d. 2.07. 2025

Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Yanevskyi, Minister of Employment Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen and founder and patron of Det Sociale Netværk/headspace Danmark Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. Photo: headspace Denmark

With a grant of DKK 3 million from the Ministry of Employment and broad support from the Danish Parliament, headspace Denmark can now contribute to the development of volunteer-run centers that will provide mental support to Ukraine's war-torn youth.

Ukraine today is characterized by deep social, economic and political fragility after more than three years of war, and Ukrainian youth face serious challenges. According to UNICEF Denmark many children and adolescents suffer from sleep problems, scary thoughts, flashbacks and symptoms of PTSD after three years of displacement, interrupted schooling, separation from family, violence and isolation.

To help the many young people in Ukraine, the Olena Zelenska Foundation will open a number of centers where young people can get psychosocial support, counseling and help to navigate a war-affected everyday life. A grant of DKK 3 million from the Ministry of Employment and with broad support from the Danish Parliament now gives headspace Denmark the opportunity to contribute unique experience and knowledge to the program, which will strengthen Ukraine's future generations.

The collaboration also involves the Ukrainian government's Coordination Center for Mental Health and the Ukrainian NGO Voices of Children.

The DKK 3 million from the Ministry of Employment is financed by a bill and the funds will be used for educational visits to headspace Denmark, training and information material, interpretation and sparring within volunteer recruitment and workshop work.

Minister of Employment Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen says:

”It is now over three years since Russia invaded Ukraine and started a war on European soil. A war that, in addition to costing thousands of lives, exposes Ukraine's youth to unimaginable trauma and horror. Many need counseling and help with the many thoughts and crises they face in the midst of war. Denmark is helping Ukraine in every way we can - not just financially and militarily. It is my hope that with this support we can export some of the knowledge and skills that headspace Denmark has built up to help the Ukrainian authorities and help ensure that a generation of young Ukrainians are not lost on the ground.”

Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, founder of Det Sociale Netværk/headspace Danmark, says:

”The people of Ukraine are facing an extraordinary crisis that requires extraordinary help. Too many children and young people have had their upbringing and faith in the future stolen by the constant threat of war. Everyone who can do something should do something. At headspace, we will use our experience in organization building, volunteering and youth support to work with Ukraine to create places where young people can get vital support in an inhumane situation. The initiative can also help Ukraine's adults who have lost their jobs and identity to find meaning again through volunteering. An overlooked factor that is of great importance. I would like to thank Minister of Employment Ane Halsboe Jørgensen for the support and confidence in this very important project.”

For over a year, the Ukrainian-Danish working group has been working to adapt Headspace Denmark's model to the war-torn reality in Ukraine. The parties have continuously exchanged experiences and knowledge on how to best implement effective help for Ukraine's youth.

Just two weeks ago, a Ukrainian delegation visited Denmark to exchange experiences and receive training in working with youth mental health. As part of the initiative, Headspace Denmark also works closely with the Red Cross, which has great expertise in trauma management and working in war-torn areas.

Nina Horbachova, Director of the Olena Zelenska Foundation, says about the potential of the collaboration with headspace Denmark on the centers in Ukraine:

“The Olena Zelenska Foundation greatly appreciates the opportunity to exchange experiences with headspace Denmark. During 2025, we will participate in a series of trainings and study visits, which will be an important source of knowledge in our work to strengthen psychosocial support for young people in Ukraine. The Danish approach inspires us to create an environment where young people get the help and support they need. We are grateful for this collaboration, which is already resulting in concrete changes.”

The new Ukrainian centers will open later this year.

As part of the support to the Ukrainian partners, headspace Denmark also receives funding from Sagitta Charity Foundation, The Inner Foundation, Otto Mønsted Fonden and KG Fonden.

Read more about headspace Denmark's work to help Ukrainian children and young people here.