For several months now, a camp for children from Donetsk region — a region that suffers daily from armed aggression — has been operating in Khmelnytskyi region. For many of these children, it has become not just a place for recreation, but a true refuge — a space where they can spend time in silence, regain their strength, and gradually restore a sense of safety.
In addition to leisure activities, the camp places significant emphasis on psychological support. Children have the opportunity to work with trainers from our project, who help them process and cope with the traumatic experiences of war. In November, the team conducted a “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” therapy course. Six groups worked within the program, bringing together 77 children from Kramatorsk, Myrnohrad, Druzhkivka, Pokrovsk, and Sloviansk. For them this was a chance not only to change their surroundings, but also to gain practical self-help tools — techniques that help stabilize emotional states, reduce anxiety levels, and better understand their own feelings.
During the sessions, the trainers heard many painful stories. Children spoke about losing their homes, prolonged shelling, fear for their loved ones, and the constant tension that has become part of their everyday lives. At the same time, the results of the sessions were noticeable already during their stay at the camp: the children became more open and calmer, more willing to engage, and learned to talk about what they were going through.
In the current circumstances, such support is especially important. War deprives children of a sense of stability, and the task of adults is to help them preserve their inner anchors. Initiatives like this make it possible not only to temporarily distract children from the reality of war, but also to lay the groundwork for psychological recovery, which they will need both now and in the future.
Today we want to send greetings to our entire team, our partners, and everyone who works alongside us every day to support those in need.
For us, Ukrainians living through war, mental health is not just a holiday. It is a shield that helps us stay human, keep the warmth in our hearts, and support one another. It is the strength that lets us move forward even in the hardest days.
We wish us all the courage to acknowledge our emotions, the strength to care for ourselves and for those close to us, internal resilience, and strong mental well-being. Remember: caring for yourself is caring for Ukraine. Together we are stronger!
This summer, our team of trainers Tetiana Bilobrova and Olena Kurchenko began important work in frontline Kharkiv, providing essential psychological support to displaced children living in a local shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The goal of these sessions was not only to relieve stress but also to teach children how to cope with trauma independently, using the “Children and War: Teaching Recovery Techniques.” program.
Many of the children who arrived from occupied territories or active combat zones live in a state of constant anxiety. For example, Artem, who for a long time couldn’t fall asleep in his new surroundings, said he felt as if “the night had lasted for several years.” The words of his grandfather — “You must keep living” — became crucial for him. During the sessions, Artem learned to turn this pain into an inner anchor by practicing deep-breathing techniques and creating a “safe place” in his imagination.
A similar experience was shared by Valeria. She admitted that she had “learned to hold her tears inside,” but during the training, she found a path toward the future. At first, Valeria drew only empty roads, but later she created a drawing of a home with a swing and a garden, saying, “This is our home when we come back.” This beautifully illustrates how these techniques help children restore hope and regain a sense of control.
The impact of this work was also visible to parents. Oleksandra’s parents shared that after the training, “our daughter started smiling again,” and her inner calm was gradually returning. Other parents emphasized that thanks to the trainers’ sensitivity, their children became more open and confident. One particularly touching moment came when a mother said, “For the first time, my son and I were able to talk about what happened. No shouting, no tears. Just talk.”
Thus, in Kharkiv, we are giving children not only temporary relief but reliable tools for resilience that will stay with them for life.
This project was created by the “HOPE worldwide Ukraine” Charity Foundation with the support of a grant from the Children’s Resilience Fund: Providing Capacity Building and Funding to Ukrainian Civil Society Organisations in Ukraine. The program is implemented byCrown Agents in Ukraine and Integrity Action.
This summer, from June to August, our experienced trainers have worked in the village of Nemishaieve (Bucha district, Kyiv region), at the children’s camp “Training Project Caramel”. They conducted intensive psychological sessions aimed at helping children whose lives have been affected by the war.
The camp became a safe and resourceful space for children who survived occupation, terrorist attacks, are waiting for their parents to return from the front, or have suffered irreparable losses. These ordinary Ukrainian children took part in a “Children and War: Teaching Recovery Techniques.” therapy course.
The camp’s atmosphere was warm and nurturing, and the program — engaging and rich. The children didn’t just play, discuss problems, or draw; they followed a structured program with one main goal: to learn self-help techniques. When a camp is fun, provides emotional resources, and teaches essential life skills — that is truly priceless!
