First ‘Blue Haven for Ukraine’ centre opens in Lviv to support mental health of police officers
On 22 July, the first ‘Blue Haven for Ukraine’ (BHU) station officially opened in Lviv, Ukraine, a purpose-built space offering structured psychological and peer support to police officers and their families.
The centre was opened as part of the ‘Blue Haven for Ukraine’ project, officially launched in November 2024. It is a joint initiative between EUAM Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine, and Dutch partners including the Dutch National Police, ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, and Blue Haven Rotterdam. Funded by the Government of the Netherlands, the programme adapts proven EU mental health support models to meet the unique demands of wartime policing in Ukraine.
“Mental health is not just a component of recovery – it is the foundation of strength, capacity, and long-term success,” said Rolf Holmboe, Head of Mission at EUAM Ukraine. “This initiative is about protecting those who protect others.”
The Blue Haven facility offers professional psychological services, including eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing and the ‘7 Roses’ method, and peer-based recovery practices such as Buddy Support and Team Collegial Support. These services are delivered in a dedicated environment where confidentiality, compassion, and connection are prioritised.
The programme also supports the integration of veterans as mental health advocates within the police system.
The centre in Lviv is the first of several planned locations. Additional BHU facilities are scheduled to open in Kyiv, Rivne, and Vinnytsia, with mobile psychological support units in development to serve frontline and de-occupied areas.
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