Free Mobile Psychosocial Support Workshops for Youth Delivered Across Kyiv Region; Online Counseling Continues

Mobile Workshops Offering Free Psychosocial Support to Youth in Kyiv Region

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Across ten communities in the Kyiv region, free traveling workshops focused on psychosocial support have been successfully conducted for young people aged 14 to 35. These sessions are part of the project '(Because) Youth. Our Own. Close by,' implemented by the NGO 'bo.molodi' in collaboration with the charitable organization 'Boyarka Community Foundation.' The initiative is backed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ukrainian Youth Foundation.

Before launching these workshops, 'bo.molodi' assessed the availability of psychological support services in Kyiv’s communities and discovered that many remote areas either lack such services entirely or have them only at minimal levels. Each workshop is led by a psychologist paired with a co-trainer, enabling a more comprehensive and effective learning experience. During the sessions, participants gain insights into topics such as:

• managing stress and anxiety;
• building friendships and relationships;
• understanding emotions;
• setting personal boundaries;
• recognizing and preventing burnout.

The workshops cover themes like "Understanding What’s Happening: How Stress and Anxiety Work" and "Me and My Boundaries: Maintaining Yourself in Communication."

All trainers hold professional qualifications and have over five years of hands-on experience, ensuring the high quality of support provided. Additionally, anonymous online counseling is available for youth, conducted by psychologist Kateryna Meshyrefova, who brings more than a decade of experience. These free consultations last up to 50 minutes, with registration open until the end of November.

Participants also receive "Care Stickers" as reminders to prioritize their mental well-being. So far, workshops have been delivered in over ten communities throughout the Kyiv region, with two more still scheduled.

"We’ve already worked with more than ten communities in Kyiv region, and two remain to be covered. We intend to seek additional funding to continue and expand the project’s reach since we have only touched a small fraction of the region’s settlements," said Anna Sydoruk, a representative of 'bo.molodi.'

The project also includes an awareness campaign on social media to highlight the importance of psychological support, alongside collecting anonymous feedback from participants.

"These sessions provide young people an opportunity to understand themselves better, learn how to communicate healthily, and find common ground even in difficult situations," added Anastasiia Hutnyk, the project’s trainer.

Together, these free workshops and counseling services represent a vital advancement in providing psychosocial care to youth across the Kyiv region.

The Growing Need for Youth Psychosocial Support

'bo.molodi’s' initiative reflects the increasing demand for mental health and psychosocial assistance among young people in Ukraine, especially given the current challenges they face. Beyond offering free services, the project plays a key role in fostering a more self-aware and emotionally resilient generation, which is crucial for the country’s social development. These workshops address pressing youth issues while creating a safe space for personal growth and self-discovery.

In addition to these workshops, there is a growing movement to enhance support systems for vulnerable populations across Ukraine. For instance, a new volunteer training initiative in Zhytomyr aims to empower individuals to assist people with disabilities, further highlighting the importance of community-driven support during these challenging times.