December 2025 at Zatyshno Space: Outcomes of 6 Professional Development and Self-Care Courses

What can one month change? Is it possible to achieve something radically new in just 30 days? In December 2025, 157 visitors to Zatyshno Space – a network of psychosocial and legal support spaces operated by East SOS – proved that it is.

During the month, six courses focused on professional development and self-care were held at the centers. These initiatives helped participants find what is especially valuable today: support, growth, and the ability to take care of themselves.

In Mykolaiv, participants attended courses on “Accounting and Individual Entrepreneurship: From Zero to Confidence” and “Graphic Design”, as well as yoga and breathing practices. According to the participants, the courses provided not only practical skills in new fields but also strengthened their confidence in their own abilities.

“I really liked the atmosphere in the space – the trainer explained everything clearly. Despite the power outages, the Zatyshno Space team ensured high-quality training, and no classes were canceled,” said Oksana Perminova, a participant in the Accounting and Individual Entrepreneurship course.

“The material was presented clearly and accessibly, and the trainer answered all our questions. We learned how to create designs in different formats and for different purposes almost from scratch – for example, flyers and social media pages,” shared Natalia Fedorets, a participant in the Graphic Design course.

Participants also noted that physical activity during yoga and breathing practices significantly reduces anxiety and helps set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

“During sound therapy, I experienced a wide range of emotions: I cried, relaxed, and felt goosebumps. But what I remember most is the incredible sense of relief after the session,” shared Iryna Polishchuk, a participant in the breathwork practices.

“The yoga asanas helped me engage my muscles and feel light and free. I would love to have more activities like this – they noticeably improve emotional well-being through movement,” said Tetiana Sofiieva, a participant in the yoga classes.

The free training program was developed with a strong focus on the real needs of visitors, taking into account their requests, life circumstances, and the challenges caused by the war.

“Before launching the courses, we surveyed visitors to understand which knowledge and skills were most relevant for them at this stage. Based on these requests, we organized training that, in the long run, helps people start their own businesses, manage accounting, feel more confident in the labor market, or simply take a break from everyday challenges,” explained Anastasiia Petriuk, Project and Team Manager at East SOS.

Pilates training sessions were held in Zaporizhzhia, while in Kharkiv a course titled “Healthy Movement” was organized for participants aged 50+.

These formats combined physical activity, breathing techniques, and restorative practices to help participants strengthen their bodies, reduce stress, and regain inner balance.

“In just one month, I mastered new and useful exercises that I can now practice at home. I feel much better – it’s like I’m flying!” shared Liliana Demchenko, a course participant.

Olena Ivanchyk from Zaporizhzhia noted that regular pilates sessions helped her feel more flexible and confident in her movements:

“I learned how to exercise properly to improve my physical well-being. The trainer was highly professional, attentive to each participant, and offered a diverse and effective set of exercises. The training had a very positive impact on my health. I would really love to have more classes like this. I am sincerely grateful for the organization of these activities!”

Participants remembered the courses for their professionalism, accessibility, and practical value. The involvement of nearly 160 women and men clearly demonstrates that even small steps taken in a Safe Space can lead to meaningful positive change.

The Spaces in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv operate within the project “Protection and Necessary Psychosocial Support for War-Affected Frontline Residents”, implemented with financial support from the German Federal Foreign Office.

Recently, we shared about film screenings at the Dovzhenko Center, which help people reconnect with their identity.