Ukraine & Afghan Support: Free Therapy

Navigating the aftermath of displacement and resettlement can be an incredibly challenging experience, particularly for children and young people. The emotional toll of conflict and the process of building a new life in a different country can manifest in various ways, impacting mental well-being. Recognizing this, a vital service has been established to offer crucial therapeutic support to those who need it most. This initiative, funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, provides a lifeline of free, accessible, and confidential therapy for young individuals on specific pathways within England.

Understanding the Scope of Support

This invaluable therapeutic provision is designed to assist children and young people aged 21 and under who have settled in England under specific schemes related to Ukraine and Afghanistan. The primary pathways covered include:

• The Homes for Ukraine scheme
• Ukraine Family scheme
• Ukraine Extension Scheme
• Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (Pathways 1, 2, and 3)
• Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy

The core of this service is to offer a safe and non-judgmental space for young people to explore their feelings and experiences. Life transitions, especially those involving trauma or significant upheaval, can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or lost. This therapy aims to provide coping mechanisms and a supportive environment to process these emotions. The service understands that healing is a personal journey, and their approach is tailored to meet individual needs.

What Can Our Therapy Service Support You With?

The experienced therapists are trained to listen empathetically and help young individuals navigate a range of emotional and psychological challenges. Whether you are grappling with past traumas, present difficulties, or anxieties about the future, the service is here to help. The therapeutic approach focuses on:

• Active Listening: Providing a space where feelings and experiences can be shared without fear of judgment.
• Emotional Exploration: Helping to understand and process difficult emotions and distressing events.
• Coping Strategies: Developing tools to manage current difficulties and build resilience.
• Acceptance and Change: Assisting in accepting situations that cannot be changed and empowering individuals to make positive changes where possible.

The structure of the support is designed for accessibility and impact. Each young person is offered up to 8 sessions with a therapist, with each session lasting 45 minutes. These sessions are conducted virtually, offering flexibility and convenience, whether through a phone call or a video call. This virtual format ensures that geographical location or mobility issues do not become barriers to receiving much-needed support. Furthermore, the service boasts a diverse team of over 90 therapists who collectively speak more than 40 languages, ensuring that language is also not a barrier to effective communication and understanding.

How Can I Access This Therapy Support?

Accessing this crucial therapeutic support is straightforward. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, the primary point of contact is the dedicated helpline. You can reach out by:

• Telephone: Calling the freephone number 0808 156 9877.
• Email: Sending an email to [email protected].

When you contact the helpline, you will speak with friendly and experienced advisors. Their role is to listen attentively to your situation, understand your needs, and provide guidance. With your consent, the advisor will then proceed to refer you to the therapeutic support service. Following the referral, a therapist will make contact with you within approximately 2 to 4 weeks. They will arrange a session at a date and time that is most convenient for you, ensuring that the process is as smooth and accommodating as possible. Importantly, while you are engaged with the therapy team, you can continue to contact the helpline advisors for any additional support or queries you may have. This ensures continuous assistance throughout your journey.

How Do I Know If I Could Benefit From Support?

It can sometimes be difficult to gauge whether therapy is the right step. However, if you find yourself experiencing any of the following, this service could be highly beneficial:

• Feeling persistently low or down.
• Experiencing feelings of loneliness or isolation.
• Feeling stuck or unable to move forward.
• Feeling hopeless about the future.
• Having a strong desire to talk to someone who will listen.
• Needing a supportive ear to process thoughts and emotions.

These are common indicators that talking to a professional therapist could provide valuable support and coping strategies. The aim is to empower individuals to navigate their challenges and foster a greater sense of well-being and resilience.

Helpline Operating Hours and Contact Information

The helpline is a critical resource for accessing this support. Please note the operating hours:

Telephone: 0808 156 9877
Email address: [email protected]

Helpline Opening Hours:

The service is closed on Sundays. It is advisable to make contact during these hours to ensure you can speak directly with an advisor or leave a message for a prompt response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is this therapy service genuinely free?

Yes, the therapeutic support is completely free of charge, funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Q2: What age groups are eligible for this support?

The service is available for children and young people aged 21 and under.

Q3: What specific situations does this therapy cover?

It covers individuals settled in England under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Ukraine Family Scheme, Ukraine Extension Scheme, Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (Pathways 1, 2, and 3), and the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy. It is designed to help with feelings and experiences related to displacement and resettlement.

Q4: How many sessions will I receive?

You will receive up to 8 sessions with a therapist, each lasting 45 minutes.

Q5: Are the sessions in person or virtual?

The sessions are conducted virtually, either via phone call or video call.

Q6: What if I don't speak English fluently?

The service has over 90 therapists who speak more than 40 languages, so support in your preferred language is likely available.

Q7: What if I need more than 8 sessions?

While the initial offering is 8 sessions, you can continue to contact the helpline advisors for additional support, and they can discuss further options if available.

Q8: How quickly will a therapist contact me after referral?

A therapist will typically contact you within 2 to 4 weeks to arrange your first session.

Q9: Can I still contact the helpline while I'm having therapy?

Absolutely. You can continue to contact the helpline advisors for any additional support you might need throughout your therapy journey.

This comprehensive support system is a testament to the commitment to ensuring that young people arriving in England under these schemes receive the emotional and psychological backing they require to adapt and thrive. It’s a vital resource for well-being and integration, offering hope and practical help.