On 15 August, representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine took part in the “STOP STRESS 2026: Psychosocial Support and Integration of Ukrainians in Switzerland” Forum, held at the University of Zurich.

More than four years of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, forced displacement, separation from loved ones and the need to adapt to life in another country continue to create a significant psychological burden for many Ukrainians living in Switzerland. Access to professional psychosocial support therefore remains an important component of their adaptation and well-being.

The Forum focused on modern, practical and evidence-based approaches to psychosocial support for Ukrainians, including the PM+ and EASE programmes, developed in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). These tools are designed to help people cope with stress, strengthen psychological resilience and better adapt to challenging life circumstances.

Importantly, the Forum also brought together psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, educators, volunteers and representatives of civil society organisations working directly with the Ukrainian community in Switzerland.

The Embassy of Ukraine values such formats of cooperation, which provide a space for professional dialogue, exchange of experience and the development of practical solutions to support Ukrainians.

We are grateful to VIDNOVA Swiss-Ukrainian Association, the SPIRIT international project team, and the University of Zurich for supporting this initiative and contributing to the development of psychosocial support for Ukrainians in Switzerland.