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

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,

This analysis examines both persistent challenges and promising opportunities in Mine Action Victim Assistance.

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

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

In December 2023, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in the US published a report ‘ From the Ground Up: Demining Farmland and Improving Access to Fertilizer to Restore Ukraine’s Agricultural Production ’. The report highlighted the urgent need for ‘the safe and expeditious demining of Ukraine’s farmland and increasing farmers’ access to fertilizer’ recognising that this is essential not just to Ukraine’s recovery, but to food security worldwide. The report con

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 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

Prior to February 2022, Ukraine was known as the "breadbasket" of Europe, growing enough food to feed 400 million people through exports,...

War and conflict have devastating effects on the environment, as is evident from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The presence of exploded and unexploded munitions, chemical spills, and heavy weapons has caused critical environmental damage to Ukrainian farmland, threatening global food security. Ukraine is the world's biggest exporter of sunflower oil (accounting for about 50% before the war. It was the third largest exporter of corn, barley and rape seed accounting for abou