From Ukraine to Cardiff: Vira's Journey

As she graduates with an MSc in Health Psychology, Vira Shcherbakova reflects on her difficult but inspiring journey from Ukraine to Cardiff Metropolitan University.

I am originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Before the war, I was a practising psychologist, running my own practice, raising my family and building a life I loved. In February 2022, everything changed. When the full-scale invasion began, my family spent six days hiding in a basement without electricity, water or any certainty about what would happen next. Eventually, we made the heartbreaking decision to leave our home and seek safety.

Like many Ukrainians, we arrived in the United Kingdom facing an uncertain future and the challenge of rebuilding our lives. What I did not know then was that Wales would become not only a place of safety, but a place of opportunity, support and belonging.

The early years were incredibly difficult. Displacement meant losing not just our home, but professional identity, social status and the confidence that comes from knowing where you belong. My children had to adapt to a new language, education system and culture. Watching them struggle was one of the hardest parts of our journey.

At the same time, I was determined to rebuild my career. I began working in my very first week in the UK, initially as a yoga instructor, then as a Pupil Engagement Officer supporting vulnerable young people, and later as a RISE Advisor working with women affected by domestic abuse and trauma.

Alongside work and family life, I decided to return to higher education and pursue an MSc in Health Psychology at Cardiff Met. Studying was one of the greatest challenges of my life: there were evenings spent studying after putting my children to bed, early mornings preparing assignments before work, but each challenge strengthened my determination.

My dissertation explored the barriers and facilitators to mental health and psychosocial support for war-affected Ukrainian women living in the UK. This research was deeply personal. Through listening to other displaced women, I learned that recovery is not only about physical safety. People need understanding, trust, culturally sensitive support and, above all, a sense of belonging.

The research highlighted how language barriers, financial pressures, stigma and uncertainty can prevent access to support, while kindness, strong community connections and services in a person’s own language can make a profound difference.

Today, I am proud to be starting a new chapter as a Youth Mental Health Practitioner in CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), supporting children and young people within mental health services. This role represents rebuilding my professional identity and transforming lived experience into meaningful support for others.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped me at Cardiff Met, especially my tutor Dr Heidi Seage and my supervisor Dr Mike Wells, and to my family – my husband, Vadym, and my children, Mykyta and Milana – who shared every challenge and achievement. Four years ago, I arrived in Wales searching for safety. Today, I graduate with resilience, belonging and a new beginning.