Press Release

Three years of conflict in Ukraine: Irish Red Cross highlights the mental health impact

Feb 23, 2025

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A woman wearing a black t-shirt with the principles of "Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, Universality" printed on the back, shielding their eyes from the sun while speaking with a Red Cross worker in a white vest. The background features damaged buildings and overgrown vegetation.

Marking three years since the escalation of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the Irish Red Cross says that the devastating impact of war extends far beyond physical destruction. Targeted mental health supports, like those provided by the Irish Red Cross, have become crucial to address the widespread emotional toll and trauma needs of Ukrainian people.

With thousands awaiting the government’s decision to renew the Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP), a vital financial support for the 19,000 Irish hosts who have generously welcomed Ukrainians into their homes, the Irish Red Cross reports an increase in uncertainty and anxiety among Ukrainians in Ireland. Since October 2024, caseworkers’ supporting the Irish Red Cross pledged accommodation programme have noted a significant rise in calls from concerned individuals, as fear for the future weighs heavily on the most vulnerable.

Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross said: “The conflict in Ukraine has dramatically changed the lives of millions of people and has had a devastating impact on individual lives that we can never measure.  Ireland has recognised this suffering and continues to respond generously. The Irish Red Cross has worked with the wider RedCross Movement to provide humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and in the surrounding countries that have hosted most of those fleeing conflict in Ukraine. The needs now are as great as ever. Many of the millions who fled are unable to return home, and those who remain face dire conditions, with limited access to water, heat, health care and other essential services. Three years on, the mental health toll is huge both for those who remain and those who fled to safety.”

Many of the millions who fled are unable to return home, and those who remain face dire conditions, with limited access to water, heat, health care and other essential services. Three years on, the mental health toll is huge both for those who remain and those who fled to safety.

Key facts about Irish Red Cross mental health supports:

  • The generosity of the Irish public is helping to fund five community centres across various regions of Ukraine to provide people with access to essential services, including psychosocial support, public health initiatives, socio-economic empowerment activities and initiatives designed to foster stronger community resilience.
  • Children and adults across 16 regions of Ukraine are being provided with targeted psychological support by trained Red Cross workers to help them cope with their experiences and begin to rebuild their lives. The Irish Red Cross is funding supports in 11 of these regions.
  • In Ireland, 410 Ukrainians and front-line support workers have participated inpsychological first-aid training, a powerful Red Cross intervention to help people who have experienced disaster, tragedy, and loss. The skills empower the helper to help others, and to apply the same skills to their own crises. 
  • Narrative Exposure Therapy has been provided to almost 300 Ukrainian people in Ireland to treat complex trauma disorders. It helps the client to piece together and re-order their memories and potentially reduces negative impact of trauma for their future.
  • Grief management training has also been provided to almost 400 Ukrainians in Ireland.

 

Niall O’Keeffe, Head of International & Migration, Irish Red Cross said: “The pledged accommodation programme is a lifeline for many very vulnerable people. Over the past three years, 19,000 Irish hosts have opened their doors to those fleeing danger – people who never planned to be here. It’s not just a value-for-money accommodation solution, many hosts have become in valuable support networks, helping their guests in the transition to life in Ireland and guiding them to access essential supports and training. Reducing support for vulnerable people will force them to make difficult decisions: living in poverty or returning to danger.”

In a recent survey of hosts, 86% told the Irish Red Cross that ARP is important to thecontinuation of their hosting arrangement. The Irish Red Cross will present findings of a survey of Irish hosts to the government on Tuesday (25 February), the largest survey of hosts to date. 

People supported by ARP:

  • An elderly couple living in shared accommodation with their hosts in Donegal. As a result of a stroke, he is dealing with health issues and cannot work. His wife has become his carer. The couple have very little English and no financial means to rent.
  • In the midlands, a mother and daughter whose hometown town near the front line is under daily attack. They have had to start from scratch here, learning English. The mum gets some hours working as a kitchen porter, but it would never be enough to enable them to rent. The uncertainty is causing her huge anxiety and insomnia, she struggles to sleep.
  • A mother parenting alone in Donegal with two young children. She lives with a host family. She is very anxious about the future of ARP as she will not be able to afford rent. Right now, she studies English and attends courses so she can get a job in the future.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Additional supports provided by the Irish Red Cross:

  • The Irish Red Cross continues its collaboration with University College Dublin’s Centre for Emergency Medical Science, supporting their ‘Ukraine Trauma Project’. This vital initiative provides training to Ukrainian emergency services in advanced trauma care, including techniques to control massive bleeding and equips them with essential medical equipment for lifesaving treatment. 
  • The Irish Red Cross supports the strengthening of the Ukraine Red Cross in Vinnitsa and Ternopil regions (14 local branches). This support includes training for staff and volunteers and a range of community-focused activities that address local needs, fostering stronger and more resilient communities.  
  • Support for the harsh winter conditions, particularly with heating and community level relief packages for people struggling with food and other basics. 
  • Beyond Ukraine’s borders, the Irish Red Cross is also supporting Ukrainian refugees. The conflict has significantly impacted Poland, where over 950,000 displaced Ukrainians have sought temporary protection as of August 2024.  
  • Recognising the ongoing needs of this vulnerable population, Irish Red Cross is supporting the Polish Red Cross in extending its cash & voucher assistance programme. Specifically, funding will provide medical electronic vouchers to 1,123 vulnerable Ukrainians in Poland. These vouchers, will cover 50% of the cost of prescribed and over-the-counter medications, prioritising those with chronic illnesses and older individuals, addressing critical health gaps and ensuring access to essential medical care.
  • The Irish Red Cross is also funding one of six existing socio-economic integration centres, which has been operating for two years. This dedicated funding will focus on improving employability and access to the local labour market, aiming to support 285 currently unemployed individuals.  
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