and a return to an active life.
Long-Term Partnership in Practice
The partnership between Essity and Hug stands as a powerful example of sustainable humanitarian support. Over the years, Essity’s ongoing donations have allowed Hug to maintain a reliable stream of high-quality, practical medical supplies — delivered quickly, efficiently, and ethically.
In an environment where healthcare infrastructure is under enormous pressure, this kind of predictable and long-term support is invaluable. It allows for better planning, safer care, and most importantly, hope.
"We started making donations in March 2022, responding to an immense need for urgent support. Over time, our collaboration with HUG has expanded, and we trust their expertise in managing our contributions effectively. Our product donations to HUG significantly impact people's lives, helping those in need and promoting sustainability. The work HUG does empower us to make tangible difference, and it fills me with pride to be part of Essity, a company committed to improving well-being for all." Bengta Hallberg, CSR consultant at Essity
What makes this collaboration work is not just the generosity, but the trust. Essity understands that impact is not about visibility — it’s about relevance, readiness, and relationships.
Why This Matters –And Why More Companies Must Step Up
Essity has demonstrated what real corporate responsibility looks like. Their commitment to Hug, and Ukraine has had a tangible impact on thousands of lives. But the need for humanitarian support is still overwhelming. The war continues, and with it, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Every day, families are displaced, hospitals are overrun, and communities are left without access to the most basic supplies. Hug’s work would not be possible without partners like Essity, but more companies and organizations need to step forward.
Helping is not complicated. There are many ways to get involved—donating essential products, providing logistical support, and contributing financially. Every action counts. Essity has set an example of what it means to take meaningful action, and now we call on others to follow.
Looking Ahead
The need inUkraine is still great. But so is the potential for meaningful, long-termengagement. With partners like Essity, we are not only addressing urgent needs —we are helping build resilience into the healthcare system.
We warmly inviteother companies, institutions, and stakeholders to join us. Whether throughmedical donations, logistics, funding, or knowledge-sharing, there is alwaysroom for another partner who wants to make a difference.
Contact usat contact@hug.ngo Learn more about our work at www.hug.ngo
Together, we bringnot just supplies but support. Not just aid, but care.
We’re excited to announce the launch of FRID, a collaboration aimed at addressing one of the most urgent and under-supported needs of Ukrainian refugees in Sweden.
This project is co-developed by Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) (Sweden) in partnership with Reach for Change(Sweden) and MIELI Mental Health Finland(Finland), an NGO with over 120 years of experience in promoting mental well-being. The project is funded by the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation and is part of an initiative aimed to increase the integration and social inclusion of Ukrainian refugees in European host countries.
Why is the FRID Project Important?
Many Ukrainian refugees across Europe, and particularly in Sweden, face ongoing psychological challenges. A recent survey conducted among Ukrainians in Gothenburg revealed that:
· 50% reported feeling lonely
· 70% experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety
These findings highlight the need for accessible and culturally sensitive mental health support systems that can complement formal services and reach people where they are.
What does the FRID Project Aims to Accomplish?
The FRID project focuses on adapting and testing MIELI’s peer-led model and TOIVO, originally developed in Finland, to support the mental well-being of migrant communities. Through a process of knowledge exchange, local adaptation, and pilot implementation, we will:
Learn from the TOIVO methodology through hands-on workshops and expert mentorship from MIELI
Combine MIELI's tools with the practical experience of mental health professionals from HUG
Co-design and launch a pilot program specifically tailored for Ukrainian refugees in Sweden
The pilot will emphasize:
Peer support models
Low-threshold access
Community involvement and feedback loops (build-measure-learn)
Vision
The aim of the project is to scale and replicate the approach across Sweden, offering more Ukrainian refugees access to effective, inclusive mental health support. Additionally, we aim to empower other stakeholders to adopt grassroots-led social innovation in addressing complex social challenges.
Let’s work together to create a future where no refugee feels left behind in their healing journey!.
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