Blog post by Asia Koerten
Last week I had the opportunity to join a five-day training in Rzeszów, Poland, where our partner Pro-fil worked with six newly recruited Ukrainian Mobile Unit psychologists (recruited by LHSI) for the Mind the Future project. The group of six women arrived after an exhausting journey across Ukraine —grateful for five days without air raids, bomb shelters, or electricity cuts, yet understandably restless, with loved ones left behind at home.
Pro-fil’s mixed team of Ukrainian and Polish psychologists delivered an impressive programme that combined theory with hands-on observation. As an observer, I was eager to see our partner in action and even more curious about the content they shared.
A mobile approach for mental well-being
The Mobile Unit Model is designed to support the mental well-being of young people, teaching them mental-health hygiene, strengthening their resilience, and offering support in moments of stress or trauma. It meets their needs where they are: at schools, institutions, and shelters. It focuses on both prevention and timely assistance, especially for young people who have limited access to friendly and stigma-free mental-health services.
Pro-fil’s comprehensive safeguarding approach
Another important part of the programme was Pro-fil’s presentation of their comprehensive approach to safeguarding children. They introduced us to their Centre for the Protection of Children (Centrum Pomocy Dzieciom), a model centre providing children affected by crime and their caregivers with comprehensive, interdisciplinary support under one roof. This is the Barnahus model brought to life.
A psychologist, doctor, and social worker collaborate closely, following the child’s case from beginning to end. Decisions are made together. The child and their caregivers stay in one place, held by one coordinated, compassionate, trauma-informed system.
Listening to Pro-fil describe this model felt like witnessing what the future of child protection should look like. Their ability to integrate such a child-friendly, trauma-sensitive approach into their work is a powerful example of safeguarding done well—and an inspiring reference point for anyone working with children growing up in difficult circumstances.
What we learned
- A mobile, flexible approach can bring mental-health support directly to young people who would never reach a psychologist on their own.
- Safe spaces can be created anywhere—a classroom, a community room, a temporary shelter—when facilitators are grounded, patient, and genuinely attentive.
- Trauma-informed work is not a theory; it is kindness made practical.
- Simple tools, like Friendship Cards, can open surprising depths.
- An interdisciplinary safeguarding model can prevent a child from being retraumatized by the very system meant to help them.
All of this resonates deeply with ICDI’s mission: ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, supportive, caring environment. Watching Pro-fil work gave me not only insights but also renewed inspiration for how we approach mental health and wellbeing across our own programmes.
The power of practice
For me, the practical part of the training was the most inspiring. We observed Pro-fil’s team conducting workshops in two Polish schools. During these three-hour sessions, I was deeply impressed by the safe spaces created for young people. Through games, discussions, and carefully facilitated activities, pupils were invited to reflect on their well-being, their relationships, and the challenges of adolescence.
Topics such as belonging, cooperation vs. competition, self-perception, the opinions of others, and stress were unpacked gently and respectfully. What stood out was the trainers’ patience and personal warmth—they allowed group processes to unfold naturally, never forcing participation but offering warm, gentle invitations. It was striking to see how willingly young people stepped out of their comfort zones when they felt safe and seen.
Taking the approach home
I hope this training has empowered the Ukrainian psychologists to carry this approach back home, where so many young people face not only the usual pressures of adolescence but also the daily reality of primary and secondary traumatic experiences. In a context where youth-friendly mental-health services remain limited and stigma persists, their work is urgently needed.
The five days in Rzeszów were a reminder of how much can be achieved when empathy, expertise, and practical tools come together. I was reminded that even during war, displacement, and trauma, young people flourish when they feel seen, heard, and safe.
And that, perhaps, is what Mind the Future is really about.
