CHALLENGES

Ongoing conflict in the east of Ukraine, the constant threat of missile attacks across the rest of the country, significant damage to infrastructure, and disruption to essential services such as heating and water have meant that establishing humanitarian programmes and delivering aid safely and securely to the people most in need continues to be a huge challenge. DEC member charities and partner organisations monitor and evaluate risks on a daily basis to ensure the safety and security of programme staff, volunteers and the people and communities that they are supporting.

The workload, combined with the constant stress of operating in a volatile and ever-changing conflict environment, brings the risk of exhaustion and burnout for humanitarian responders and volunteers. DEC member charities and their partners offer psychosocial support to staff and volunteers, and provide regular opportunities for rest and relaxation.

DEC member charities work in partnership with local organisations, and most of the humanitarian responders and volunteers delivering the response within Ukraine are themselves Ukrainians. Many of them have had their own lives turned upside down and have experienced their own losses and distress. The fact that they have continued to work tirelessly to support their fellow citizens is a tribute to their dedication and bravery.

Providing mental health and psychosocial support – both to humanitarian responders and to people affected by the conflict is now a priority, but in Ukraine and neighbouring countries there is often considerable stigma and discrimination around mental health issues and the provision of mental health support. To mitigate these challenges, programmes seek to