Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Ukrainian Refugees in Poland : Implementation and Outcomes of the MHPSS Course for MHPSS Practitioners by IOM and APS

Since the Russia–Ukraine war in February 2022, Europe has faced a significant humanitarian challenge, with approximately 6.3 million Ukrainian refugees seeking sanctuary abroad by the end of 2023. Poland has been a major host nation, registering about 1.4 million refugees under the Temporary Protection scheme by mid-2022. Despite efforts to integrate these refugees, challenges such as language barriers, legal complexities and housing persist. The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities are needed; however, the gap exists in their offer. To address these challenges, the MHPSS Course was developed. This 15-day intensive training program aimed to equip professionals with the skills needed to support Ukrainian refugees’ mental health and psychosocial needs. The course included theoretical and practical components, fieldwork and evaluations, involving diverse experts and trainers. The MHPSS Course trained 23 participants, covering topics from humanitarian law to community-based interventions. 74% participants attended more than 80% of the course. The course facilitated networking among MHPSS practitioners in Poland, with participants engaging in ongoing professional collaboration through various platforms. The fieldwork topics encompassed a range of initiatives including legal aid, educational support, creative therapies and specialised mental health services for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. These efforts, led by various organisations, aimed to address the diverse needs of refugees through community-based interventions and targeted support programs. Despite recruitment challenges, the course’s comprehensive approach proved effective in enhancing local capacity for mental health support. The integration of cultural sensitivity and interdisciplinary perspectives enriched the learning experience. Ongoing support and monitoring are essential to sustain the momentum and impact of these efforts.

Key implications for practice

• Developing affordable and scalable training programs for local practitioners together with local universities strengthens the capacity of MHPSS services.
• Despite academic settings, experiential learning and informal peer exchange play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of MHPSS training for practitioners.
• MHPSS training programs should prioritize practical, context-specific tools that address the challenges of resource-limited settings.