Karazin University Approves Mental Health Preservation and Promotion Policy

The Academic Council of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University has approved the Mental Health Preservation and Promotion Policy, a document aimed at creating a safe, supportive, and barrier-free educational environment and ensuring conditions for preserving, improving, and promoting the mental health of the entire university community.

In the context of the full-scale war, caring for mental health is not an additional opportunity but an essential component of individual and societal resilience. War is a marathon with an unknown finish line; therefore, it is crucial to invest resources in maintaining inner balance, developing psychological resilience, and fostering a culture of mutual support. This approach underpins the nationwide mental health programme “How Are You?” initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska, to the implementation and adaptation of whose components within the university environment Karazin University is actively contributing.

The approved Policy defines the key principles, methods, and organisational mechanisms for preserving, improving, and promoting the mental health of university employees, students, researchers, and learners. It is based on human-centredness and respect for individual dignity, accessibility of psychological support, confidentiality and voluntariness of обращения for assistance, equality and inclusiveness, zero tolerance for violence, bullying, and discrimination, evidence-based approaches, professional ethics, safe communication, and the development of a culture of care and mutual support.

The Policy was developed by the Mental Health Centre and the Office of Social Educational Initiatives and Community Development of Karazin University. The Centre works to promote a culture of mental health care, provides psychological support to members of the university community, and organises training sessions, group meetings, psychological practices, and other activities aimed at strengthening the psychological resilience and well-being of Karazin community members.

Students, academic staff, and employees of Karazin University are invited to seek free psychological support and participate in the activities of the Mental Health Centre.

• Free online consultations (Telegram): @karazin_psyhelp
• Facebook: Psy Counseling
• Email: psyhelp@karazin.ua

Up-to-date information on the Centre’s events, training sessions, and opportunities is available on its Telegram channel.