Counselling for Ukrainian War Survivors

Please join me in helping Ukrainian war survivors arriving in B.C. adjust to their new situations. These newcomers will feel physically safe, but what about psychologically and emotionally?

 

They have lost their past lives – jobs, homes, friends, pets, future plans and dreams – and may feel disoriented. Many will also be traumatized by what they have witnessed and experienced. They may struggle with how to cope with the gnawing anxiety over the fate of their loved ones left behind to fight. How will they overcome this trauma? The simple answer is, without help, many won’t.

 

The federal government is not providing funding for mental health, so right now it seems that it’s up to you and me to step up and show we care about these shattered families. Time is of the essence, as early intervention can prevent post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), something I feel is particularly important for children haunted by disturbing images and memories. Fortunately, there is good news!

 

The Vancouver Island Counselling Center for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR, pronounced “vicker”) is a registered Canadian charity that specializes in trauma counselling, especially for those coming from war-ravaged countries. It was started in 2015 by co-founder and Director of Services Adrienne Carter, who worked as a counsellor/trainer for over a decade around the world in war-torn situations. I have met with her and some of the team, and can understand why both she and VICCIR have won multiple awards for community leadership and partnership. 

 

VICCIR provides in-person or online trauma counselling in Victoria (head office), on Vancouver island and in smaller towns in the B.C. Interior, such as Kamloops and Vernon where many Ukrainian Canadians choose to settle. The service model, which is needs-based rather than resource-based, is unique in Canada. VICCIR assesses clients and then seeks the needed providers, an approach which I feel mirrors how a family would approach help for its loved one. The delivery team consists of about 40 registered clinical counsellors and interpreters, as well as newly-created health and cultural program ambassadors who meet with groups where they are located to begin delivering supportive community mental health.

 

Despite a high percentage of the team being volunteers, it is obvious that additional financial support will be crucial in order to deal with the expected influx of thousands of Ukrainians to B.C. Our donations to VICCIR will give many Ukrainian war survivors a better chance at reclaiming their lost lives. Our donations will also help VICCIR to keep up with demand so that current and future clients can receive the mental health services they need.

 

OUR HELPING HANDS ARE REALLY NEEDED NOW. All of our donations together will make a huge difference for many lives! All donations will go directly to the Vancouver Island Counselling Center for Immigrants and Refugees. Thank you, and please share.