From the Front Lines to New Beginnings: Psychosocial Support for Ukrainians in Český Krumlov

In Český Krumlov, the Berehynia organization has become an important part of the network helping Ukrainian refugees who have found shelter in Czechia. The head of this organization, Ms. Rozárka Schwatz, a Ukrainian, living in Czechia for 20 years, shared her experience about a project aimed at supporting Ukrainians who have witnessed the hardships of war.

Support for Everyday Life

Berehynia focuses on a wide range of assistance, especially supporting Ukrainian families integrate into Czech society. They assist children transitioning into schools and adults who face the challenges of integrating into their new lives in Czechia. “We try to help Ukrainians settle here, find work, and integrate into the local community,” explains Rozárka Schwatz. However, many refugees face challenges that go far beyond language barriers, often suffering from the deep wounds caused by the war.

This is also where a dedicated initiative focused on providing assistance and training to people with combat experience takes effect. “We started organizing meetings with for people who had experienced combat who came for rehabilitation, and we offered them the chance to open up and find support among us,” says Rozárka. This initiative goes beyond helping people to adapt to their new surroundings, it provides mental health support and counselling to cope with the severe consequences of war and what they have witnessed.

Psychological Treatment

Ms. Lina Kovalenková, who fled Ukraine at the beginning of the war, has become an essential part of the local community in Český Krumlov, Lina highlights the importance of approaching those who have experienced combat with understanding and care, particularly when it comes to their psychological well-being. “It’s not just about physical help; we must also address their mental health. It’s crucial that society knows how to respond to combatants returning from the front and how to communicate with those suffering from post-traumatic stress,” she explains.

This approach is not only vital for supporting people who have experienced the war firsthand but also for the whole community. Lina notes that many Ukrainians in Czechia are still going through a difficult internal transformation—some are considering returning to Ukraine, while others have decided to stay and integrate into Czech society. Regardless of their decision, it is of great importance for them to retain their cultural heritage and Ukrainian background while at the same time adapting to new surroundings.

Challenges and the Future

The project, implemented with diaspora organization Generace UA, focused on assisting Ukrainians in Český Krumlov is just one step on the path of providing support not only to survive but to fully integrate into society. “Post-traumatic stress is something that stays with combatants after the fighting has stopped. What we’re experiencing here in Český Krumlov is giving us the know-how on what to do next. We must prepare for this situation, both at individual level and as a community,” emphasizes Rozárka Schwartz.

When military actions in Ukraine eventually cease, it is foreseen that family members of those already living in Czechia may choose to come to live with them here—some temporarily, others for longer stays. In anticipation of this, IOM Czechia, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Health are working to ensure that the system in place is fully prepped to meet their needs; mental health support, socio-economic integration, family assistance, and community activities. It is crucial that frontline organizations are equipped to handle these requests swiftly and efficiently.

The project, in partnership with Generace UA and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), thanks to the funding by Swiss Confederation, plays a key role in facilitating this preparedness.