Volunteer Week Svitlana's Story

Hi, I’m Svitlana — and here’s a little bit about me.

Three years ago, I arrived in the UK with my young son, fleeing the war in Ukraine. Before the war, I worked as a Chief Specialist in the Department of Youth and Sports at the Kremenchuk City Council. Shortly before the full-scale invasion, I also founded a non-profit organisation focused on supporting mental health in our community. We had a small but passionate team and an office in the heart of the city, where we provided psychological support to those in need.

When the war began, we did everything we could to help people displaced from occupied regions. Kremenchuk became a place of temporary refuge — until it too became unsafe. After four months of constant air raid sirens and explosions, I made the difficult decision to leave Ukraine with my son.

I’m grateful that my husband encouraged us to go to the UK. The kindness, support, and humanity we found here were truly life-changing.

When we arrived, I didn’t speak a word of English. It was a very difficult time for both of us. I still remember crying with my son as I tried to teach him how to say “I want to go to the toilet” — because he couldn’t ask for help at nursery. But step by step, things got better. Today, my English is still not perfect, but my son speaks like a native!

I have a Master’s degree in Psychology, with distinction, and mental health has always been a huge part of my life and values. That’s why, as soon as I could, I started volunteering in the UK. My first step was with Lichfield District City of Sanctuary, where I organised an art therapy group for Ukrainian children. I also helped plan community events to support refugees and build connection through creativity and culture.

Last summer, I was proud to take part in the Fuse Festival, where we showcased and sold artwork created by the children in our sessions. The proceeds were used to buy Ukrainian books for local libraries — it was a joyful, meaningful project that brought people together across languages and borders.

I also volunteer with Lichfield Litter Legends, a local group dedicated to keeping the city and surrounding areas clean and beautiful. In our free time, we organise litter picks and care for the environment we now call home. A couple of years ago, together with other volunteers, we created a flowerbed in the centre of Lichfield with a small plaque that carries a message of gratitude from Ukrainians to the people of Lichfield.

It was a simple gesture, but it meant a lot — a way to say thank you for the kindness and support we’ve received.

Around six months ago, I began volunteering with Staffordshire Network for Mental Health (SNfMH), and I truly feel like I found my second family there. The team is incredible — warm, supportive, and deeply passionate about what they do. Thanks to them, I’ve completed a number of trainings and earned various certificates, including Mental Health First Aid, First Aid, Train the Trainer, and many more.

I’ve also represented SNfMH at various events across Staffordshire. These opportunities allowed me to grow professionally and personally, expand my knowledge, and connect with people who care deeply about wellbeing, inclusion, and community support.

Volunteering helped me rebuild my identity and confidence. It gave me a sense of purpose and a new beginning in a country that welcomed me with open arms. I believe that giving back, even in small ways, is how we heal — both ourselves and the world around us.