Creative therapies for better mental health

Psychosocial support is essential for those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine

Heavy fighting, shelling and airstrikes across Ukraine have had devastating consequences for civilians. 5 million people have fled the country in recent weeks, with millions more projected, and many more have had to leave their homes to escape the fighting.

Alongside direct humanitarian assistance, World Vision is working to provide psychosocial support to children and families affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

What is art therapy?

People of all ages find that being creative helps their mental health. In the UK, the main creative therapies available are centred around dance, drama, music or visual art.

According to Mind, "Arts and creative therapies may be helpful if you find it difficult to put your thoughts and feelings into words. They may also help with addressing painful feelings or experiences, including experiences of trauma."

Creative therapies for children from Ukraine

World Vision Georgia is facilitating music and dance therapy sessions with children and adults from Ukraine who initially arrived in Georgia as tourists but now find themselves caught up in a refugee crisis.

Due to the conflict in Ukraine, these children and their families are not able to return to their homes and are staying in accommodation provided by the Government.

The benefits of arts therapies

The sessions take place in one of the hotel's child friendly environments twice a week. The activities aim to reduce stress and express feelings and emotions through music and dance.

The sessions are also encouraging socialisation and integration into the new environment for children.

Music and dance therapies are adaptable and inclusive as they do not require existing skills or experience. There is no right or wrong way to express yourself through sound or movement and the equipment used in these sessions is accessible and simple to use.

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