On 15 August, the Cabinet of Ministers allocated EUR 13 509 to the Health and Sports Centre of the Ministry of the Interior and the State Security Agency from the funds earmarked for the implementation of the measures provided for in the Law on Support of the Civilian Population of Ukraine to cover the expenses incurred by these institutions for the provision of a psychological support course to the officers of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
From 5 June 2023 to 16 June 2023, the Health and Sports Centre of the Ministry of the Interior, Dzintari Unit, Jurmala, provided a 12-day psychological support course to 40 Ukrainian State Border Guard Service officers enrolled in the first group. The State Security Agency provided accommodation for the participants during this period. A total of 100 officials are expected to receive support by 22 December this year.
During the psychological support course, Ukrainian State Border Guard Service officers participate in tailor-made psychological and sports activities in groups and individually, and are provided with accommodation and catering services.
One of the prerequisites for the successful performance of duties in different situations is the physical and mental health of individuals, and their ability to preserve and maintain it, but in Ukraine, due to the emergency situation, the war and the lack of resources, it is not possible to provide psychological support to officials to restore their emotional balance and their ability to perform their duties.
In December last year, State Border Guard officials travelled to Ukraine to familiarize themselves with the current situation in Ukraine in the context of Russian aggression, to obtain information on the tasks of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine in a crisis situation and to develop cooperation in strengthening the capabilities of the Latvian and Ukrainian border guard institutions in war conditions. During the visit, the representatives of the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service made a request for psychological assistance support, as the officials of the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service are not only physically and emotionally traumatized, but also emotionally exhausted.
Therefore, on 25 April, the Cabinet of Ministers issued an Order “Amendment to the Cabinet of Ministers Order No. 966 of 21 December 2022 “On the Plan of Measures for the Provision of Support to Ukrainian Civilians in the Republic of Latvia for 2023”, adding a new measure “Provision of a Psychological Support Course for Ukrainian State Border Guard Service Officials”.
Prepared by:
Ministry of the Interior
Communication Department