The depth of this work is best reflected in the words of the participants themselves. For example, during body-oriented regulation exercises, one girl vividly described her breakthrough: “It felt like I learned to wring fear out of myself, like water from a towel.” Her words inspired others to see their own bodies as powerful tools of resilience. And during a session on restoring the sense of control, when participants created their own “inner superheroes,” one boy named his father as his symbol of strength — which sparked a deep group discussion about inner power.
We believe that the gained knowledge and skills will become a reliable tool for children to independently overcome challenges. This summer was not only joyful but also deeply meaningful in building psychological resilience.
We sincerely thank our constant partner and good friend “Training Project Caramel” and its director Iryna Zavalna for their cooperation.
This project was created by the “HOPE worldwide Ukraine” Charity Foundation with the support of a grant from the Children’s Resilience Fund: Providing Capacity Building and Funding to Ukrainian Civil Society Organisations in Ukraine. The program is implemented byCrown Agents in Ukraine and Integrity Action.
Our foundation’s team of trainers work with children every day, providing them with psychological support, helping them overcome challenges, and guiding them to find their internal resources. To ensure this work remains effective and stable, it’s crucial to take care of the trainers themselves. That is exactly why the Resource Space — a platform for meetings, workshops, and training sessions — continues its operation.
The Resource Space was created so that every trainer has the opportunity to take care of themselves, gain new knowledge, exchange experiences with colleagues, find inspiration, and restore their inner balance. During this difficult time of full-scale war, this kind of support is a necessary prerequisite for our specialists to continue carrying out their vital mission with high quality.
A key feature of the space is that it runs online. Our project’s trainers are working all of Ukraine. These online meetings allow us to stay connected, regardless of where anyone lives, and maintain a sense of unity and mutual support.
The space is being filled with relevant content and practical tools. Among the topics discussed at our recent meetings were:
Workshop: “Resource Renewal: EMDR Techniques for Daily Resilience” by Olena Lysenko.
Masterclass Series: “Goddesses and Gods Within You” by Kateryna Sukenyk.
Art Therapy Methods: “MANDALA THERAPY” by Kateryna Sukenyk.
Workshop: “Working with Inspiration: How to Avoid Burnout” by Olena Lysenko.
We believe that supporting our trainers directly impacts the quality of help provided to the children and families they work with. Therefore, the Resource Space is not just about professional development; it’s about care, mutual respect, and strengthening our community.
Participant Testimonials
Olha Posternak:
What I liked most about the group was the opportunity to gain real resources, support, and lots of interesting information that helps you better understand yourself, recharge your strength, and cope with the stress in the country today. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and care. Individual therapy is an absolutely priceless opportunity.
Serhii Serhiiev:
It was a time when you could pause the daily hustle and bustle and simply be in the moment. The practices helped me relax, restore my energy, and feel that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. In our restless world, moments like these are priceless.
Kateryna Sukenyk (trainer and “hostess” of the Resource Space):
Our Resource Space became a source of fulfillment, giving, joy, and a feeling of unity with like-minded people who are dear to me! It was important for me to share my knowledge. The resources I offered were dedicated to deep self-discovery and exploring the subconscious.
Viktoriia Yavdoshchak:
The “Goddesses and Gods Within You” workshops were a genuine space of support and inspiration. The atmosphere was warm, which helped relieve tension and allowed me to focus on my needs. During the workshop, I felt lightness, inspiration, and the resource to implement new ideas. The Mandala Therapy workshop was a valuable self-discovery. The “Path to…” transformational game was a profound experience that helped me re-analyze my own values.
This project was created by the “HOPE worldwide Ukraine” Charity Foundation with the support of a grant from the Children’s Resilience Fund: Providing Capacity Building and Funding to Ukrainian Civil Society Organisations in Ukraine. The program is implemented byCrown Agents in Ukraine and Integrity Action.
In March this year, our foundation began a partnership with the international organization LYNC (Love Your Neighbor Community). Their mission is to support communities worldwide, fostering a culture of mutual care and assistance. This spring, a training for trainers in the program “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” was held in Chernivtsi.
Over the course of six months, the newly trained specialists conducted sessions with children, helping them learn self-help techniques and cope with the effects of stress. Throughout this time, they received supervision and support from our foundation’s experienced supervisors, which ensured both the quality and effectiveness of their learning and work.
On September 6 in Chernivtsi, we gathered for a warm and heartfelt meeting to hand out certificates to the new trainers. This event marked not only the celebratory conclusion of six months of work but also the beginning of a new stage in spreading the program further.
We sincerely thank our partners at LYNC for their trust and fruitful cooperation. Together we are doing important work — helping children discover inner resources for recovery and move forward with confidence.
