Somerset man brings aid and mental health support to Ukraine

A man delivering aid to Ukraine says he is worried people are "forgetting" what is happening in the war-torn country.

Ben Allen from Barton St David first went to Ukraine in March 2022, when the conflict between Russia and Ukraine broke out.

He is going back on Thursday, to deliver food, help with evacuations, and set up mental health support.

"It feels like people are forgetting or wanting to sweep it under the carpet," he told BBC Radio Somerset.

"It's incredible to see that the help is already dwindling now," Mr Allen added.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 as part of what it called a "special military operation".

"There are residents, mostly older people, who remain on the frontlines but are almost forgotten about," Mr Allen said.

"We're helping them with food. It's our presence that helps as well. People see us and know there is a solidarity. They can see people from Europe still care."

He said he is in the process of setting up mental health support groups for men with Roman Onishchenko, who lives in Kyiv.

Mr Onishchenko said: "Ben's efforts in sharing insights on trauma treatment approaches from the UK have been invaluable.

"The ongoing conflict has inflicted a significant psychological toll on the population.

"People here are deeply affected by the conflict, like soldiers' families, children, refugees, and war survivors with trauma. Some of the problems are so hidden that it's really hard to allocate them.

"It's true that some Ukrainians may feel overlooked by Europe, but we still believe that there is tremendous potential for solidarity and collaboration between the EU and Ukraine."

"Men have a difficulty approaching mental health professionals," Mr Allen added. "It's great being part of the solution rather than the problem. To be helping rather than just watching from the side lines."

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