THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL POLICY OF UKRAINE AND THE UKRAINIAN RED CROSS ARE PILOTING A SOCIAL ADAPTATION SERVICE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE VINNYTSIA REGION

As part of piloting the social adaptation service for veterans and their families, the second visit of project participants took place at a recreational facility in the Vinnytsia region. With the support of the Ukrainian Red Cross, 12 families of veterans had the opportunity to receive consultations from psychologists, social work specialists, and social educators for a week.

The program’s fundamental goal is to provide conditions for a veteran’s family to return to civilian life and to facilitate family interaction, considering the challenges of war and the transition from military service. This activity in the region was made possible through cooperation with the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

The piloting of the service involves engagement with specialized professionals, group and individual sessions for both adults and children. These sessions encompass a variety of activities, such as physical exercises, art therapy, and body therapy, complemented by psychosocial and psychological support, recreational activities, and educational sessions. This approach serves as a testing ground for the draft State Standard for Social Adaptation Services for Veterans and Their Families. The State Standard aims to formalize and endorse the positive experiences and best practices identified during the piloting phase of the service.

The program addressed demobilized military personnel from the National Guard of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine together with their families. It should be mentioned that the first pilot visit of the participants took place in January of this year. At that time, with the support of the Ukrainian Red Cross in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Vinnytsia Regional Centre for Social Services, and Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, 12 families of veterans joined the project. We received positive feedback from the participants, who described it as a supportive environment where everyone was treated with respect and dignity.