We wish inspiration, resilience, and success for the newly certified trainers in their daily efforts. We believe that thanks to their dedication, even more children will receive support and experience the power of healing.
This summer, our foundation’s team of trainers once again had the honor of working with children in different parts of Ukraine. One of these special places was the children’s recreational camp “Lisova Pisnya”, located in the picturesque Kamianets-Podilskyi district. It is a cozy spot surrounded by nature, where children can combine rest and leisure with new discoveries, creativity, sports, and sincere communication. The camp’s atmosphere fosters a sense of safety, brings positive emotions, and helps children regain their strength.
Throughout the summer as well as spring, our team conducted the “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” therapy courses. This methodology helps children better understand themselves, reduce anxiety, cope with traumatic memories, lower stress levels, and gradually restore inner balance. For many participants, this was their very first experience with such knowledge, as most of the children in the camp come from large families, single-parent households, or families with limited financial means. For many it was their first time attending psychological sessions, going on excursions, joining engaging programs, and discovering that the world can be colorful and safe.
“We see how even a few sessions can become an important step in a child’s life: their attitude toward themselves changes, they gain more confidence, and begin to feel that they are capable of overcoming challenges. Such small yet truly meaningful changes inspire us even more,” shared Tetiana Kharkova, psychologist and trainer of the “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” program.
We are sincerely grateful to our donors and partners who have supported our initiatives for many years. It is thanks to their constant care and trust that we can implement these programs, reach more and more children, and expand the circle of support. Every child who receives help is proof that our shared efforts are truly changing lives for the better.
This project was created by the “HOPE worldwide Ukraine” Charity Foundation with the support of a grant from the Children’s Resilience Fund: Providing Capacity Building and Funding to Ukrainian Civil Society Organisations in Ukraine. The program is implemented byCrown Agents in Ukraine and Integrity Action.
This summer, our team of trainers held dozens of therapy courses for children in camps across Ukraine. One of them was the children’s camp SOCSR “Smaragdove Misto” — a special place with a complex history. Once located in Donetsk region, it was forced to relocate to Khmelnytskyi region because of the war. Today, the camp continues to welcome children from frontline territories, remaining a space of safety and growth.
At the camp, our trainers conducted 24 group sessions for 300 children. These were boys and girls from Donetsk region: some had to leave their homes and now live in other regions, while others remain in their towns, facing the harsh reality of war near the front line every day. Regardless of their path, each child carries pain and experiences that should never become the burden of childhood.
During the sessions, we taught children simple but effective self-help techniques:
how to reduce anxiety and tension;
how to cope with fear and painful memories;
how to restore a sense of control and safety;
how to find support in one another.
An equally important part of the meetings was the sense of community: children shared their stories, laughed, played, and most importantly, felt that they were not alone in their struggles.
Our trainers created a safe space where children could set aside their worries and reclaim their right to childhood.
We sincerely believe that these meetings became a step toward resilience and healing for the children. Every child deserves a life free of fear and filled with hope for the future.
There are moments when it’s worth stopping. To put down the burden of the daily race, to set aside tasks, deadlines, and the constant “should,” simply to be. To be together. To see each other outside of work, and to remember why it all began.
This retreat became exactly that — a meeting point with ourselves and our team. We changed after the retreat: with clarity in our eyes, new ideas in our minds, and warmth in our hearts. Because a team is not just about work — it’s about connection. That’s where true creative energy is born.
We’re sharing the reflections left by the participants. Each one is a support point for us and our team.
Serhii Serhieiev:
“Life nowadays is so tense — the news, the situation in the country… everything feels difficult and uncertain. You don’t know what tomorrow brings. To have the opportunity to come here and sleep without air raid alerts, to laugh, to walk — that’s precious. And to realize that you’re worthy of it, that you’ve earned the chance to rest and gain strength — that’s important. Personally, I did gain strength. I’m very proud to be part of this team.”
Tetiana Oboyanska:
“I inhaled this lightness — it’s incredible. I was deeply moved by our trip to Tustan — everything was green, lush, free. I wanted to stay in it, lost in my thoughts. This retreat was very, very important to me. I felt extra care, support, and — I’d even say — a recognition of value. The value and importance of what we do together as a team — it’s truly incredible.”
