The Background

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Harmony in Health piloted free wellbeing workshops to displaced Ukrainian women across the Southeast of England. 

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Having co-designed activities with them, consulted with partners/participants, and rigorously evaluated our work’s impact, we know that Ukrainian women’s health and wellbeing is worsening as the effects of the trauma of displacement have progressed from the initial shock felt in the first year, to high levels of depression, anxiety, stress, crippling uncertainty, isolation and new losses within families and friends, and in many cases, no means to deal with this - given the language and cost barriers, and lack of accessible expert help.​

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We sought feedback from the women who attended our pilot workshops, and they told us that our well-being activities stand out as truly unique and impactful. Our quantitative and qualitative research was carried out over the last 24 months before, during and after Harmony in Health Wellbeing Workshops with Ukrainian women in Woking, Richmond, and Hammersmith and Fulham. Women reported challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep issues, panic attacks, bereavement, and personal crises.

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• 100% felt calmer after taking part in the workshop

• 100% said the group helped them understand and manage their emotions and thoughts better

• 95% reported feeling ‘happy’ after the workshop, (and 5% feeling ‘average’).   Before the workshop only 20% of participants reported feeling ‘happy’

• 85% say they learnt something about looking after their own wellbeing after just one workshop

• 100% said they would recommend the group to others

• 83% felt the group improved their interpersonal skills and relationships.

• 90% of participants said this work will definitely contribute to community wellbeing (and 10% that it could possibly contribute)

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Ukrainian women reported that the work is urgently needed because:

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• ​“It joins community together and helps to find harmony and calm”

• “It helps people forget about daily problems and find a lot of useful information”

• “It brings people together and helps them relax and gain confidence”

• “It enhances self-awareness and self-esteem”

• “The work is very significant.  It helps people be healthy and improves mood”

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Extensive consultation has been conducted by our Community Engagement Officer Doctor Eleni Tsiompanou with: 

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• The Lighthouse Ukrainian Hub, Woking (115 women)

• Richmond Ukrainian Club (32 women)

• Hammersmith and Fulham Ukrainian Community (partner contacts)

• Atmasfera (Ukrainian musical ensemble) (7 musicians)

• Community/local authority members (47 people)

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​Findings include: 

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• No similar activities exist, these activities are wanted and needed urgently

• A preventative approach to health and wellbeing is paramount, which the unique blend of Harmony in Health’s team of experts provides (doctors, musicians, health consultants and Alexander Technique Practitioners)

• The provision offered is unique to the women and the space where the workshops will take place, improving and enhancing the heart of community spaces.

• The project will enable us to continue co-creating content and to design events together, placing the community themselves at the heart of the design/delivery process.​