The Ukrainian Red Cross launches a new cycle of the social recovery programme for veterans and their families
The first session of this series took place from November 2 to 8 at the “Bereh Nadii” recreation centre in the Khmelnytskyi region. Ten families of veterans from different communities in the region participated. The programme is designed to support both the veterans and their close relatives simultaneously — a crucial approach, as recovery always affects the whole family.
Over the seven days, participants were supported by a multidisciplinary team from the Ukrainian Red Cross, including psychologists, a supervisor, a programme coordinator, and veteran support specialists from the communities the families came from. This approach enabled the team to better understand each family’s individual needs and provide ongoing support after the session concluded.
The programme included:
- Individual and group counselling with psychologists, psychoeducational sessions on stress management, emotional resilience, and mutual support;
- Physical therapy sessions and personalised recovery programmes;
- Recreational and therapeutic activities — music therapy, pottery, breathing and physical exercises, gym-based rehabilitation exercises, and outdoor group activities.
Special activities were organised for children, focusing on emotional awareness, mutual support skills, restoring a sense of safety, and working with personal resources. These activities not only provided children with support but also gave them space to interact with peers facing similar life circumstances.
The programme is implemented with the support of the Japanese Red Cross and in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, the Khmelnytskyi Regional Veterans Affairs Office, the Regional Social Services Centre, and the Khmelnytskyi City Council.
Each group is formed within neighbouring communities, allowing families to maintain connections after the programme concludes and, if needed, access support locally from veteran support specialists, mobile rehabilitation units, and psychosocial support professionals.
We stand by those in need to support recovery — with respect for every story and every step forward.
