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

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