She is not used to asking for help, but now she needs it more than ever: the story of Halyna from the Vinnytsia region, who is receiving assistance from a social helper of the Ukrainian Red Cross

“I’m not used to asking for help, as I have been caring for my sister on my own for all my life. However, a few years ago, my health began to decline, and we needed assistance with basic tasks: buying food, going to the pharmacy to collect medicine, and looking after my younger sister when I needed to see the doctor, among other things. These seemingly small, daily services accumulate to provide significant support. We are incredibly grateful to the Ukrainian Red Cross for our social helper.”

Halyna, a 67-year-old resident of Vinnytsia, has been caring for her sister Oksana, who has schizophrenia, for many years. Since reaching adulthood, Halyna has taken her sister to doctors on her own, providing her with the necessary medication and support while also maintaining an active social life. However, over the years, Halyna’s health has deteriorated; after suffering from cancer, she was classified as having a third-group disability. Two years ago, Halyna broke her arm, which made it difficult for her to carry out her daily household chores and forced her to seek help.

At that time, her friends advised her to contact the Ukrainian Red Cross hotline for assistance under the Home-Based Care programme. Since then, Oksana, a social worker, has been regularly visiting the sisters, helping them with their daily routines and providing them with basic necessities such as diapers, detergents, bedding, and food parcels.

The relationship between Oksana and her beneficiaries has developed so warmly that the sisters invite her to their birthdays.

For more information about the Ukrainian Red Cross Home-Based Care programme and the necessary contacts, please visit our official website or call the hotline at 0 800 332 656.