How Olena Rebuilt Her Life
After losing her home to the war, Olena was able to rebuild her life with help from the specialists at a Resilience Center. Her sleep returned to normal, her anxiety eased, and she went back to the hobby she loves: knitting. Her story is one of many within a broader project focused on helping survivors of trauma recover psychological stability. The approach reflects a growing effort to make mental health care available in everyday community settings.
What the Resilience Center Project Involves
Building this network of Resilience Centers is a key priority for Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity. The initiative was created together with the Coordination Center of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and Mental Health UA, and is part of the nationwide "How Are You?" mental health program launched by First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Specialists at the centers receive training to work with people in difficult circumstances through the project "Supporting the Development of Resilience Services in Ukraine." Funding comes from the Council of Europe Development Bank's Ukraine Solidarity Fund, and the Ukrainian Catholic University is the implementing partner. Centers are now available in different communities, and a special link enables people to find the one nearest to them.
For a country whose citizens have endured wartime hardship, this project is a major step forward in protecting psychological health. By helping individuals restore their emotional balance, the Resilience Centers also strengthen the social fabric of Ukrainian society.
That such an effort is being carried out at the national level with international support is a sign of solidarity and of a strong commitment to helping people through difficult times.
In addition to the establishment of Resilience Centers, Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy is also focusing on enhancing volunteer support systems. This initiative, in collaboration with the Red Cross, aims to create a new office for a volunteer program that will extend through 2030. Such efforts not only bolster community resilience but also align with the broader goal of fostering solidarity among citizens during challenging times. To learn more about this important initiative, visit the new volunteer program office.