29/04/2026
Psychological Support for Children in the Frontline Areas: Work of UNICEF's Mobile Psychological Support Team in Donetsk Region
Children’s mental health remains one of the most vulnerable aspects during a full-scale war. According to the Donetsk Regional Administration, citing research by the Rating Group and UNICEF, compared to 2024, the level of stress among children rose by 10% and had already reached 37% by the end of 2025.
A rapid-response mobile psychological support team, established by the CF "Angels of Salvation" as part of a UNICEF project, has been operating for some time in the frontline areas of Donetsk region. The team takes a comprehensive approach: it works with both children and adults, as parents’ emotional state directly affects the child’s well-being.
“We help children stabilise their emotional state and teach them to cope with fear, anxiety and stress. We use a variety of methods in our work – from active games to art therapy. Our team received the materials and games for these sessions thanks to UNICEF’s support” says Liana, a psychologist with the mobile team.
A rapid-response mobile psychological support team, established by the CF "Angels of Salvation" as part of a UNICEF project, has been operating for some time in the frontline areas of Donetsk region. The team takes a comprehensive approach: it works with both children and adults, as parents’ emotional state directly affects the child’s well-being.
“We help children stabilise their emotional state and teach them to cope with fear, anxiety and stress. We use a variety of methods in our work – from active games to art therapy. Our team received the materials and games for these sessions thanks to UNICEF’s support” says Liana, a psychologist with the mobile team.
Today, children in frontline areas live in a state of constant uncertainty and danger. They hear explosions, go through evacuations, lose their homes or are separated from their loved ones. Such experiences affect not only their emotional well-being in the here and now, but also have long-term consequences for their development, education and ability to build a life for themselves in the future.
This is what 16-year-old Oleksandra, who attends the mobile team’s sessions, has to say:
“All my friends have already left: one friend left yesterday, another a few months ago. We’ll be leaving soon too, but I really don’t want to.”
This is what 16-year-old Oleksandra, who attends the mobile team’s sessions, has to say:
“All my friends have already left: one friend left yesterday, another a few months ago. We’ll be leaving soon too, but I really don’t want to.”
In addition, the Oleksandra shares her feelings about the constant shelling:
“Something is constantly ‘flying’ around. All I can think about is hoping nothing falls into our yard."
As well as helping with socialisation, these sessions with psychologists help children to better understand and manage their own emotions. The specialists work with each child individually: identifying the causes of fear and anxiety, helping them find ways to cope, and offering safe techniques for them to use on their own. At the same time, the children are taught to talk about their feelings and not to be afraid to ask for help.
In these circumstances, the activities organised by the team become perhaps the only space for face-to-face interaction with peers. Here, children can get to know one another, support each other and restore a sense of belonging to the community.
Victoriia, the mother of 8-year-old Kira, explains that her daughter has been attending sessions with a psychologist for over a year. She cites prolonged distance learning as one of the main issues, as it means children lose regular contact with their friends.
“The children have been learning online for years now. They don’t see each other and hardly interact with their peers. In our case, it was difficult for my daughter to consider the opinions of others, and this affected her relationships with her friends. However, here, among other children, she has begun to understand that there are different points of view and that it is important to hear them out and respect them."
“Something is constantly ‘flying’ around. All I can think about is hoping nothing falls into our yard."
As well as helping with socialisation, these sessions with psychologists help children to better understand and manage their own emotions. The specialists work with each child individually: identifying the causes of fear and anxiety, helping them find ways to cope, and offering safe techniques for them to use on their own. At the same time, the children are taught to talk about their feelings and not to be afraid to ask for help.
In these circumstances, the activities organised by the team become perhaps the only space for face-to-face interaction with peers. Here, children can get to know one another, support each other and restore a sense of belonging to the community.
Victoriia, the mother of 8-year-old Kira, explains that her daughter has been attending sessions with a psychologist for over a year. She cites prolonged distance learning as one of the main issues, as it means children lose regular contact with their friends.
“The children have been learning online for years now. They don’t see each other and hardly interact with their peers. In our case, it was difficult for my daughter to consider the opinions of others, and this affected her relationships with her friends. However, here, among other children, she has begun to understand that there are different points of view and that it is important to hear them out and respect them."
Kira’s school teacher told the woman about the mobile team’s activities. Since then, the girl has been attending the sessions regularly and even invites other children to join in.
“For us as parents, there’s a lot of useful information here too. As a mum, I’ve learnt that you need to give your child space. Sometimes it’s not worth making comments or correcting them straight away; it’s better to give them the chance to express themselves and open up,” she concludes.
Psychologists are also actively working with parents:
“We talk to adults about how to support their children effectively, how to communicate with them during times of stress, and how to be a source of support for them. After all, parents and children are a single unit.”
In communities near the front line, children face daily stress, the loss of their familiar surroundings, and the breakdown of social ties. That is precisely why psychological support here requires not one-off solutions, but a systematic approach that takes into account both the child’s emotional state and the environment in which they live.
The mobile team works holistically: combining individual work with children, group sessions to restore socialisation, and support for parents. Children are helped to manage their emotions and cope with their fears, whilst adults are taught how to be a source of support for them and respond appropriately to their experiences. This approach not only reduces anxiety levels but also gradually restores a sense of security and stability within the family.
“For us as parents, there’s a lot of useful information here too. As a mum, I’ve learnt that you need to give your child space. Sometimes it’s not worth making comments or correcting them straight away; it’s better to give them the chance to express themselves and open up,” she concludes.
Psychologists are also actively working with parents:
“We talk to adults about how to support their children effectively, how to communicate with them during times of stress, and how to be a source of support for them. After all, parents and children are a single unit.”
In communities near the front line, children face daily stress, the loss of their familiar surroundings, and the breakdown of social ties. That is precisely why psychological support here requires not one-off solutions, but a systematic approach that takes into account both the child’s emotional state and the environment in which they live.
The mobile team works holistically: combining individual work with children, group sessions to restore socialisation, and support for parents. Children are helped to manage their emotions and cope with their fears, whilst adults are taught how to be a source of support for them and respond appropriately to their experiences. This approach not only reduces anxiety levels but also gradually restores a sense of security and stability within the family.
