As of February 2026, there are 40,379 Ukrainian refugees in Estonia (i.e. permanently residing in Estonia). A safe environment provides an opportunity to rebuild one's life, but the experience of war and forced migration do not disappear at the border.
The Estonian Refugee Council supports people who have suffered from the war and who have arrived in Estonia by offering counselling, training, community activities and mental health support. In 2025, approximately 4700 Ukrainians who arrived in Estonia received support from the activities of the Estonian Refugee Council, whom we supported through counselling, training, community events, mental health support, entrepreneurship and labour market programmes.
An important part of this support is the MindSpring program, structured group meetings that help participants impacted by stress and trauma and learn practical coping skills.
Group meetings create a safe space
MindSpring meetings take place in small groups and are led by trained group leaders who have a migration background themselves. A common language and cultural space help to create a trusting and supportive atmosphere where people can share their experiences and learn from each other.
Last year, 60 people participated in the MindSpring groups organised by the Estonian Refugee Council. Based on the feedback, at the end of the program, the participants felt more confident and were better able to cope with stress. They also highlighted a stronger sense of belonging and an understanding that reactions following a war experience are natural.
Separate parent groups were held, with a total of 16 women participating. Through exercises and exchange of experiences, the participants gained knowledge about emotional support and how to cope better in a new country. Mental health support helps parents create a safe and stable environment for their children, which is crucial for their development and well-being.
In October, a MindSpring group aimed at youths in Tallinn, met eight times. Adaptation in a new country, cultural norms, identity and the rights of young people were discussed. The meetings helped to increase their awareness of mental health issues and strengthened self-confidence and sense of belonging.
Mental health support is an important part of building a new life. Balance and security help people learn a language, participate in the labour market and build links with the community.
After a traumatic experience, the MindSpring program helps to:
– create a safe space for sharing feelings and experiences; – provide tools for coping with stress and anxiety; – strengthen social networks and a sense of community; – support understanding and adaptation to cultural norms in a new environment.
The impact of the war is long-term and the need for support continues. Your donation will help keep mental health support available to Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Estonia.
- By donating 43€ ($64CAD, $45USD), you support one person's for one MindSpring meeting
- By donating 345€ ($511CAD, $360USD), you support one person's for the entire program
- By donating 3450€ ($5115CAD, $3,600USD), you support the MindSpring program for 10 people
As part of the campaign, we hope to collect donations to run five MindSpring groups. Through five groups, we could offer mental health support to 50 people. To do this, we need to raise €17,250 ($25,575 CAD, $18,000 USD). Today, the help of donors is especially important so that we can continue to provide critical assistance to people who are in great need.
Four years of war have left a deep mark. Together, we can help people regain their inner balance, find confidence and build a new life. Group meetings give refugees a sense of security and help restore mental balance
Donate to those affected by the war
EERO Canada, e-transfer via: eerolaekur@gmail.com
*Please include your e-mail address where we will send you an income tax receipt.
- By credit card: www.eerocanada.com/eero-ukrainian-refugee-fund
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Kristen Västra, Pagulasabi
