When a person is facing a difficult situation, one of the first challenges can be simply understanding what kind of support they need.

It is not always obvious which service is relevant, which organisation to contact, or how to describe the problem in the “right” way. This can be especially difficult when adapting to life in a new country and navigating unfamiliar systems.

You do not need to have all the answers before asking for support.

Sometimes it is enough to explain what is happening in your own words. You may be having difficulties with documents, housing, healthcare, social services, work, family circumstances, or something else entirely. You may also simply feel that something is wrong but not know which service could help.

This is where consultation and navigation can be useful.

A counsellor can help clarify your situation, understand your main needs, and identify possible next steps. Depending on the circumstances, this may include information, referral to a relevant service, accompaniment, or further consultation.

The first message does not need to be detailed or perfectly formulated. It can be as simple as:

“I don’t know what kind of support I need, but I want to understand my options.”

For many people, this is already an important first step.

RefAid BaltHUB helps Ukrainians navigate available services and understand where to turn when the system feels confusing or overwhelming. The aim is not to expect a person to know the solution in advance, but to help them understand what options may be available.

If you are not sure where to begin, you can reach out for a consultation.

Sometimes support starts not with knowing exactly what you need, but simply with telling someone what is happening.