Project Trauma Support extends sincere thanks to everyone who donated and supported our recent initiative in Ukraine.

Project Trauma Support and Ukrainian-Canadian project materials are displayed during the Ukraine training session.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Dr. Manuela Joannou, David Lavery, and John Tibay travelled to Lviv, Ukraine, where they delivered four days of lectures and workshops at universities in Lviv. These sessions shared the knowledge and experience Project Trauma Support has developed over the past 10 years working with Canadian military members, veterans, first responders, and others affected by trauma.

The visit created an important opportunity to connect with clinicians, students, and faculty members who are dedicated to supporting Ukrainian veterans, first responders, and civilians affected by the ongoing war. Each lecture was very well attended, and the Project Trauma Support team had many meaningful conversations with those working to help people who have been physically, morally, and psychologically injured.

Project Trauma Support representatives and Ukrainian partners gather during a workshop session in Lviv.

Because much of Project Trauma Support’s work focuses on PTSD, Moral Injury, and trauma recovery, the material was highly relevant and very well received. The hope is that this work may help support the development of a country-wide program in Ukraine to assist the many thousands of people impacted by war. The need for treatment, training, and long-term support will remain significant for years to come.

Project Trauma Support also hopes to return to Ukraine in the future to share its physician-led, mentor-driven program through a “train-the-trainer” model. This scalable and cost-effective approach could help expand access to care and support for those who need it most.

Following the visit, Project Trauma Support received a formal letter of appreciation from the Lviv State University of Life Safety. The University expressed its sincere gratitude to Dr. Manuela Joannou, David Lavery, and John Tibay for conducting the master class, “Working with First Responders and Military Members / Veterans with PTSD and Moral Injury,” for students and faculty members of the Faculty of Psychology and Social Protection on June 11, 2026.

The University noted that the master class received highly positive feedback and would contribute to the advancement of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for future professionals involved in restoring the mental health of people affected by the Russian-Ukrainian War. The letter also expressed hope for continued cooperation and collaboration with Canadian specialists in the field of psychological trauma treatment and PTSD.

A special thank you is also extended to David Lavery of Raven Rae Resources, who ensured the team’s safety while travelling across borders and into Ukraine. David also shared his powerful personal story as part of the lecture series, making a meaningful contribution to the learning experience and the conversations that followed.