Wellbeing workshop for people affected by Ukraine war

Thursday 31 March 2022

Islanders who have been affected by the war in Ukraine are being encouraged to attend the third and final session of a free wellbeing workshop this evening [31 March].

The Healing, Resilience & Empowerment workshop was organised by St Peter Port Douzenier Evita Bormane, Health Connections and The Art of Living Guernsey.

Ms Bormane said anyone is welcome and that attendance at the previous sessions is not a requirement to attend tonight. 

Pictured: details of the workshop have been posted online. 

“There have been five weeks of war so far and it doesn’t get any easier to deal with, but it is most likely going to continue for a long time and we need to find ways to be able to get through it,” said Ms Bormane.

“Personally, I think the situation still feels surreal, like a bad dream, and that I’ll wake up and everything will be ok, but I need to change that mindset because it is going to take generations before things return to normal.

“Times like this are the most important times to come together and support one another. There is a saying that 'when you share happiness, it doubles and when you share sadness, it halves'; I think that saying is extremely accurate."

Pictured: Ms Bormane raised funds for Ukraine by selling donuts in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Ms Bormane works at Bouche and has organised fundraisers in the café including a bake sale and donation jar.

“I have found that people who come into Bouche have wanted to talk about Ukraine and it’s something that is at the forefront of people’s minds,” she said.

“The workshop is in place to continue these kinds of conversations and are for anyone who might be sad, worried or anxious.

“Everyone has different ways of coping, but if people think they might benefit from the workshop I would encourage them to come along.”

Pictured: healing workshops may be offered. 

Ms Bormane said the workshop "is just the beginning”.

“Health Connections has kindly provided the venue free of charge for continued use, so we are looking at putting together other events to help islanders who may be struggling,” she said.

“A group of healers have expressed that they would be willing to hold sessions free of charge if there is interest from the public so that is something we are looking in to.”

The workshop will take place at 18:00 tonight at Health Connections in St Peter Port.