In Chernihiv, a support group has been organised for families whose relatives have gone missing

Hundreds of Ukrainian families searching for their loved ones find themselves living in two worlds. One is a life of powerlessness, despair, uncertainty, and helplessness due to their inability to influence the situation, while the other is a search filled with faith and hope.

The Ukrainian Red Cross provides support for families whose relatives have gone missing.

In Chernihiv, volunteers from the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Unit have organised a support group for families of missing persons—residents of the Chernihiv region who have initiated a search with the Tracing Service. The group meets regularly, once a week, to provide a safe environment for family members. Participants can share their experiences, be heard, and receive support. The team includes psychologists who offer the necessary assistance when needed.

The meetings also incorporate creative activities that foster a positive atmosphere, allowing participants to discuss various topics, communicate with one another, distract themselves, and spend their time constructively. For example, at one of these meetings, women customised T-shirts with the words ‘Strong’, ‘Independent’, ‘Unbreakable’, and ‘Beautiful’. These T-shirts became their personal symbols of courage, serving as reminders of the meeting and reinforcing the understanding that they are not alone and are supported.