Reducing stress, and improving mood and self-expression of people – also these are the main goals of music therapy in supporting people's mental health.

Group session "Bubnovačka" in Humanitarian Centre in Gabčíkovo. Photo © International Organization for Migration (IOM) 2023.

IPčko, IOM's implementing partner in the provision of mental health and psychosocial support to people from Ukraine, has been working with Ukrainian refugees in the Humanitarian Centre in Gabcikovo for several months in order to support their mental health. One of the recent activities for refugees has been a group music therapy session with drums, bongos and percussions, called “Bubnovačka”. The first group session of drum playing took place in February 2023.

Music therapy is an effective intervention for mental health support. It helps to reduce anxiety, offers emotional relief, and facilitates life-affirming social interactions. Music therapy and playing the drums also have a positive effect on the elimination of trauma symptoms and it also contributes to processing traumatic experiences in a more effective way.

Also, clients enhance their interpersonal and soft skills. They learn to perceive each other, listen to and communicate with each other. Being able to name and express their feelings in a safe place is also an important skill that helps to strengthen their mental well-being.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, IOM alongside with IPčko has provided mental health help and psychosocial assistance to more than 8,100 people who fled the conflict to Slovakia. Another drum session "Bubnovačka" is planned to take place in March 2023.

With the support of: