Brackenbury Village Workshops Help Ukrainian Women

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Specialist therapy sessions need further funding to continue

The workshops are run by a qualified psychologist. Picture: H&F Council

February 17, 2026

A community crowdfunding campaign is raising money to deliver specialist therapy workshops for Ukrainian women in Hammersmith & Fulham who are rebuilding their lives after fleeing Russia’s invasion.

H&F Council has contributed £5,000 towards the project, but organisers say further funding is needed to ensure the next round of sessions can go ahead.

The workshops, held in Hammersmith’s Brackenbury Village, are led by a qualified Ukrainian psychologist and offer a safe, supportive space for women coping with the emotional impact of war and displacement. The sessions focus on wellbeing, confidence-building and restoring a sense of stability.

“I oversee the project's wellbeing strategy to ensure the workshops are trauma-informed and culturally sensitive,” explained Dr Eleni Tsiompanou, founder of the Harmony in Health support group. Dr Tsiompanou launched the initiative after being introduced to King Charles III at a conference.

In 2025 she ran a 12-week pilot programme that supported 43 women. Demand was so high that the sessions quickly became oversubscribed.

“This programme helped me step back into the world after a very long time indoors,” said one participant. Another added: “The weekly routine kept me going. It gave me something positive to look forward to.”

Organisers are now seeking to raise £11,000 to deliver a new programme this summer, supporting a further 50 women who are facing significant stress and uncertainty as they settle into life in the borough.

The workshops will continue to offer therapeutic activities, peer support and practical tools for managing anxiety and building resilience. A crèche will also be available to ensure mothers can attend without childcare barriers.

Since the invasion in February 2022, H&F Council has supported Ukrainian families through fundraising efforts, welcome sessions, the Homes for Ukraine scheme and advice on housing, education and local services.

The new crowdfunded workshops build on that work by giving women a dedicated space to talk, reflect and regain confidence as they rebuild their lives.

Harmony in Health is crowdfunding through Spacehive to make the next round of workshops possible, and residents are being encouraged to support the campaign.

You can support the Harmony in Health Spacehive fundraiser here.

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