Help for Ukrainian youth in Lithuania

2025 - 2026

ABOUT THE PROJECT
Unity Through Hoops

This project is a collaborative initiative between the Capital Basketball School and the Gali Būti Clinic, which aims to address the urgent physical, emotional, and social needs of young Ukrainians displaced by war. The main goal of the project, which will start in August 2025, is to ensure the well-being, community integration, and employment opportunities of these young people in Lithuania, using a holistic and structured approach.

The project combines sports training and mental health support, promoting both physical well-being and overcoming trauma, helping young people successfully integrate into Lithuanian society. Ukrainian youth who fled the war face significant challenges: psychological trauma, social isolation and difficulties with cultural adaptation. Recent data shows that many of these young people struggle with mental health problems, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and also face difficulties in finding educational and employment opportunities in Lithuania.

This project directly responds to these needs by providing structured support that combines physical activity and psychotherapy, methods proven to help overcome trauma and promote community engagement.

Unity Through Hoops 
photo from freepik
MAIN ACTIVITIES

Basketball training – A basketball camp for children is being organized in August 2025, and regular basketball training will begin after it ends.

Psychological health support – nPaid psychotherapy sessions and mindfulness group classes.

Skills development – pThe key basketball referee and secretary courses will consist of training and trial sessions, and successful completion of the qualification will be evidenced by official certificates.

Weekly soft skills training will help participants develop and strengthen teamwork, communication, conflict management, and feedback skills.

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION

Structured activities help strengthen emotional well-being, build meaningful relationships in a new community, and open pathways to employment. The project will contribute to the integration of Ukrainian youth into the local community by combining physical activity, vocational training, and psychological support.

Basketball training will not only improve physical fitness, but also promote teamwork, provide a sense of belonging, and help you integrate into local life.

Professional training for basketball referees and secretaries will provide qualifications valued in the labor market, which will open up opportunities to work in the sports sector both in Lithuania and throughout the EU.

The development of general skills, combined with personal therapy and mindfulness groups, will strengthen participants' ability to successfully navigate social and professional environments, overcome trauma, and establish strong connections with their new community.

Unity Through Hoops 
photo from freepik
Unity Through Hoops 
photo from freepik
THE ROLE OF THE “CAN BE” CLINIC

Over a 12-month period, the clinic "Gali būti" will offer various activities aimed at war-affected Ukrainian youth, helping them adapt to their new life in Lithuania:

Personal psychological consultations – qualified specialists will provide 200 personal psychotherapy sessions to Ukrainian youth.

Mindfulness sessions – 8 group activity sessions that will provide a safe space to share emotions, build a mutual support network, and develop stress management skills.

Soft skills training, designed to help you successfully navigate the social and professional environment. Training topics:

• Communication – how to express thoughts clearly and listen effectively is essential for successful teamwork.

• Teamwork – development of cooperation skills, important for professional integration and success in the labor market.

• Stress management – practical methods for dealing with work stress and maintaining efficiency.

• Problem solving and adaptation – the ability to respond flexibly to unexpected challenges and changing situations.

All sessions will be led by qualified mental health professionals, using therapeutic techniques specifically tailored to young people affected by war. Each participant will receive individualized support tailored to their psychological needs.

FINANCING

The project is funded by the European Union. However, the opinions and views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or the EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the funding institution can be held responsible for them.

PARTNERS