Strength in Solidarity: Buddy Support Training Launched in Lviv
April 02, 2025
A new phase in strengthening psychological support for Ukraine’s police began this week in Lviv, where a training-of-trainers (ToT) course on Buddy Support was officially launched.
Maura O’Sullivan, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine, opened the training, which brings together police officers from across the country. The course is part of the Dutch-funded Blue Haven for Ukraine project, which aims to address stress-related symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among officers serving their communities under the strain of the ongoing war.
Over the next three months, police officers from various regions of Ukraine are expected to receive training in collegial and team-based support. Once back in their units, they will share their expertise, helping to create local support networks across the National Police of Ukraine (NPU).
“We often hear about bravery on the frontlines. But sometimes, bravery is simply asking a colleague if they’re OK,” said one of the training participants. “Those conversations might seem small, but they can be the lifeline someone needs.”
In her opening remarks, Maura O’Sullivan emphasised the importance of mental health, psychological and social support within the law-enforcement agencies, which becomes only more acute in these challenging times. “Please remember that your strength is the strength of your country,” she said, underlining the connection between the individual resilience of the police officers and the well-being of the people in their communities.
The Blue Haven project contributes to establishing a lasting mental health and psychosocial support system within the NPU, built around trust, communication and professional care from within the force.
During her visit to Lviv, the EUAM Deputy Head also met with staff at the Mission’s Field Office. Discussions focused on ongoing efforts in the region and the Mission’s vision for future engagement in support of Ukrainian law enforcement.
