Always on
This project successfully funded on 11th November 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
Photo therapy for Ukrainian veterans with PTSD
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Aim
WIN ART: by helping Ukrainian veterans transform trauma through photography! RE/FRAME therapy project.
The Silent Crisis
Right now, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian veterans are fighting a second war — this time against PTSD, depression, and isolation. Traditional therapy can't scale to meet this overwhelming need. But we have a solution that works.
Who We Are
We are Viburnum Bridge CIC (https://www.viburnumbridge.org), a UK-based nonprofit founded by Ukrainians who've witnessed the war's devastating psychological toll on our defenders. Each of our founders has family and friends living through this reality. We refuse to let those who sacrificed everything be forgotten in their struggle to heal. Our therapists have been working with vets since the first invasion in 2014, and now we want to scale the therapy efforts considerably.
Our Breakthrough Approach: RE/FRAME
Multiple studies show that photo therapy has direct and measurable impact on improving:
Self-esteem - visible accomplishments and public display help build self-worth and facilitate the acceptance of praise and criticism.
Social skills - assignments progressively encourage interaction with others, transitioning from photographing objects to engaging with people in the community.
Impulse control - mindful preparation and photographing trains patience and adherence to process, improving impulsivity and frustration intolerance.
Our therapists have developed protocols that combine the healing power of classic photo therapy with advanced therapeutic techniques for PTSD (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Exposure, Cognitive Restructuring) - creating a scalable programme that transforms how veterans process trauma.
- Accessible: No extensive clinical training required to participate
- Empowering: Veterans rediscover purpose through creative expression
- Community-based: Healing happens together, not in isolation
- Evidence-based: Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices
How RE/FRAME Works
Our 15-week journey guides veterans from trauma to transformation:
Weeks 1-2: Foundation — Online preparation with trained coaches, personalised assessment, and introduction to therapeutic photography techniques
Week 3: Immersion — In-person intensive with therapists and a veteran photographer-mentor, hands-on practice, and personal goal-setting
Weeks 4-15: Integration — Ongoing support, skill development, and preparation for public exhibitions of their photographic journey
Your Impact: Every Donation Changes a Life
- £200 provides materiel - an instant camera and film for one veteran's creative journey
- £150 covers travel and catering for one during the crucial in-person week
- £2500 funds admin costs, venue, group accommodation and basic expenses
- £5300 sponsors an entire cohort's therapy, admin costs, venue and equipment
This pilot will treat 6-8 veterans, gathering vital data to expand into a permanent healing centre serving thousands.
Why Your Support Matters Now
The mental health crisis among Ukrainian veterans is escalating daily. With established therapeutic infrastructure overwhelmed, innovative approaches like RE/FRAME are not just helpful — they're essential. Your donation today doesn't just fund therapy; it funds hope, dignity, and a path back to purposeful living.
Join Us in Transforming Trauma into Art
When veterans complete RE/FRAME, their photographs don't just document healing — they become powerful testimonies displayed in public exhibitions, breaking stigma and inspiring others to seek help.
Rewards
And since this is essentially a form of photo therapy, what can be better to award our supporters than art made by contemporary Ukrainian artists, living and creating during the war? We will be gifting 3 powerful paintings to 3 of the 30 top donors, and the #1 top donor is guaranteed to receive a painting.
Every donation brings a veteran one step closer to reclaiming their life. Will you be part of their transformation?
*100% of donations go directly toward programme delivery. Our volunteers and therapists ensure maximum impact for every pound raised.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made