The Estonian Refugee Council, together with its cooperation partners, will start offering psychological support and various group activities to Ukrainian war refugees across Estonia. Counselling helps obtain quality information, share and analyse experiences, and get answers to questions that may have been confusing so far.

“Our work experience with refugees so far confirms that relevant information and the opportunity to ask about possibly confusing issues, to understand them, helps make informed decisions and thereby regain control of one's life. Therefore, we are launching a group counselling format where you can consolidate information and skills in a safe and peaceful environment,” explains Anu Viltrop, Head of Support Services at the Estonian Refugee Council.

Counselling revolves around four different topics: adaption, employment, digital skills and supporting a child's adaptation. The counselling is intended for adults and is free of charge for participants. Up to 1,000 workshops are planned during the year, as required. 

To carry out group counselling, the Estonian Refugee Council involves different partners: BCS Koolitus, MTÜ Igale Lapsele Pere, Unemployment Insurance Fund, Labour Inspectorate, and we also hire war refugees who have arrived here. Further information on activities and timetables can be found on the Estonian Refugee Council’s group counselling page, to which information is added on an ongoing basis. 

In addition, the first two support groups led by a psychotherapist will start work in Tallinn today to support the mental health of war refugees. These activities will be carried out by Ukrainian psychotherapists. Psychological counselling groups will start meeting once a week. To register for a group, you must call Tallinn’s psychological crisis support number at 6 314 300 (Mon-Fri 9-19, Sat 10-15). Psychological counselling is provided by MTÜ Eluliin. 

The group activities are carried out by the Estonian Refugee Council with the support of donations.