Cedric Waitere calls in to the studio to chat about leading an initiative to address a unique yet critical need in war-torn Ukraine. Originally from Whaingaroa, Cedric is now in Kyiv, supporting international volunteers with essential aid while focusing on an overlooked crisis: the mental health toll on foreign aid workers and soldiers operating on Ukraine’s frontlines.
For months, Cedric has witnessed the trauma experienced by those assisting Ukraine’s resistance, often with limited psychological support. He describes it as similar to the impacts of PTSD seen in veterans of World Wars, where both military personnel and civilians bear the scars of conflict.
Cedric says that volunteers in Ukraine give their all and often return home traumatised, with little to no support. Some have tragically died by suicide after returning from the frontlines. Recognising the urgent need for mental health services, Cedric is working to establish a remote counselling network to support these volunteers.
A Global Initiative for Counselling Support
The solution Cedric is working on involves creating a network of professional trauma counsellors worldwide to provide free, remote sessions for aid workers. He envisions qualified counsellors volunteering a few hours each week over messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal (call or text) to assist those facing severe emotional challenges after months on the frontlines.
Cedric is calling on New Zealand counsellors, particularly those with trauma or crisis experience, to lend a hand. “Retired counsellors can play a vital role here, as they may have more flexibility to donate their time,” he says, while stressing that anyone with suitable qualifications is encouraged to join.
Cedric’s appeal is extending across the Tasman and beyond, with several US-based counsellors already on board. His focus is on supporting English-speaking volunteers, though the need for Ukrainian-speaking support for locals remains high.
“We aim to make this service sustainable and accessible to volunteers who often feel isolated,” says Cedric. While some local services offer one free session, he believes this is inadequate given the depth of trauma involved.
Life at the Frontlines
Currently stationed in Kyiv, Cedric is preparing for his most dangerous mission yet, bringing aid to newly liberated regions in Kherson - 500 metres from Russian positions across the Dnipro River. Despite the constant risk from artillery fire and drones, Cedric’s focus remains firmly on his mission.
Supported by donations from New Zealand, Cedric’s work not only provides essential supplies but now offers crucial mental health support to those in the conflict zones.
How to Support Cedric’s Mission
Cedric’s request is straightforward: if you are a qualified counsellor with trauma or crisis experience and can volunteer remotely, please reach out. Setting up an online counselling session is simple, yet the impact can be profound.
Counsellors interested in volunteering can contact Cedric via WhatsApp or Signal on his New Zealand number: +64 21 08 7725 20. He is also reachable on social media or by email at Cedric.Waitere@gmail.com.
Cedric expresses gratitude to the Sweetman, Waitere, and Ripia whānau, Yuri Gladwin of the Ukrainian Waikato Association in Hamilton, and everyone who has supported his mission so far.
With winter on its way, Cedric not only faces Ukraine’s brutal cold but also the daunting task of building an international counselling network from scratch. He is fundraising for essentials like a quality sleeping bag and winter clothing to help him through the months ahead.
For those who wish to support Cedric’s efforts, donations can be sent to his bank account: 38-9016-0854538-00.