When facing a difficult situation, one of the most important questions is knowing where to turn for help — and how quickly to act.

For Ukrainian refugees adapting to life in Estonia, Lithuania, or Latvia, understanding local support systems can be challenging. Different organisations provide different services, and not every situation requires the same type of response.

Some circumstances require immediate emergency assistance. Others may call for urgent social support, while many challenges can be addressed through a regular consultation and careful planning.

Understanding the difference can help people access appropriate support more quickly and safely.

1. When Immediate Emergency Assistance Is Needed

Some situations cannot wait for a scheduled consultation or a response from a support organisation.

If there is an immediate threat to someone’s life, health, or safety, emergency services should be contacted without delay.

Examples include serious injuries, sudden medical emergencies, violence, an immediate threat of physical harm, or other situations requiring urgent intervention.

In Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, the emergency number is 112.

The number is available free of charge throughout the European Union and connects callers with the relevant emergency services.

It is important to remember that community organisations and social support projects, including RefAid BaltHUB, do not replace emergency medical services, police, or other emergency responders.

If someone is in immediate danger, contacting emergency services should always be the first step.

2. When Urgent Social Support Is Needed

Not every urgent situation involves an immediate medical or physical emergency.

Sometimes a person faces circumstances that require practical assistance as soon as possible.

For example, a family may suddenly lose access to accommodation, have insufficient resources for essential necessities, or experience an unexpected situation that threatens their immediate stability.

These circumstances may require urgent social support, even when emergency medical or police intervention is not necessary.

Within RefAid BaltHUB, people facing difficult life circumstances can reach out for information, consultation, and assistance in identifying available support options.

Depending on the situation and available project resources, support may include service navigation, referrals, emergency assistance, or help accessing relevant social services.

However, emergency material assistance is assessed individually and depends on eligibility, available services, and project resources. It cannot be guaranteed automatically.

The most important thing is not to postpone asking for support when an urgent need arises.

3. When a Regular Consultation May Be the Right First Step

Many challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees do not require an immediate emergency response but still deserve attention and support.

These may include questions about documents, residence registration, employment, access to healthcare or social services, government portals, language barriers, or everyday adaptation.

In such situations, a regular consultation can help clarify the problem, identify available options, and develop a practical plan for the next steps.

A person does not need to know exactly which service they require before contacting RefAid BaltHUB.

Sometimes it is enough to explain the situation in simple words:

“I need help understanding my options, but I don’t know where to begin.”

A counsellor can help clarify the request, provide relevant information, and explore possible referral or accompaniment options.

For many people, this first conversation can make an unfamiliar system easier to navigate.

What If You Are Not Sure How Urgent Your Situation Is?

It is not always easy to determine which type of assistance is needed.

A situation may seem manageable at first but become more serious over time. In other cases, uncertainty about local procedures or available services can make a problem feel overwhelming.

When deciding what to do, it may help to consider whether someone is in immediate danger, whether waiting could make the situation worse, and whether the main need is urgent intervention or information and guidance.

If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, contact emergency services.

If the situation is not an immediate emergency but you are unsure where to turn, a consultation with RefAid BaltHUB may help you identify appropriate support options.

You do not have to understand the entire support system before asking for help.

How RefAid BaltHUB Can Help

RefAid BaltHUB supports Ukrainian refugees in Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia through information, counselling, psychosocial support, service navigation, referrals, and practical assistance.

The project is implemented through cooperation between EHPV in Estonia, Association Demetra in Lithuania, and AGIHAS in Latvia.

The aim is to make support more accessible, confidential, inclusive, and responsive to people’s individual circumstances.

Every situation is different. Some people need information and guidance, while others may require more extensive assistance or referrals to specialised services.

The role of RefAid BaltHUB is to help people understand their options and identify a suitable pathway to support.

The Right Support at the Right Time

Seeking help should not require knowing exactly how the system works.

What matters is recognising when immediate action is necessary and when a consultation can help you plan the next steps.

If you or someone close to you is in immediate danger, call 112.

If your situation is not an immediate emergency, but you need information, social support, psychosocial assistance, or help navigating available services, you can reach out to RefAid BaltHUB.

Sometimes the most important first step is simply knowing where to turn.