Ukraine Appeal Appoints Ife Thomas as Ambassador for Wellbeing Programme Supporting Ukrainians Displaced by War
15 June 2026 - Milton Keynes, UK
Ukraine Appeal is proud to announce the appointment of Ife Thomas — author, TEDx speaker, neurodiversity expert, and creator of the Three Mirrors Framework — as Ambassador for Telling My Story, the charity’s pioneering mental health and wellbeing programme for Ukrainians displaced by war.
Ife Thomas - A New Ambassador for a Transformative Programme
Ife Thomas is a new ambassador for Telling My Story, the Ukraine Appeal’s pioneering mental health and wellbeing programme for Ukrainians displaced by war.
Ife Thomas brings more than two decades of experience in identity, confidence‑building, communication, and neurodiversity advocacy. As an autistic speaker and storyteller raising two autistic sons, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals understand themselves, communicate with clarity, and build meaningful connections.
Her work aligns deeply with the core purpose of Telling My Story: supporting people to explore identity, reflect on lived experiences, and strengthen emotional resilience through storytelling.
Ife Thomas shared why she chose to become an ambassador:
“Identity and storytelling are deeply connected. If we do not understand who we are, it becomes difficult to understand our emotions, communicate effectively, or contribute fully to the world around us.
I believe that knowing your identity and understanding yourself are some of the most important foundations for confidence, wellbeing and healthy relationships. Storytelling plays a powerful role in that process. When people are able to tell their story and help others understand where they come from, what they have experienced and how they see the world, it creates greater connection, empathy and understanding.
Throughout the last two decades, much of my work has centred around helping people uncover their stories and express themselves with confidence. That is why this mission resonates so strongly with me.
I chose to become an ambassador because I believe that creating spaces where people can explore identity, reflect on their experiences and share their stories has the potential to strengthen confidence, support emotional wellbeing and help people feel seen, heard and understood.
In a world where many people struggle with self-worth and belonging, helping individuals understand themselves and communicate their experiences is not just valuable, it is essential.
I am proud to support a project that places identity at its heart and recognises the power of stories to help people connect more deeply with themselves and with others.”
About Telling My Story
Developed over more than two years in partnership with the Recovery & Wellbeing College at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), Telling My Story is the first culturally informed wellbeing and recovery programme of its kind for Ukrainians in the UK.
The programme supports individuals experiencing trauma, stress, displacement, isolation, loss, and major life changes. Through a structured six‑week course, participants:
explore their personal journeys
strengthen emotional resilience
reconnect with their identity
build confidence for positive participation in community life
Using guided reflection, storytelling, creative activities, and peer support, the programme provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can recognise their strengths, develop coping strategies, and foster meaningful connections.
The course is delivered by NHS‑trained facilitators with professional oversight from a Senior NHS Recovery Trainer, ensuring high standards of quality assurance, supervision, and evaluation.
Participants also receive the Reconnect to You wellbeing journal — a 300‑page workbook offering six additional weeks of guided self‑help tools and reflective exercises to support long‑term resilience.
The inaugural cohort of 15 Ukrainians joined the programme in Milton Keynes during Volunteer Week.
A Model for Wider Impact
While the pilot phase focuses on Ukrainians in Milton Keynes, Telling My Story has been intentionally designed as a transferable model that can support diverse communities affected by migration, displacement, trauma, loneliness, social isolation, major life transitions.
The programme reflects Ukraine Appeal’s commitment to promoting wellbeing, recovery, inclusion, and community connection. It also demonstrates the power of collaboration between community organisations and healthcare professionals.
We are honoured that Telling My Story was highlighted at the NHS Annual Conference as an innovative approach to strengthening wellbeing, resilience, and community integration.
To register your interest or enquire about partnerships, please contact info@ukraineappeal.org.uk
