The challenge
After more than two years of war, young people in Ukraine face daily stress, uncertainty, and disruption. Many have lived through prolonged displacement, family separation, and repeated exposure to conflict. According to UNICEF, some children in frontline areas have spent months underground—experiences that deeply impact emotional and psychological development.
Emerging adults are grappling with trauma, anxiety, and loss, while also navigating transitions into education, work, and independence. Mental health support is limited—only 10% of those with severe conditions receive adequate care—and stigma remains a major barrier to help-seeking. For the 8 million children and young people living under the long shadow of war, accessible, youth-centered support is urgently needed.
Turning challenge into opportunity
headspace Denmark is supporting the establishment of a peer-supported mental health service designed specifically for Ukrainian adolescents and emerging adults, in collaboration with Ukrainian partners including the Olena Zelenska Foundation, Voices of Children, and the Coordination Center for Mental Health.
Based on headspace Denmark’s proven model, the initiative combines early intervention, low-barrier access, and community-based delivery. Ukrainian professionals are trained in the headspace approach and supported to recruit and supervise young volunteers who will offer counseling, group sessions, and social skill-building activities in safe, welcoming spaces.
The pilot will launch in five Ukrainian cities—including Kyiv and Mykolaiv—with walk-in centers co-located with trusted local organizations. No referral is needed. Youth can access support for challenges ranging from stress, isolation, and grief to disrupted family systems, identity, and transitions in education or work.
By combining local leadership, global best practices, and a volunteer-driven approach, and offers a scalable model for mental health support — embedded in communities and adapted to the realities of war-affected youth.
Project leaders
Nina Moss, Sophie Prober & Trine Hammershøy
Geography
Denmark & Ukraine
Organizational type
Thematic area
Time of investment
2025
Co-investors
Tangible impact
2,450
young people to be reached during the initial pilot phase
40
trained Ukrainian volunteers active across five cities in year one
10
Ukrainian professionals trained through train-the-trainer model
93%
youth in Headspace’s program report increased well-being after sessions
“We are beyond grateful for the support from the Inner Foundation, which allows us to significantly strengthen our work. Young people are the future of Ukraine, and by building resilience and improving wellbeing, we can support them to withstand the challenges of war and play a vital role in rebuilding their communities.”
– Trine Hammershøy, Director
