Themes by tag: psychological support

On August 22, the “Voices Camp” will begin its fourth session in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region, offering a safe haven for children aged 10-16 who have been affected by the ongoing conflict. The camp specifically welcomes those from de-occupied and frontline areas, providing them with an environment where they can connect with peers, receive psychosocial support, and explore their talents and creativity. Over the course of two weeks, participants will have the opportunity to make new friends and begin to heal from the traumas of war.

Journalists interested in covering the camp and its activities can obtain more information through the foundation.

For context: This summer camp is organized by The Voices of Children Charitable Foundation, with financial backing from the Olena Zelenska Foundation. 

The camp’s mission is more critical than ever, as nearly half of Ukraine’s children—44%—are showing signs of potential post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a recent Future Index study.

• casualties
• children
• psychological support
• Uzhhorod

The BuhurtSich project is leveraging the medieval sport of buhurt to bolster the psychological well-being of Ukrainian military personnel. Buhurt, a team sport that simulates knightly combat in full armor or protective gear, has proven to be not only visually striking but also therapeutically beneficial, as evidenced by its impact in other countries.

In the U.S., many participants in buhurt have been former military members who credit the sport with helping them manage PTSD, overcome substance abuse, and even stave off suicidal tendencies. Beyond its physical demands, buhurt fosters a strong sense of community.

The BuhurtSich project has been active for over 10 months, attracting 171 participants to its training sessions. Among them, one veteran has even taken up blacksmithing to learn the craft of armor-making.

Journalists are invited to explore and report on this innovative initiative in Kyiv.

• casualties
• culture
• military
• psychological support
• Kyiv

The Rehabilitation in the Carpathians project was created within the framework of Zemliachky NGO’s Psychological Support for Women Defenders Project. Its purpose is to restore the psychological and emotional state of military women. The initiative is open to all female defenders.

The organizers note that the project gives women the opportunity to recharge, rest, be in a safe place among their people (“tribe” effect). It is also an opportunity to be alone with nature.

Preference in the formation of the group is given to military women who were held in captivity, as well as defenders who have worked in the combat zone for a long time, because they are the ones who need support and the opportunity to recover the most.

Over 80 women defenders have participated in the project since it was created.

Journalists have the opportunity to learn more about the peculiarities of covering the initiative.

• military
• psychological support
• women

Inspired by Nordic Therapy Gardens, this environment will debut in Kyiv with the participation of the Embassy of Denmark.

Over the past 10 weeks, a collaborative effort between Danish and Ukrainian designers—Coolville Design Lab and L Design Landscape Architecture—has brought the Nordic Therapy Garden to life.

This garden aims to alleviate stress and help individuals overcome mental trauma. By harnessing the power of nature and Scandinavian principles of sustainable design, the garden is specifically designed to facilitate interaction with nature’s healing elements for those affected by the russian invasion.

The initiative is led by renowned Danish urbanist, writer, and TV presenter Mikael Colville-Andersen.

• psychological support
• reconstruction
• Kyiv

The Sercevir Veterans’ Space has been operating remotely for over a year without a physical location. This April, the founders and participants, including military personnel, veterans, and their families, began renovating a former women’s clinic. Once completed, “Sercevir” will offer its services in-person. Currently, dismantling work is in progress. Injured soldiers, some using prostheses, are personally contributing to the renovation efforts to expedite the opening. Plans include a modern, inclusive gym, an entire floor dedicated to psychological counseling and support, legal assistance, and a children’s playroom for families to use while attending the gym or training sessions.

• casualties
• military
• psychological support
• reconstruction
• Chernihiv

Summer mountain therapy for veterans will be held in the Carpathians on June 13-16. The idea behind this type of therapy is healing by hiking and interacting with other people.

Mountain therapy is organized by the Metta NGO. Participation, accommodation and meals for participants are free.

The mountain therapy team includes psychologists and guides. Military personnel, who have already tried the effects of mountain therapy on themselves, are now helping their brothers and sisters in arms to recover. They also take part in the hikes.

By prior agreement, journalists can cover the mountain therapy.

• psychological support
• Lviv

The “TOY THERAPY ROOM” stands as a nationwide charitable initiative established by a collective within the NGO The National Genofund amidst the full-scale invasion. Its primary aim is to mitigate the trauma endured by both children and adults impacted by Russia’s invasion, achieved through the application of puppetry and play therapy techniques.

