The roundtable, held on Friday 1 March, was hosted by Professor Denis Oglin from Queen Mary University of London, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Embassy of Ukraine and East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT). did. I am a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist.
The conference brought together leading policy makers and experts in mental health from academia, clinical practice, the National Health Service and charities in the UK and Ukraine. In attendance was the Minister for Health, Lord Markham. Dr. Reid Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists; Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Vice President of Health at Queen Mary; Lorraine Sunduza, CEO of ELFT. Participants from Ukraine, including Health Minister Viktor Lyashko and other ministers, participated in the roundtable online.
The aim of this roundtable was to share knowledge, best practices and innovative approaches to the care of young people with mental health needs, and the overall aim was to improve clinical services in post-war Ukraine, especially for children. The aim was to support the development of services to help people cope with trauma. – and to facilitate the training of mental health professionals to meet the demand for services.
Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska said:
“Unfortunately, Ukraine has been living under extreme conditions during the two years of invasion and has already gained extensive practical knowledge to deal with mental health. 90% of the population suffers from high or very high levels of stress. This applies not only to defenders, but also to civilians who experience daily stress from being constantly aware of shelling and the possibility of death, but their mental health It is not only our local challenge but also a global challenge, and the response to it must be collaborative and inclusive.”
As part of her visit, the First Lady visited East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Cobourne Youth Mental Health Center to see how best practice in young people’s mental health is implemented in clinical practice. She then met with clinicians to discuss how the center’s approach could help Ukraine restore post-war mental health.
Professor Dennis Oglin, co-director of the Queen Mary Youth Resilience Unit (YRU) based at ELFT, graduated from medical school in Ukraine before coming to the UK. He currently leads a global mental health research program aimed at developing community mental health services in Ukraine and other low- and middle-income countries. He said:
“The development of community mental health services for young people is a strategic priority for both Ukraine and the UK. Ukraine will develop trauma-focused clinical services for young people who continue to experience the effects of war. “We have gained valuable experience. This experience will help us respond to future global wars.”
We were honored to welcome Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, to the roundtable. Zelenska is a vocal advocate for mental health care, which has become an increasingly problematic issue for Ukrainians facing the backdrop of war in her daily life. She created the Pan-Ukrainian Mental Health Program to address stigma and improve access to mental health services for Ukrainians.
Last year, the 3rd First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit, an initiative she founded in 2021, commissioned a global survey on mental health. The research results were subsequently introduced into the framework of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program as part of “How are you?” motion.
The first lady shared her findings with roundtable participants before the debate. She said mental health care is a global concern for everyone, but especially young people. Decision makers have a responsibility to develop policies that support young people now for a better future.
“If young people feel safe and confident now, rather than anxious and stressed, it will influence the future of the world. After all, it is the young generation that will be the leaders in a few years. It is the most valuable investment we can make in our future,” the first lady said.
Health Minister Lord Markham said:
“It was an honor and privilege to accompany First Lady Zelenska on her visit to the Coborn Youth Mental Health Center and participate in valuable discussions about the mental health needs of children and youth.
“We remain committed to our unwavering support to Ukraine. We recognize the dire need to rebuild Ukraine’s health system.
“As part of this, it is essential to develop mental health services and supports for children and young people dealing with trauma and other mental health issues as a result of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.”
Lorraine Sunduza, Chief Executive of ELFT, said:
“It is a great honor to welcome Mrs. Zelenska and join us in helping Ukraine address the many challenges faced by war, especially children who have been traumatized by the horrors of war and the loss of loved ones. We are excited to hear about this innovation. It was an honor to be able to do this.”It happened under such difficult circumstances. We hope that our relationship with our Ukrainian colleagues will continue and that we can learn from each other as we continue to work together.”
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