Psychosocial direction

We began providing psychosocial support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by Russian aggression, implementing several projects to help stabilize civilians’ mental health.

Our psychosocial support expanded through the Safe spaces of the Zatyshno space network, which has become a haven for those displaced by war. These spaces offer visitors opportunities to socialize, engage in meaningful activities, support children’s adaptation, and learn new skills. With the support of our international partners, we established the first Safe space in Cherkasy.

Additionally, our mobile psychosocial support teams have started operating, providing free assistance to IDPs.

The psychosocial team, together with trainers and participants of the “From Conflict to Dialogue” training, developed the “I Can” manual—a resource that provides advice on overcoming stress, responding to conflict, and techniques for managing stressful situations.

With the support of international donors, we established Safe spaces in Kropyvnytskyi, Khust, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. These spaces regularly host themed events designed to provide psychological support to visitors. Our activities included youth day camps, where participants could engage in various activities such as quests, games, socializing, and exercises aimed at improving communication skills. During the first year, over 5,000 women visited the Safe spaces, with approximately 80% of them having fled their homes due to the full-scale war.

The mobile teams providing psychological and social support have significantly expanded their activities, offering assistance in the Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Dnipro regions. They visit remote communities where residents often lack direct access to specialists. Our experts provide free consultations and conduct training, art therapy sessions, and workshops for both children and adults. Our teams joined the emergency response and support efforts following the Kakhovka dam explosion caused by the Russian army. They also welcomed and assisted Ukrainians at a checkpoint in the Sumy region, which borders russia.

By 2024, seven Zatyshno space locations had been established. Since May 2024, support teams have continued providing assistance in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Kropyvnytskyi, Cherkasy, Vinnytsia, and Zaporizhzhia.

Throughout 2024, mobile psychological and social support teams remained active in the Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Dnipro regions. Psychologists and social workers not only provide primary care but also foster long-term interactions with residents of frontline and recently de-occupied settlements.

Additionally, mobile teams assist evacuees in transit shelters, helping stabilize their emotional state and restore lost documents.

The teams have also been actively engaged in emergency response efforts in the Kharkiv region, where hostilities have intensified, ensuring critical support for those affected.