Ukraine
The Irish Red Cross is dedicated to supporting Ukrainian people both within Ukraine and abroad
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which intensified in 2024, continues to cause widespread devastation, especially to important infrastructure like energy facilities. This has led to frequent power and water outages, severely impacting the daily lives of millions.
Heavily affected areas, including Donetska and Kharkivska oblasts, have faced relentless hostilities, leading to a sharp rise in mandatory evacuations and internal displacement. The destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools has worsened the crisis, disrupting key services and leaving communities vulnerable.
The Irish Red Cross is dedicated to supporting Ukrainian people, both within Ukraine and in neighbouring countries impacted by the ongoing conflict. This support takes multiple forms, addressing immediate needs while also investing in long-term recovery and integration.
How We Are Helping Ukrainians in Ireland
In Ireland, 410 Ukrainians and front-line support workers have taken part in psychological first-aid training, a key Red Cross intervention designed to support those who have experienced disaster, tragedy, and loss. This training equips participants with the skills to help others while also applying the same techniques to manage their own crises.
Additionally, almost 300 Ukrainian people in Ireland have received Narrative Exposure Therapy, a treatment for complex trauma disorders. This therapy helps individuals reconstruct and reframe their memories, potentially lessening the long-term impact of trauma.
Grief management training has also been provided to nearly 400 Ukrainians, offering crucial support to those coping with loss.
Over the past three years, 19,000 Irish hosts have welcomed those fleeing conflict through the pledged accommodation programme, offering not just a place to stay but also social and emotional support. Many hosts have played an essential role in helping their Ukrainian guests adjust to life in Ireland, connecting them with necessary services and training opportunities.
Within Ukraine
Health and Psychosocial Support
The conflict’s devastating impact extends beyond physical destruction. Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) initiatives are crucial to address the widespread emotional toll.
Trained staff are providing targeted psychological support, building on the Red Cross’ successful 2024 programme, which reached children and adults across 16 regions of Ukraine, including 11 supported by the Irish Red Cross.
The Irish Red Cross continues its collaboration with University College Dublin’s Centre for Emergency Medical Science, supporting the 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.
Branch, Volunteer and Community Development
The Irish Red Cross supports the URCS BraVo programme (branch and volunteering development) in Vinnitsa and Ternopil regions.
This programme strengthens both the Regional Branch and 14 local branches through vital investments. 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.
Recognising the importance of comprehensive support and social integration, URCS is establishing a network of community centres across Ukraine. These centres will serve as hubs, offering a range of crucial services, including psychosocial support, protection, public health initiatives, socio-economic empowerment activities (such as livelihoods programmes), and initiatives designed to enhance overall community resilience.
The Irish Red Cross is directly supporting this vital effort by funding the establishment of 5 community centre in various regions of Ukraine. These centres will play a key role in broadening access to essential social services and fostering greater community cohesion.
Support to Ukrainians in Poland
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.
We are 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.