Community groups for members of the Ukrainian refugee community living in Exeter were established to evaluate the use of translated self-help resources provided by Living Life To The Full. The sessions, which were facilitated by two Ukrainian refugees, aimed to help support Ukrainian refugees improve their wellbeing using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy principals.  

Working alongside Wellbeing Exeter and Devon Ukrainian Association Cedar create was able to provide six sessions in Exeter’s Ukrainian Conversation Café. Evaluation of the project found that group members were able to work towards their personal goal throughout the course and they highly valued the opportunity to come together in a community setting.  

Using the feedback from group members and findings from the evaluation, a new model for the programme has been developed which provides a more comprehensive support structure. This includes practical support with issues surrounding housing and employment. Funding is now being sought to evaluate a second wave of the programme using this model.  

Testimony from a group member following the programme:  

“With the help of the proposed techniques for analysing my condition and interrupting the vicious cycle of physical and emotional reactions, I got out of a state of hopelessness and apathy, got a job, went through a course of detoxification and recovery, and added regular physical activities”.

Testimony from a group facilitator: 

“One year ago … and the positive impact of the project has significantly changed the lives of participants. 3 people opened a little family business ( catering of Ukrainian food). 5 people changed or found jobs during the year. 1 lady married and got a baby.  After the course, many of the participants became friends and positively supported each other. …. And many other big and small changes happen in wellbeing and mental health.  It was a great project, and 15 people were very lucky to join it. Such knowledge is really valuable for Ukrainians in the UK. I cross my fingers if we can repeat it for a wider auditory.”

You can download the full report here: LLTTF-Ukraine-Community-Support-Groups.

Watch Flora Hemming, Graduate Research Assistant – Cedar Create, talk through the pilot evaluation here.