Olena's journey
After losing her home in the war, Olena struggled. With help from resilience center specialists, she regained her sleep, found inner peace, and rediscovered her cherished hobby of knitting. Her recovery illustrates what these centers can achieve — they were set up across Ukraine under a priority initiative by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.
The "How are you?" project
This effort was designed together with the Coordination Center of the Cabinet of Ministers and Mental Health UA, and forms part of the nationwide mental health program "How are you?" launched by First Lady Olena Zelenska. Resilience center staff undergo training that covers handling difficult situations and practical techniques for offering support. The training takes place through the project "Supporting the development of resilience services in Ukraine," financed by the Council of Europe Development Bank via its Ukraine Solidarity Fund, with the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) as implementing partner.
For people affected by the consequences of war, these centers have become a key part of the support system, helping them rebuild mental health and return to everyday life.
The initiative underscores how vital mental health support is in times of conflict — an issue affecting many Ukrainians who have endured loss and trauma. Beyond psychological assistance, the centers foster social reintegration, enabling people to adapt to changed circumstances and reconnect with their routines and passions.
As the network of resilience centers expands, it plays a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of those affected by the ongoing conflict. This initiative not only provides essential psychological support but also promotes social reintegration for individuals like Olena. To understand the broader impact of these centers, read more about their establishment and the support they offer in our detailed coverage on psychological assistance initiatives across Ukraine.