We provide psychological care for people in Japan, including those who fled Ukraine
Challenges
Improvement of insight and coordination in mental health care
People with refugee and evacuee backgrounds, including those from the Ukraine crisis, arrive in Japan already carrying traumas, furthermore, with the additional stress of starting a life in Japan, we can say that mental health care is essential for them. We implement various activities so they can have a space to consult with someone before their problems get critical, feel safe to live in Japan, and thrive in the environment.
What we do
Creating an emotional space where everyone feels safe
We provide mental health care support, for mainly people who have fled Ukraine, and emotional space to feel hopeful about their life in Japan.
Provide psychological care, and create tools etc.
Carrying out individual and group counseling for people who have fled Ukraine, implementing art therapy, and developing counseling tools using the providers’ educational and digital backgrounds.
Survey on mental health
Since the Ukraine crisis, we have carried out regular mental health surveys, and we present them at a public event annually in February
Livelihood support including employment support
Employment at Kokorogoto Cafe (Shibuya/Aoyama) and employment matching support at a monthly networking event
Pledge
Enhancing Mental Health Support for Ukrainian Refugees in Japan
Japanese Organization of Mental Health and Educational Agencies, Ukraine Mental Health Interaction Center - Shibuya Himawari - , in collaboration with Welcome Japan , are dedicated to enhancing the mental health care support provided to Ukrainian refugees residing in Japan. Recognizing the immense challenges faced by refugees, especially in the realm of mental health, we are committed to documenting and disseminating the best practices and lessons learned. Our initiative includes: 1. Casebook Creation: We will compile a comprehensive casebook detailing the mental health care support provided to Ukrainian refugees in Japan. This casebook will serve as a valuable resource for organizations, governments, and other stakeholders involved in refugee support. 2. Capacity Building Workshops: Leveraging the insights and knowledge from the casebook, we will conduct 10 workshops aimed at capacity building. These workshops will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively address the mental health needs of refugees. Our pledge aims to benefit Ukrainian refugees in Japan, ensuring they receive the necessary mental health support to lead fulfilling lives. By sharing our findings and best practices, we hope to inspire and guide other entities in their efforts to support refugees.
Members
- Mariko Ukiyo
Representative Director, Japanese Organization of Mental Health and Educational Agencies
Representative, Ukraine Mental Health Interaction Center - Himawari - - Iryna Makovska
Tokyo/Shibuya Leader, Ukraine Mental Health Interaction Center - Himawari - - Keiko Takamizo
Director & Secretary General Representative Director, Japanese Organization of Mental Health and Educational Agencies
Secretariat, Ukraine Mental Health Interaction Center - Himawari -
