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LUMINARY
YOUTH
INITIATIVE
By
Refugees
For Refugees
The Refugee Luminary Youth Initiative (RLYI) was born out of the urgent need to support Ukrainian refugees following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This conflict triggered one of the largest refugee crises in Europe since World War II, displacing millions of people, with a significant number seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Poland. Many of these refugees, especially youth and families, have faced immense trauma due to the war, including the loss of homes, separation from loved ones, and exposure to violence.
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As the crisis unfolded, it became clear that the psychological toll of the war would have long-lasting effects on refugees, particularly those who experienced intense stress, fear, and uncertainty. These circumstances created a critical need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to help displaced individuals manage trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The lack of adequate mental health resources, compounded by language barriers and cultural differences, further exacerbated the problem.
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The initiative not only focuses on providing psychological assistance but also emphasizes empowering Ukrainian youth to take leadership roles in supporting their communities. RLYI integrates the Mental Health Rescuers (MHR) Program, which delivers comprehensive psychological care to refugees.
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RLYI's mission goes beyond immediate mental health care—it seeks to foster resilience and empower young refugees to become advocates and leaders in their own right, helping to rebuild the emotional and mental well-being of their communities in the face of ongoing conflict and displacement.
In Partnership With
The UNHCR has provided critical support to the Refugee Luminary Youth Initiative (RLYI) in conducting Mental Health Rescuers (MHR) workshops for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the displacement of millions of Ukrainians has brought about immense psychological strain, with refugees facing trauma, uncertainty, and emotional distress. Recognizing the urgent need for mental health and psychosocial support, UNHCR partnered with RLYI to help address the mental health challenges experienced by refugees.
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The MHR workshops focus on providing psychological assistance, trauma-informed care, and emotional support to Ukrainian refugees, particularly youth and families. These workshops create safe spaces where refugees can openly discuss their experiences, learn coping mechanisms, and receive guidance on managing stress, anxiety, and depression. The workshops also emphasize community resilience, enabling participants to support one another and strengthen mental well-being within their refugee communities.
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UNHCR's support of these workshops demonstrates its commitment to protecting the mental health of displaced individuals and helping them navigate the challenges of displacement. Through this collaboration, RLYI and UNHCR are making strides in addressing the long-term psychological impacts of the war and fostering resilience among Ukrainian refugees.
