The newly published NATO volume, Digital Innovations for the Prevention and Treatment of PTSD in Military Contexts , shares the value of community-led approaches to trauma support in conflict zones that are culturally rooted, digitally enabled, and operationally agile. The book documents NATO's military mental health human centric approach and includes a discussion of why the integration of community-based approaches into military mental health strategy matters for anyone wor

"Conflict can quickly overload healthcare systems and create challenges where traditional solutions and care pathways are simply not fit for purpose. In Ukraine and Gaza we have seen trauma on a scale that has not been witnessed for a generation. Yet even when conventional pathways can serve only a few, there is often reluctance to step away from tried and trusted approaches. What are the barriers to change? What does it take to re-imagine better solutions? How can we best na

Integrating Mental Health Support for Child Amputees and Children with Disabilities in Post-Conflict Iraq Executive Summary Iraq's decades of conflict have severely impacted children with disabilities, particularly amputees. This document examines the critical gap in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) for these vulnerable children, highlighting their challenges and proposing actionable solutions to integrate support services into education, healthcare, an

The name "Restoring Hope" for the MASU (Mobile Amputee Support Unit) initiative carries profound significance that extends far beyond the physical restoration of mobility. At its most immediate level, the name acknowledges the deep psychological impact of limb loss. When someone loses a limb, particularly in traumatic circumstances like conflict, they often experience not just physical disability but a profound sense of hopelessness about their future. The inability to walk,

In September 2024, we delivered a paper “A Public Health Approach to Mental Health in War – Supporting Grassroots Initiatives, the...

Real World Evidence (RWE) has become increasingly important in understanding and treating mental health conditions, particularly those caused by trauma.  This is an important factor on the rehabilitation pathway, which often focuses on the physical challenges that can be addressed by medication; or with a standardised approach to the detriment of the individual patient and the insights that RWE might give us.   As we seek to understand the complexities of trauma-related ment

This is a story not just about the crucial role that Mobile clinics are playing in the liberated areas in Ukraine, but also the story of...

A public health approach to mental health during war is crucial as it addresses the widespread psychological impact across various societal groups, from victims of torture to veterans; and grieving families including children and widows. By integrating mental health care into broader systems and emphasizing community-based support, this strategy ensures accessibility and destigmatizes seeking help. Policies developed under this framework can significantly aid immediate relief

The war in Ukraine has cast a long shadow over the lives of its people. The constant threat of violence, displacement, and loss has taken a heavy toll on mental health, leaving many struggling with the invisible wounds of trauma. In the face of this immense suffering, peer-to-peer support groups have emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a vital space for Ukrainians to connect, share their experiences, and find solace in collective healing. One such initiative is Moe Kolo, a

This blog explores the therapeutic potential of storytelling and drama in trauma recovery. The article begins by outlining the benefits of these methods, such as emotional expression, narrative reconstruction, and community cohesion. It then delves into a range of case studies from around the world that take different approaches: Blesma's Generation R program in Britain helps veterans share experiences with youth; 'The Two Worlds of Charlie F' offers a raw portrayal of soldie

War wreaks havoc on societies, leaving individuals and communities struggling to come to terms with the brutalisation of their worlds. Often manifesting as post-traumatic stress, it can leave people in shock, or be triggered long after the event. In Ukraine, the need for psycho-social support far exceeds the availability of trained professionals, leading to research into ways of responding to the trauma in a way that can be scaled, across groups, communities and the country a

Amputees often face a long and unpredictable journey from stabilisation to rehabilitation. This is never more so than at the start of the...

The road to recovery and rehabilitation for amputees is filled with physical and emotional challenges. Losing a limb is a profoundly traumatic experience, which is why resilience and peer-to-peer support play vital roles in their journey towards healing. In this blog post, we interview Mike Wildeman and delve into the significance of resilience, explore the power of peer-to-peer and social support, and discuss how these elements can help those wounded in the war in Ukraine le

Supporting disabled veterans in post-conflict countries is essential not only for their individual well-being but also for fostering...

The war in Ukraine has created an urgent need to find better ways to manage mass casualties, using the knowledge gained from conflict around the world. There is a need for reimagined pathways that create a more streamlined rehabilitation journey and results in better outcomes for the injured in a more cost-effective, resource and time-efficient way. At a time when Ukraine is stretched beyond limits and is dependent on external generosity, ways of enhancing the journey need to

Veterans recovering from severe physical trauma and amputation often are faced with a sense of guilt that they cannot return to their comrades in their units and are faced with uncertainty about their livelihoods and ability to support their families. Veterans who may have been previously completely missioned focused and then find themselves abruptly removed from the conflict and separated from the shared goal, their unit members and friends are often left completely isolated