The TOY THERAPY ROOM offers a carefully designed environment where children and adults can navigate their emotions in a healthy and supportive manner. Within these spaces, carefully curated by dedicated hosts, individuals can explore their feelings, replenish their inner strength, and nurture a sense of confidence in their own abilities and desires. Central to the experience are the hundreds of soft toys that inhabit each room. These toys serve not only as companions but also as conduits for understanding and healing. Participants are encouraged to select a toy at the outset of their session, which then becomes a steadfast ally throughout their journey. Beyond the confines of the therapy room, this toy becomes a transitional object through which psychologists gain insights into the person’s condition and provide assistance.

Today, the TOY THERAPY ROOM initiative boasts over 70 locations across Ukraine, extending its reach even beyond national borders to countries like Germany and Bulgaria. Spearheaded by Victoriia Nazarevich, a seasoned psychologist and the driving force behind the Nazarevich-Art psychology training portal, the project maintains a team of dedicated professionals comprising psychologists and art therapists.

For journalists seeking insight into this transformative endeavor, opportunities for interviews with project representatives and participants are available in Kyiv and other cities by prior arrangement. Additionally, online communication channels offer convenient access for those unable to attend in person.

• casualties
• children
• psychological support
• Kyiv

On May 18, media representatives are invited to the “Veteran House” project’s Doors Open Day. This project is part of “New Perspective” – a large charitable educational program for veterans of the russo-Ukrainian war and their family members, which is implemented by the Alyona Vinnytska Charitable Foundation in cooperation with the Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv and with the support of the State Employment Service.

Those participating in the program can undergo psychological rehabilitation and acquire a new profession – a psychologist for veterans and their family members.

For the first time in Ukraine, the program involves a systematic approach to the training of such specialists and consists of several stages. (Journalists have the opportunity to learn more about them). The author of the idea and the leading psychologist of the program is Oleksandr Tkachenko, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, military psychologist, veteran of the russo-Ukrainian war.

During the “Veteran’s House”  project’s Doors Open Day, media representatives will be able to take part in an “art hour,” chat with program participants, ask for comments from the program’s leading psychologist Oleksandr Tkachenko and Alyona Vinnytska.

The event requires accreditation.

For reference: Participation in the program is free of charge for and is funded by Alyona Vinnytska Foundation with the money coming from socially responsible businesses and caring citizens.

• psychological support
• Kyiv

At 39 years old, Victoriia Prokhorenko resides in Kryvyi Rih with her son and daughter. Her husband, Anton, swiftly mobilized upon the commencement of the full-blown invasion, rising to the rank of squad leader in a Special Forces battalion of the National Guard within months. However, upon his return home a year and a half ago, Victoriia noticed a stark transformation in Anton’s demeanor. Afflicted with PTSD, he struggled to reintegrate into family life despite her efforts and the assistance of a psychologist. Anton’s sleeplessness and subsequent alcohol consumption culminated in hospitalization due to a micro-stroke, instilling fear even in their children. Consequently, the couple made the difficult decision to part ways, navigating the challenges of PTSD recovery and family dynamics.

In the midst of adversity, Victoriia hit the ground running, taking up educational training and delving into the field of psychology. Determined to sustain her relationship with her beloved, she faithfully communicated with him daily. After several months, Anton reconnected and began applying the psychological techniques imparted by his wife. Within a month, Victoriia won her husband back home. 

Presently, Victoriia is on the cusp of completing her studies and is already strategizing her approach to support military spouses and children. She is eager for her experiences to resonate with women who may feel isolated in their struggles amid the backdrop of war.

Victoriia Prokhorenko is available for interviews, both in-person in Kryvyi Rih and online. 

• casualties
• military
• psychological support
• women
• Dnipro

On April 27, the “Strong 300” fun run obstacle course will be held in Kyiv to support war veterans, wounded soldiers and facilitate patriotic education of youth.

The purpose of the event is to popularize the benefits of sports and give children the opportunity to communicate directly with those who went through combat at the front via the unique “veteran + child” race format. It is also supposed to have a therapeutic effect on veterans and wounded soldiers.

Categories and distances:

• Individual race for adults/children, 1 km;
• Individual race for adults/children, 5 km;
• Pair race for adult + child, 3 km.

Each of the registered participants will receive a “STRONG 300” commemorative medal. To participate in the race, it is necessary to pay a charity contribution, the collected funds will be used to purchase sports equipment for the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers and veterans.

Various activities are also planned during the event (artifacts of war exhibition, disassembly/assembly of various types of (dummy) weapons, master classes on tactical medicine basics, etc.).

• casualties
• children
• military
• psychological support
• Kyiv