Karazin University has joined the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program

V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Ulm University Hospital, will create a practical certification program called "Trauma-Informed Approach" aimed at providing better care based on trauma-informed practices.

On November 17, a meeting was held within the framework of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program. Among the participants were:

• Chief of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleg Synegubov;
• Head of the Coordination Center for Mental Health at the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Oksana Zbitneva;
• Head of UNICEF Programs in the Kharkiv region Liudmyla Palamar;
• Head of UNICEF Child Protection Programs in the Kharkiv region Nataliia Datchenko;
• Vice-Rector of Karazin University Anton Panteliemonov;
• Dean of the School of Psychology at Karazin University Nadiia Kreidun.

What is a trauma-informed approach? It is an approach that:

• Takes into account the prevalence and impact of trauma on the lives of children;
• Aims to ensure that all aspects of service provision are carried out with an understanding of trauma;
• Emphasizes the importance of creating an environment in which a child feels safe, receives support, and senses that they are understood;
• Recognizes that trauma can have a profound impact on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of a child.

As part of the project, Karazin University plans to:

• Collect qualitative and quantitative data on the mental health status of children and caregivers;
• Collaborate with partners to develop an online training course for psychologists;
• Develop an online course and a physical guide on implementing trauma-informed approaches for children of different ages, caregivers, and children and families in alternative care;
• Develop a practical certification program in "Family Medicine";
• Conduct a series of training sessions on family mediation for psychologists and social workers, and more.

Through collective efforts, we can reform care and upbringing for a better future for our country.