In the field of psychological support for veterans and their families, the Charitable Fund "International Association for Support of Ukraine" closely collaborates with the UK’s leading veteran mental health charity “COMBAT STRESS”.
At the invitation of the Charitable Fund "International Association for Support of Ukraine", Dr. Walter Busuttil, a consultant psychiatrist and medical director at COMBAT STRESS, visited Kyiv on October 2-3, 2017. Dr. Busuttil served for 16 years in the Royal Air Force, working on fast-jet air bases and participating in operational deployments. He played a crucial role in establishing mental health rehabilitation programs for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for servicemen returning from the First Gulf War. He was also part of the clinical team that rehabilitated released British hostages from Beirut. From 1997 to 2007, he helped establish tertiary services for complex PTSD in civilian mental health services within general adult and forensic settings.
During his visit to Kyiv, Dr. Busuttil conducted a two-day training session for psychologists, sharing the experience and methodologies of COMBAT STRESS.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Busuttil, at the initiative of the Charitable Fund "IASU" conducted an online course titled "Psychology of the Modern Veteran Family" for psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers. This course attracted participants not only from Ukraine but also from Austria, Canada, and the USA.