Skip to content

Road of Hope

Menu

Open Dialogue #3 explored the emotional weight of war and integration challenges in Amsterdam

by Rik Moors 
Road of Hope held the third and final event of its Open Dialogue series on Tuesday, October 7 at TreeHouse NDSM, with a focus on the question: How do you carry the weight of war while integrating? 

The Open Dialogue series is designed to create a safe space to speak about integration in temporary conditions and let partcipants to speak truthfully about their experiences. 

This third edition placed a spotlight on psychological strain, the isolation of living in temporary housing, and the emotional complexities of navigating life in a new society, bringing together municipal mental health professionals, organisations, and temporarily displaced Ukrainians.

Mental health under pressure: uncertainty and trauma

Speakers from the Municipality of Amsterdam and the OPORA Foundation’s Empatia programme described the most pressing mental health crises facing displaced Ukrainians in the Netherlands. 

Conrad Kockert from Municipality of Amsterdam (left) and Olga Korol fom Empatia Programme.

Merel van der Putten-Anten, project leader for social affairs and mental health at the municipality, described a pattern of “stress, traumatic experiences, PTSD, and anxiety” that has persisted for displaced Ukrainians over the past three years. 

The temporary protection status awarded to the thousands of displaced Ukrainians in Amsterdam offers shelter but little long-term clarity, which can exacerbate the situation. “Integration requires a long-term vision,” van der Putten-Anten said. “Without it, people cannot feel stable.”

The Empatia team, represented by external relations programme manager Olga Korol and psychologist and team coordinator Maryna Zavhorodnia, supports Ukrainians through psycho-social programmes that are culturally sensitive and trauma-informed. 

Zavhorodnia, who holds a PhD in psychology and has worked across education and clinical settings for over 17 years, highlighted how mental distress can take many forms, especially in unstable housing conditions.

“When you walk into one of the shared shelters, you can immediately feel the difference,” she said. “A lack of privacy affects mental health. In private rooms, people report much more peace of mind.”

Basic needs are an ongoing concern. “In one research survey in Amsterdam, people were asked what help they wanted for emotional or mental health problems,” Korol said. “Most said they didn’t want help … they just wanted a good night’s sleep.”

Speakers raised particular concerns about the mental wellbeing of children and teenagers. With many parents under stress and few childcare options, young people are often left unsupervised.

Children at risk and invisible households

“We know that some Ukrainian children are not going to school, and we don’t know who’s looking after them,” said Kockert. “This generation already lived through COVID, and now they face more educational gaps. It’s worrying.”

Zavhorodnia added that teenagers often continue to attend Ukrainian schools online, disconnected from Dutch society and unmotivated to learn the local language. “They don’t see a future here. We need more programmes that help them build relationships and resilience … We must find ways to reach children who only speak Ukrainian. They need to know who to call. They need to know they are not alone.”

When incidents involve abuse or unsafe conditions, Kockert advised contacting Stichting Veilig Thuis, which handles domestic and child safety concerns with translators available. In urgent situations, people are encouraged to call the police, who are required to respond. Parents or children can also contact Jeugdzorg, the youth protection services.

Dealing with discrimination and safety concerns

Audience members shared their experiences of verbal abuse, police violence, and rising tensions in public spaces. Patricia Barendregt, founder and director of Road of Hope, said it was vital to speak out.

“This sense of unsafety is increasing,” she said. “Some people react with aggression, and we need to know about these incidents. Don’t be silent. Report it. Talk to us. We can help you process these situations, so you don’t carry it alone.”

Empatia also provides guidance on navigating legal systems and knowing one’s rights. “There is combined psychological and legal training,” said Korol. “People can ask questions and learn where to go.”

From coping to connection: what support systems look like

Conrad Kockert, programme coordinator for refugee mental health support at the Municipality of Amsterdam, described the local framework of assistance. 

Mental health coaches are available in shelters; nurses from the municipal health service (GGD) offer addiction support; and Ukrainian-speaking psychologists are available through standard Dutch health insurance, which includes psychological services at no additional cost.

Language classes and cultural orientation programmes also play a role in long-term wellbeing. “It’s not mandatory for Ukrainians to take Dutch classes, but speaking the language does help,” said van der Putten-Anten. “We also offer a cultural habits programme to help people understand their new surroundings.”

Meanwhile, the Empatia programme has developed targeted workshops for different groups. Adults take part in stress and uncertainty management sessions, while teenagers attend classes on self-awareness and emotional regulation, and there are sessions for parents and older people. One such session, titled Wellbeing at an Elegant Age, helps retired individuals build resilience and social connection.

But despite these services, many people do not know where to turn to. “People in shelters often don’t know what’s available,” said Korol. “That’s why we work with location managers to make sure they actively share this information.”

There are also challenges in reaching those living outside shelters. An estimated 2,000 Ukrainians in Amsterdam live in private homes or other accommodation. Due to privacy regulations, they can be difficult to locate or contact. During the session, the host, Alina Bielun, prompted a shift in focus by raising a question about Ukrainians living outside shelters, an issue she knows firsthand, as she is among them. She highlighted that the Together project continues to maintain contact with the New-West community outside shelters and runs the Rootless initiative, which seeks to reach all displaced Ukrainians in the Netherlands, both inside and outside formal locations.

“We only reach these people if they contact us first,” Kockert said. He encouraged Ukrainians living outside shelters to email the municipality directly at ukraine@amsterdam.nl. 

Finding resilience through purpose and community

Throughout the discussion, speakers returned to the question of how to rebuild life while carrying trauma. Zavhorodnia offered an example of resilience drawn from her work.

“The most resilient group of Ukrainians I have known in Amsterdam was a group of elderly women. They met regularly to knit socks, which they then sent to soldiers in Ukraine. In that act, they supported each other, found purpose, and stayed connected to their identity. They gave, and through giving, they grew stronger.”

Korol shared her own experience as a recent arrival. “I volunteered a lot when I came. It helped me feel useful and gave me energy. It’s not just about being helped; it’s about being able to help others, too.”

The event closed with a reflection from Zavhorodnia, addressed to those struggling with their sense of identity and belonging:

“When you are displaced, you don’t just lose your house. You lose a part of yourself. Integration is not a straight line. It moves inside of you, and it reflects on the outside. Sometimes those waves flow together. Sometimes they crash. But you are not only a refugee. You are the whole universe. And it is important to find people who see that.”

If you or someone you know needs support, the following services are available: