Launched by United Help Ukraine, SMUHA Family Resilience Project is a mental health initiative designed to support Ukrainian children and families navigating the psychological impact of war.

Every day, children and parents are living through displacement, loss, and prolonged stress. Without timely support, these experiences can lead to long-term emotional and developmental challenges.

SMUHA works to address these needs through structured, accessible psychological support and capacity-building.

“It is vital to the health of Ukraine’s children and young people that they are not overlooked during this challenging time. We are proud to be at the forefront of efforts to care for the people who represent such a crucial piece of our nation’s future.” Maryna Baydyuk, President, UHU.

What SMUHA does

SMUHA focuses on building a coordinated system of support that combines direct services with professional training.
Training and supervision
The program prepares psychologists and volunteers through structured training and ongoing supervision, helping ensure consistent and responsible care delivery.
Direct support for families
Psychologists provide individual counseling, group sessions, and structured activities that help children and parents process stress and restore emotional balance.
Family-centered approach
Support is designed for both children and parents, recognizing that recovery and resilience happen within the family unit.
Expanding access to care
SMUHA is developing a broader support network to improve access to psychological services and connect families with appropriate levels of care when needed.

Current reach

SMUHA is an active program with measurable outputs:
• 300+ psychologists trained
• 27,000+ children and adults reached
• A growing network of resilience hubs
These figures reflect ongoing work and continue to evolve as the program expands.

Where the work happens

SMUHA operates through in-person resilience hubs, where children and families receive consistent psychological support in structured, safe environments.

Four hubs are currently active in:
• Kyiv
• Irpin
• Ivano-Frankivsk
• Chernihiv

At these locations, families can access:
• Individual and group sessions
• Programs designed for children
• Family-oriented counseling
• Structured environments that support emotional stabilization

These hubs represent the operational core of the program.

Why this matters

Ukraine is facing a significant and long-term mental health challenge. Prolonged exposure to stress and trauma affects children’s development, family dynamics, and community stability.
Early and consistent support can reduce these risks and help families maintain functioning and resilience over time.
SMUHA contributes to this effort by combining direct care with workforce development—helping expand access to psychological support where it is needed.

SMUHA supports Ukrainian families in managing the psychological impact of war—through practical care, trained professionals, and accessible support systems.