A group of Ukrainian psychologists in Britain as part of OP INTERBOW visited Veterans Aid this week to learn more about the charity’s internationally renowned wellbeing model and discuss the universal challenges of coping with trauma and recovery.
CEO of Veterans Aid, Dr Hugh Milroy, said afterwards: “VA is not a combat-oriented organisation, but the path to stability, represented by our unique Welfare to Wellbeing© pathway, has proven effective regardless of the cause of the trauma. The veteran experience is universal and knows no national or ideological boundaries. We were honored to be included in the psychologists’ visiting program and welcomed the opportunity to share our expertise in the field of post-service wellness recovery.
The visitors, accompanied by an interpreter and some of their British Army hosts, were given a tour of VA’s Victoria HQ/Operations Center and met members of the charity’s frontline team. Ranging in age, and with varying levels of professional and combat experience, they expressed interest in how VA dealt with issues as diverse as addiction, homelessness, social isolation and trauma.
Dr. Milroy and key members of his primary care team answered questions and discussed some of the complexities associated with treating both underlying and overt manifestations of anxiety. Recognizing the very real challenges faced by Ukrainian volunteers, combatants, veterans and their extended families, he spoke of the importance of both timely intervention and, in some cases, a commitment to long-term investments of time and money as components of effective recovery.
The first batch of Ukrainian medics trained for Op INTERBOW completed their course in June 2023; Five further five-week courses were completed, incorporating elements specifically aimed at the training needs of psychologists. The training, which is provided to both current and new medics of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, teaches life-saving medical techniques and strategies for providing trauma care on the battlefield. The course not only focuses on immediate needs, but also looks to a future where warriors will be veterans.
Evidence from the battlefield and requests from Ukrainian personnel have been incorporated into the program, with trainees receiving instructions on how to best optimize their own health so they are fit to fight. Students will then put their knowledge to the test in real-world battlefield scenarios, giving them the confidence to effectively apply their skills back to the front line.
So far, ten countries (Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Australia and Romania) have joined the Op INTERFLEX partnership of which OP INTERBOW is a part. More recently, Britain’s broader support package has evolved to include upskilling of Ukrainian marines, with British commandos training Ukraine’s armed forces in small-boat amphibious operations, as well as training in mine clearance by the Royal Engineers, army chaplaincy support and training in trauma response.
ENDS
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Hugh Milroy, OBE PhD, is a former RAF officer who has been CEO of Veterans Aid since 2005. He is an honorary professor of social work at the University of East Anglia and head of welfare at the World Veterans Federation.