Summer 2025 – A Time for Recovery with the East SOS Charity Foundation
In June–July 2025, more than 50 participants—including educators, activists, internally displaced persons, and people who have experienced loss due to the war—took part in psychosocial relief activities organized by the East SOS Charity Foundation.
In Vyshneve (Kyiv region), a support group called “I Can” and an art therapy session were held. These created a safe space where participants could speak openly, engage in creative activities, share experiences, and find inner support. During four “Art Therapy for Self-Regulation” trainings, participants learned techniques to achieve calm, grounding, and inner resources through creative practices.
Additionally, in Chernihiv, a training on “Psychology of Communication in Conflict Situations” was conducted, and the “I Can” manual, developed by the foundation in 2021, was presented. This practical guide is actively used by specialists to help people manage emotions and bodily responses after experiencing trauma.
“We support those who, despite daily stress, loss, separation from family or home, and life in front-line or temporarily occupied areas, continue to teach and help others but often face their own emotions alone. That is why we organize events for people from different regions of Ukraine. This time, participants joined from Kyiv, Kherson, Luhansk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Pokrovsk, Enerhodar, Mariupol, and other locations. During these events, everyone experiences true inner relief and support,” emphasized Marina Danyliuk, the foundation’s psychology program manager.
A special highlight was a three-day retreat in nature for participants of the support groups held from January to April 2025. Surrounded by silence, genuine communication, and sound therapy practices, participants cared for their body and soul.
“The war has brought much grief, pain, loss, and separation. Our retreat became an island of positive emotions, connection, and discovery. It helps maintain hope, feel support, and understand that you are not alone with your losses and anxieties,” shared one participant.
East SOS organizes psychological events, support groups, retreats, and various activities to create a safe space for emotional recovery and to support those experiencing stress, helping them regain strength and hope.
These events were held with financial support from KURVE Wustrow as part of the project “Expanding the Capacities of Civil Society for Nonviolent Conflict Transformation with the Participation of State Actors.”
Recently, the East SOS team also restored resources at a retreat to continue providing support for those who need it.
