Looking Back: How the “New Start” Berlin Camp Helped Medical Professionals Regain Strength
Two months ago, in December 2024, Mission Ukraine, together with its partners and with the financial support of the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS), hosted the first international “New Start” camp in Berlin, Germany. This initiative brought together Ukrainian doctors, paramedics, and first responders, offering them a much-needed space to recover from burnout, regain resilience, and connect with peers who understand the challenges of providing medical care in war zones.
Now, as we reflect on the impact of this experience, we share firsthand stories from the participants themselves—women who work tirelessly to save lives and support Ukraine’s frontline medical response.
For the participants, the Berlin camp was the first time in months—if not years—that they could focus on their own well-being. The program, designed specifically for medical professionals working with soldiers, included:
✔️ Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress
✔️ Somatic practices and breathing exercises to restore energy
✔️ Workshops on setting boundaries and preventing burnout
✔️ Outdoor activities and creative sessions for emotional renewal
✔️ Peer reflections and individual psychological consultations
The experience was transformative—not just in providing tools for stress management but in rebuilding a sense of support and shared resilience among the participants.
We invite you to hear directly from those who benefited from the program. In these videos, medical professionals share how the camp helped them regain strength, process their emotions and return to their critical work with renewed purpose.
The Berlin camp was just the beginning. Since then, the “New Start” program has continued with new camps in the Carpathian Mountains in January and February 2025. Soon, we’ll be sharing more testimonials from these experiences, highlighting how this initiative is evolving and reaching more healthcare workers in need.
Mission Ukraine remains committed to supporting those who care for others. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners—Camp Aftermath (Canada), Be an Angel Charity Foundation (Germany), and Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS)—whose support made this initiative possible.