Olha Posternak:
“Every day was fast-paced, practically scheduled by the hour. We went on guided tours, played bowling, talked in the pool — and it was awesome. I really liked the workshops — each one touched a different chord of my soul. I’m grateful to the trainers for that. I know I wouldn’t have gone if it weren’t for Iryna and the foundation’s support. I’m so thankful that you persuaded me, supported me, and helped. I feel replenished now, though there’s still a journey of recovery ahead.”
Olena Bozhor:
“These days I felt a sense of family, emotional warmth, and comfort. That’s so valuable. Our circle has been together for many years — there’s a deep sense of reliability, of knowing that you’re not alone, that colleagues and friends are by your side. Every moment was filled with various emotions, but there was a constant thread of care running through it all. My soul rested, my body relaxed.”
Yana Serhieieva:
“I’m so happy and grateful that you believed in me back then. It’s amazing to be in this team — truly incredible. Here at the retreat, every day inspired me — the breathtaking mountain views, the faces of friends, the colors on the canvas, the delicious food. I was inspired by everything. I rested, put everything else aside, didn’t work at all. This time felt like three months of therapy for me.”
Yevhen Moroz:
“I’m not someone who easily gets going. It’s hard for me to break out of my routine, my little world. But this time, I rested, reloaded, and I honestly can’t remember when I last painted. This time, I’m bringing a painting on canvas home.”
Nataliia Podoliak:
“So many memories surfaced — of our shared work and the adventures within this project. I realized that even with close friends, traveling can be tough. You can be friends, but travel is a whole different thing. And yet, our team came together so well, even though we’re all so different. We’re a real team!”
Iryna Sukhova:
“We’re like horses pulling heavy wagons of stress, human trauma, and healing. So, we must also care for ourselves — to restore strength for this difficult work. Ukraine’s resilience depends on the resilience of each family. And every family is made up of a mother, a father, and a child. If we talk about our professional community — it’s the resilience of every psychologist individually. I truly want to support and nurture that resilience so that our work can continue.
The goal of this retreat was to provide a resource for our project team. But resources can look different. Some need to relax — just swim, rest, eat, live in comfort. Others seek new impressions — excursions, new places, new activities. Others need inner work — to go deeper, to heal something. Resources are different. And so are we.
But I think we managed to plan a program that worked for everyone. It was also an opportunity to be together as a team, to reflect, to recharge, and to step into the future with renewed strength.
None of this would have been possible without our sponsors — for their humanity and understanding that behind every team are people. People who are living through this war, yet still find the strength and desire to work on this project and help both young and adult Ukrainians nurture their resilience. We are immensely grateful to them for this.”
There are teams that work like mechanisms. And then there are teams that work like a heart. The “Helping Hand for Ukraine” team of trainers is just like that. Alive. Deep. Humane. A team that heals not only with techniques, but simply by being there for people.
This June, in the heart of the Carpathians, in the cozy and picturesque town of Skhidnytsia, a special retreat took place — for those who usually care for others, who support, endure, and carry many hearts on their own shoulders. The “Helping Hand for Ukraine” team of trainers came together to make a pause — not because the struggle has ended, but because it continues. And that means we need strength. Strength that is born from unity, from connection, from breathing, from the little things we often postpone “for later.” Delicious food, sunshine and water — rest for the body enabled rest for the mind and soul.
Workshops by Nataliia Podoliak, Khrystyna Kravchenko, and Olena Bozhor created a space for deep inner reset. Every exercise was more than a technique — it was a moment of reconnecting with ourselves, with the exhaustion we’ve learned to ignore, and with the hope we want to preserve.
A special highlight was the meeting with artist and volunteer Khrystyna Solomchak from Drohobych, who shared how painting can express what words cannot.
There was also time for exploration — a trip to the spiritual site of Tustan in the Skole Beskids, where ancient stones remember stories of resilience. And there, under the open sky and amidst the mountains, came a moment that moved us all: our married team members, Anastasiia and Yevhen, shared the joyful news that they are expecting a baby. They even organized a gender reveal — a celebration met with tears, joy, and a shared sense of hope. It wasn’t just an announcement — it was a symbol of life that continues, that wins.
In the warmth of our team circle, we reflected on the road we’ve walked — on how much we’ve done for children, teachers, parents, for Ukraine. But even more — we spoke of the future. Because the threat hasn’t vanished. Which means we must stay strong. Not hardened by pain alone, but united by trust, shared purpose, and human warmth.
This retreat became not only a space for professional growth, but also for simple, sincere togetherness — over a cup of coffee, on a walk, in late-night conversations about meaning and plans. It became a charge of energy, a foundation for the coming year — for us, a team that knows how to heal, to hold, to lift, and to move forward.
