A study tour to Dublin and Belfast for 20 Ukrainian mental health professionals was conducted on 15–19 December 2025. It was implemented within the RETURNING Project, a charitable programme of the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, and facilitated by GlobalInMind.

Ireland provided a particularly relevant setting for Ukrainian colleagues, because of its own recent experience of conflict. Ireland’s experience in responding to conflict-related trauma while reforming its mental health system offered valuable lessons for professionals from other contexts.

The objective of this study tour was to provide Ukrainian mental health professionals with an in-depth understanding of Irish and Northern Irish approaches to mental health services for veterans and families of veterans, and individuals affected by conflict; trauma care; grief related interventions; suicide prevention, and addiction care.

Special attention was given to understanding a person-centred approach in mental health care, learning about the latest evidence for effective interventions, and examining the interconnection between mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention activities.

Furthermore, the visit provided an opportunity to explore the collaboration between public institutions, civil society actors, and private providers. The programme aimed to facilitate an exchange of experiences between hosting institutions and visiting experts, enabling participants to gain insights into the activities of Irish and Northern Irish service providers working with similar target groups.

What is the RETURNING project?

RETURNING is a nationwide network of mental health centres for military personnel, veterans and their families. The project covers two key areas: the creation of a nationwide network of veteran mental health centres, where military personnel, veterans and their families can receive free assistance; and the implementation of world-class educational programmes for mental health professionals to ensure effective and evidence-based treatment and psychological support. The veteran mental health centres will operate alongside state medical institutions and provide free outpatient services.

Each centre will implement a multidisciplinary approach: teams will consist of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, nurses and social workers. Such a team will provide comprehensive, professional support at all stages of treatment and recovery.

The goal of the RETURNING project is not only to ensure psychological recovery, but also to systematically develop the mental health sector in Ukraine through the creation of a nationwide network. That is why, in cooperation with Ukrainian and international experts, the RETURNING project is implementing modern training programmes for mental health professionals — psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists. The programmes include practical training, workshops and supervision. This gives specialists effective tools for working with war trauma and allows patients to receive the highest level of support.

Official website https://povernennya.org
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/povernennya.ua
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/povernennya.ua
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@povernennya

What is the Victor Pinchuk Foundation?

The Victor Pinchuk Foundation, an international, private and non-partisan philanthropic foundation based in Ukraine, was established in 2006 by businessman and philanthropist Victor Pinchuk.