Path of the team's professional growth
In our first year of operation, our team underwent a significant amount of training.
LivingWorks Program
In August 2019, the founder of Lifeline Ukraine, Paul Nyland, completed the LivingWorks program. During this course, he studied a four-step model for identifying markers of suicidal behaviour and the resources for safety and support in suicidal crisis situations.
Training from the Israeli Emotional First Aid Service ERAN
From 23-26 September 2019, Lifeline Ukraine consultants attended a four-day training session by the Israeli Emotional First Aid Service ERAN, with a total duration of 23 hours. The trainers were Dr. Shiri Daniels, Global Professional Director, and David Koren, CEO. The provider in Ukraine was the 'Israeli Trauma Coalition' organization. During the training, team members mastered crisis counselling skills and reflected on the experience of the ERAN hotline, which has a 50-year history of operation.
Training by Dr. April J. Naturale
On 12-13 December 2019, a two-day training session was conducted for the Lifeline Ukraine team by Dr. April J. Naturale, a crisis consultant who is currently the Assistant VP of National Programs at Vibrant Emotional Health. During this training, the Lifeline Ukraine team mastered risk assessment methodologies and studied intervention measures related to suicide prevention. We also learned methods of caring for the psychological health of consultants and preventing secondary trauma. Thirty people attended the training.
Internal training sessions
Since December 2019, we have started internal training sessions. The first was conducted by Oleksandr Yakivets and Natalia Lazorenko on the topic of working with individuals who have addictions and co-dependencies. They examined the mechanism of addiction behaviour formation and the features of counselling subscribers with such issues. Fifteen people participated in the training.
Workshop by representatives of the World Veterans Federation and the European Organisation of Military Associations
In January 2020, a workshop was organized by representatives of the World Veterans Federation and the European Organisation of Military Associations for Lifeline Ukraine. The workshop addressed issues of veterans' adaptation to civilian life, experiences of post-traumatic stress, and the prevention of suicidal behaviour. The training was attended by the entire team, divided into two subgroups over two days.
Workshop on “Domestic Violence Counselling”
In January 2020, the hotline consultant Olena Vdovenko conducted an internal seminar on "Consulting on Domestic Violence". As a result of the seminar, participants received a referral algorithm for consulting subscribers in domestic violence situations. The seminar was attended by 10 people.
A series of game techniques on the topic "Goal setting and personal development"
During February 2020, a series of game techniques on the topic of "Goal setting and personal development" was conducted, organized by shift manager Anastasiia Hlazkova for 12 team members.
Information sessions on the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service"
During February and March 2020, subgroup information sessions on the Law of Ukraine "On Military Duty and Military Service" were held, conducted by the chief psychologist Valentyna Savchenko. The training covered 25 people.
Seminar "Risks of working in closed small groups"
In March 2020, a seminar "Risks of working in closed small groups" was held by shift manager Alisa Sliusar, where personal boundaries and employee adaptation were discussed. The seminar was attended by 20 people.
Seminar "Effective methods of body therapy and experiencing difficult emotions"
Also, in March 2020, a seminar on "Effective methods of body therapy and experiencing difficult emotions" was held, prepared by shift manager Maryna Rebrik.
Seminars: "Gender Equality Policy" and "Prevention of Psycho-Emotional Burnout"
April 2020 brought the team 2 seminars – "Gender Equality Policy" by psychologist and crisis consultant Olha Liber and "Prevention of Psycho-Emotional Burnout" by shift manager Iryna Radelytska.
Seminar "Experiencing Loss"
In May 2020, the topic "Experiencing Loss" was studied in a seminar prepared by crisis consultant Viktoriia Doroshenko.
International online conference on suicide prevention
In the summer of 2020, it was decided to take a break from training and resume internal trainings in the fall. The Lifeline Ukraine team attended an international online conference on suicide prevention, which lasted 4 days. During the conference, our specialists attended 8 webinars by various specialists working on the problem of suicides, with a total duration of 16 hours.
Information session "Gender non-discrimination and gender equality"
September 2020 brought us an information session on “Gender Non-discrimination and Gender Equality,” prepared by crisis consultant Liber Olga.
Burnout Syndrome
In October 2020 we talked about burnout syndrome at a seminar by crisis consultant Viktoriya Doroshenko.
Mental Health & Emotional Well-being Conference for Business
On 2-3 October 2020 members of the management team participated in an online conference on mental health in organisations, the Mental Health & Emotional Well-being Conference for Business. The conference was dedicated to research on mental health during the pandemic and discussing methods of working with staff to maintain resourceful states and efficiency.
Course from the UK National Centre for Suicide Prevention
In November 2020 Lifeline Ukraine founder Paul Niland completed a training course for mentors in providing first aid for suicidal behaviour, organized by the UK National Centre for Suicide Prevention. The training took place from 16 to 19 November. As a result, Paul Niland is now qualified to join organisations and train groups of people to recognize possible suicide intentions and demonstrate how to support a person in returning to a desire to live.
Seminar on “Concussion: The War’s Autograph”
In November 2020 we invited chief physician of “Lisova Polyana” Hospital, Kseniya Borisivna Voznitsina, who prepared a seminar for the Lifeline Ukraine team on “Concussion: The War’s Autograph.”
We are happy to share experiences, meet, communicate, and plan for the future! Veterans' mental health is everyone's business!
CSP “SETA” Training
Throughout November 2020 - January 2021 four team members are undergoing CSP “SETA” training “Therapeutic Approach Based on Common Elements: Brief Seminar Think Differently.”
Seminar on “Managing Emotions During the Pandemic”
On 20 November 2020 Yuliya Serhiyko, Lifeline Ukraine project coordinator, attended a seminar on “Managing Emotions During the Pandemic” from the Centre for Psychosocial Support (CPS), supported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malteser International, and the Maltese Relief Service in Ukraine.
2-day training for the team
In November and December 2020, 17 members of the team attended a 2-day training at the Project of the National University 'Kyiv-Mohyla Academy' in collaboration with the Akershus University Hospital (Ahus) (Norway) in cooperation with the Public Organization 'Association of Conflict Resolution and Social and Psychological Support Professionals 'Words Help''. The training aimed at acquiring skills to identify the suicidal risk of individuals in communities. The project coordinator, Yulia Serhiyko, on 9th December 2020, participated in the online conference 'Workplace Wellness (W2)', where there was a discussion on how to create a system of care for employees and foster the physical, mental, emotional, and professional well-being of the team.
