The Mental Wellness Program, part of the Medical Aid Program, supports a network of psychologists across Ukraine. Under this program, psychologists provide vital assistance to the mental health and wellness of traumatized civilian people, especially Ukrainian children. 

The Smuha Family Resilience Project is one of the core projects under mental health and wellness initiatives. The word Smuha in Ukrainian language, means: path, lane, or line. The primary objective of this initiative is to support children of war with skills on how to manage stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Furthermore, we focus on creating the path from the most difficult conditions to strong mental health, well-being, and future development. 

Smuha has multiple components to address the needs of children and those who care for them. Through our mental health and wellness initiative, we:
•  Build the capacity of mental health professionals across Ukraine to better support young children and their parents
•  Provide family-centered therapeutic activities and support groups for parents
•  Support the psychosocial and mental health needs of adolescent refugees
•  Create child-friendly and play-focused spaces where toddlers and young children can feel safe and comforted.

Our psychological aid efforts started in 2022 with a rehabilitation program for children known as Hibuki Therapy, which originated in Israel. Hibuki means “my hug” in Hebrew. Children suffering from psychological trauma received guided toy therapy, with remarkable results in emotional recovery. Through the Smuha Family project, we donated more than 5,000 Hibuki dolls to Ukrainian children.

“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