Ukraine Appeal Launches Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme for Ukrainians Displaced by War
Milton Keynes — 15 June 2026 — Ukraine Appeal, a charity dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees, preserving and promoting the Ukrainian language and culture in the UK, has launched an innovative mental health and wellbeing programme, Telling My Story. This first‑of‑its‑kind, culturally informed initiative is the result of more than two years of partnership between Ukraine Appeal and the Recovery & Wellbeing College at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL).
The programme is designed for 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 identities, and build confidence to engage positively in community life.
Using guided reflection, storytelling, creative activities, and peer support, Telling My Story offers a safe and supportive environment where participants can recognise their strengths, develop coping strategies, and form meaningful connections with others.
The course is delivered by NHS‑trained facilitators and benefits from professional oversight by a Senior NHS Recovery Trainer, ensuring high standards of quality assurance, supervision, and evaluation. The programme blends community‑based support with evidence‑informed wellbeing approaches developed through close collaboration between the voluntary and healthcare sectors.
To support continued personal growth beyond the group sessions, participants receive the Reconnect to You wellbeing journal — a professionally produced 300‑page workbook containing practical exercises, reflective activities, and self‑help tools. The journal extends learning through an additional six weeks of guided wellbeing practice, helping participants sustain progress and build long‑term resilience.
The first cohort of 15 Ukrainians displaced by war joined the programme in Milton Keynes during Volunteer Week.
While the initial pilot focuses on supporting Ukrainian refugees, Telling My Story has been intentionally designed as a transferable model that can benefit a wide range of communities affected by migration, displacement, trauma, loneliness, social isolation, or major life transitions.
The programme reflects Ukraine Appeal’s commitment to promoting wellbeing, recovery, inclusion, and community connection. It demonstrates how partnerships between community organisations and healthcare professionals can create meaningful, accessible pathways to healing, empowerment, and social integration.
We are particularly proud that Telling My Story was highlighted at the NHS Annual Conference as an innovative approach to supporting wellbeing, resilience, recovery, and community connection.
The next in‑person group sessions will take place in Milton Keynes in September or October 2026. Additional online sessions will also be available for those unable to attend in person, with dates to be announced later.
If you would like to join the programme, please complete this registration form.
For partnership enquiries, contact info@ukraineappeal.org.uk.
