Around 32,000 Services a Month Across All Regions — How Ukrainian Red Cross Social Helpers Support Those Left Alone

For millions of Ukrainians, the full-scale invasion has meant being forcibly separated from their loved ones. Some have children serving at the front, while others have family members who have relocated to different regions or gone abroad, leaving them to cope with daily life on their own.

The Ukrainian Red Cross has stepped in to address the challenge of loneliness and uncertainty faced by these people. Across the country, social helpers regularly provide home-based care to elderly and disabled people who are unable to care for themselves. In total, 1,330 social helpers assist 7,750 people, supporting their daily routines: buying groceries or medicine, helping with hygiene, cleaning, cooking, and accompanying them to medical appointments. But above all, the most valuable support they offer is human connection — through communication, patience and understanding, they bring a sense of warmth and care.

“In every region, we aim to be where the need is greatest. When assessing needs, we identify specific categories of people and assign social helpers accordingly. Even if someone is physically mobile, they may still struggle with social or everyday tasks for various reasons — so we’re there to support them,” says Zoia Pogorila, Head of the Home-Based Care Unit at the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Currently, the highest number of beneficiaries is in the Ternopil region — 490 people, supported by 60 social helpers. This represents the largest number of beneficiaries per social helper.

The Ukrainian Red Cross Home-Based Care Programme is a vital initiative that provides support to the most vulnerable members of society. It ensures that their basic needs are met, while also offering emotional support, an equally important aspect of care.