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Protecting minds: a conversation about advancing mental health and psychosocial support for children and communities in Ukraine

Panelists: Deirdre Flanagan, Kajsa Mobacke Englund, Karolina Göranzon

Children in Ukraine are enduring deepening hardship as the war persists and humanitarian funding declines, leaving gaps in essential services. The psychological toll on children is profound: 63% of households report mental health challenges, and an estimated 1.5 million are at risk of PTSD, depression and other disorders. Many show alarming symptoms—speech difficulties, involuntary twitching, nightmares and terrors—and parents and doctors have even reported children developing grey hair from extreme stress.

Against this backdrop, the panel brings together Rädda Barnen, Act Svenska Kyrkan and Clowner Utan Gränser to explore how organizations are responding to these evolving mental health and psychosocial needs. The discussion will examine how experiences differ across various groups; what promising practices are emerging; and how structured interventions can be balanced with community‑based, creative or faith‑informed approaches. Panelists will reflect on lessons learned from working with children in a crisis and conflict setting, the risks of overlooking local capacities, and how psychosocial support can shift from emergency relief toward long‑term healing, resilience and social cohesion.

Organizer

Clowner utan Gränser, Act Svenska Kyrkan och Rädda Barnen

Topic

Barn och unga
Metod och goda exempel

Målgrupp

Civilsamhälle
Tjänstepersoner

Språk

English
Teckenspråkstolkad

Programform

Konferensprogram (60 minunter)
Nivå: Medel

Lecturers

Deirdre Flanagan Panelist

Rädda Barnen

Kajsa Mobacke Englund Panelist

Clowner Utan Granser

Karolina Göranzon Panelist

Act Svenska Kyrkan