Our healing environment allows our students to dream again

Our Expertise and Approach:

St Mary’s Ukrainian School has been working closely with displaced Ukrainian children from the early months of the war, quickly becoming a leading expert in addressing their trauma. Our work is based on the trust we have built with these children, recognising the urgency of their trauma and developing effective support strategies.

We have collaborated with renowned institutions like the Centre of Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma at CNWL Trust, UK Trauma Council, Children and War Foundation, and the International Rescue Committee.

Our holistic approach ensures that the mental and emotional needs of these children are met, reducing their trauma symptoms and helping them integrate into their new environment.

St Mary’s expertise in trauma support for displaced Ukrainian children

0 %

Of Ukrainian displaced children are experiencing trauma due to the direct or indirect impact of war.

Children have been screened for trauma, and screening continues.

Hours of Trauma Recovery Technique (TRT) sessions delivered since January
2023.

Hours of one-on-one support from an experienced CBT and trauma bilingual
psychologist provided weekly.

Full-time Education Support Workers embedded in 254 mainstream schools to
provide academic and trauma support across London.

Challenges in Accessing Support:

Accessing trauma support is challenging for Ukrainian families due to lengthy NHS waiting lists and high thresholds for assessment and treatment. In collaboration with local authorities and the Centre of Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma, we have implemented a proactive screening program for mental health and wellbeing needs. This includes team meetings to ensure a comprehensive support plan is in place for children in need.

Trauma Recovery Techniques (TRT):

Our TRT program, developed by the Children and War Foundation and King’s College London, is designed to be delivered by trained non-specialists. This intervention is effective in reducing trauma symptoms and can be rapidly implemented on a large scale. While some children may require specialist psychological therapy, TRT serves as a valuable first step, ensuring timely access to treatment and reducing the burden on secondary care mental health services.

Education Support Workers (ESWs) Project:

Launched in April 2023, our ESW project provides day-to-day support for displaced Ukrainian children in mainstream schools for 12 months. Our 25 ESWs currently support nearly 1000 children in schools across Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Richmond, Kingston, Hillingdon, and Hounslow. They act as a vital link between children, schools, and families, fostering understanding and communication, and ensuring that the best options for the child’s wellbeing are explored.

Supporting Trauma Recovery in War-Affected Children:

A Collaborative Approach

The Ukrainian St. Mary’s Trust and St. Mary’s Ukrainian School, with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine, hosted the conference “Supporting Trauma Recovery in War-Affected Children” in London. The event brought together representatives of the British and Ukrainian governments, parliamentarians, and leading psychologists and educators from both countries. The conference aimed to explore practical approaches for developing psychological support programs for children affected by war and implementing these initiatives in British schools. Key discussions focused on the unique challenges faced by Ukrainian children in the UK, including psychological trauma, language and cultural barriers, social isolation, and differences in educational systems. Practical workshops provided valuable insights into strategies for addressing these challenges and equipping teachers with effective recovery
techniques.

Locations

London (RBKC, Westminster, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Richmond, Kingston), Surrey, Kent, Buckinghamshire.

Scale

Identify children and parents at risk of mental health problems or harmful behaviours, particularly those who have experienced severe trauma.

Value of the Project:

Providing support within the first six months of arrival is crucial in preventing deep-rooted trauma and conditions like PTSD. Being welcomed into the St Mary’s community and receiving the necessary support helps these children recover from their experiences and adjust to their new reality. Our efforts ensure that their traumatic experiences do not negatively impact their future.

Objetives:

1

Adaptation Support:

Facilitate the adaptation of displaced children to their new environment in the UK.

2

Risk Assessment:

Identify children and parents at risk of mental health problems or harmful behaviours, particularly those who have experienced severe trauma.

3

Proactive Screening:

Screen for trauma spectrum disorders and integration issues, addressing them proactively rather than waiting for families to seek help.

Case Studies and Testimonials:

Maria

Maria, a 10-year-old girl, arrived in the UK after witnessing traumatic events. St Mary’s provided TRT sessions and one-on-one support, helping her regain a sense of normalcy.

Testimonial from Maria’s Mother:

The support from St Mary’s has been a beacon of hope for Maria. She’s beginning to smile and play again.

Alex

Alex, a 12-year-old boy, struggled with integration in school. An ESW worked closely with him, his teachers, and his family to ensure a smooth transition.

Testimonial from Alex’s Teacher:

The ESW’s involvement has made a significant difference. Alex is now more engaged and confident in class.

Olena

Olena, a mother of two, faced challenges accessing mental health support for her children. St Mary’s facilitated referrals and provided interim support through TRT sessions.

Testimonial from Olena:

St Mary’s has been our lifeline. Their immediate support and guidance have been invaluable.

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154 Holland Park Avenue London W11 4UH,
info@ukrainianstmarystrust.co.uk