Psychological recovery in Sweden
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Our work with psychological recovery projects for Ukrainian medics started in Sweden. Since December 2022 we have conducted multiple projects here, and plan to hold even more going forwards.

Sweden is a country that has shown continuous support, concrete actions, and unconditional love to Ukraine and our people. The attitude and the reception from the people we meet gives the impression of a powerful partner ready to support us, as long as it takes.

Our partnerships have enabled us to visit multiple cities, such as Stockholm, Norrtälje, Ystad, Kramfors, and Gothenburg.

The Repower projects have been recognised within the Swedish state administration, where Ukraine’s experiences are valued as important lessons learned in a tough time. A testament to this is the multiple visits and encounters our participants have had with Swedish Minister of Defence, Pål Jonson, and representatives of the Swedish government, parliament as well as governmental authorities.

It makes it clear that we have support and the feeling that the whole world stands united with us! During these meetings our participants share the most pressing needs within their field, and valuable insights regarding 21st century modern warfare.

A constant part of the program in our projects is to learn about our Ukrainian history and our roots, which are tightly bonded with Sweden. Swedish archives have well kept records of Ukrainian-Swedish history. Marina Trattner is a researcher who dedicated more than four years researching our shared history and the history of a sovereign Ukraine. She usually comes to host lectures on this topic that provides us with strength and inspiration to continue our fight. Another common feature of our projects is Ukrainian folk songs. They are a means to connect with our common heritage and feel the depth of our shared roots.

We believe it is important for others to take part in the experience our participants have regarding saving their brothers and sisters lives. Therefore our projects has a experience exchange component where Ukrainian and Swedish doctors and medics meet to  exchange experiences.

We have had the privilege of collaborating with hospitals in the local area of the places we have arranged our projects. Amongst others we have been to  Karolinska universitetssjukhuset, Uppsala universitetssjukhus, Sahlgrenska universitetssjukhus, Lunds universitetssjukhus, and more. Presentations from our participants detail their everyday work environment, and their Swedish colleagues can voice their questions and learn.

The possibility to take part in the culture of the local country is a well needed distraction from the realities of everyday life. To be able to immerse yourself into a world of art, history and culture brings your thoughts to something else for a while. It broadens your perception, and gives new perspectives on life.

The calm places which the Swedish scenery offers, create a foundation for relaxation and reflection. This reduces our participants anxiety and internal tensions.

Sweden is full of people who take initiative and offer the knowledge they possess, contacts, and resources. Meetings between our Ukrainian medics and Swedish companies, as well as NGOs is a vital part of our projects. Organisations such as Apotea, Blågula Bilen, Operation Change, AddLife, Quartermaster for Ukraine, Swedish Rescuers and many more, are partners who often are a part of and visit our projects. Additionally we have our friends at the Nordic Ukraine Forum, who helped us arrange charity dinners on multiple occasions in Stockholm, a prerequisite to be able to make our projects happen.