On April 8, 2024, an important meeting was held between representatives of the NGO “In Touch Ukraine Foundation” and the First Deputy Head of the Zhytomyr Regional State Administration, Nataliya Ostapchenko. The meeting discussed the goals and objectives of a new project aimed at creating a network of psychological support spaces in the region.
Project Objective
The main goal of the project is to create a network of 12 psychological support spaces in the territories of the Olevska, Slovechanska, and Narodytska communities of the Zhytomyr region. These spaces will provide psychological assistance and support to the population affected by armed aggression.
Idea of Psychological Support Spaces
Psychological Support Spaces (PSS) are facilities equipped with everything necessary for conducting online consultations, sessions, trainings, and other psychological activities. Visitors will be able to receive psychological support online (via video or phone), which ensures access to a wide range of specialists with various expertise and experience. Project Manager, Margaryta Siranchuk, emphasized the significant advantage of PSS in maintaining client confidentiality and privacy. The absence of physical contact with the psychologist can contribute to a sense of security for those who feel shame or fear during offline consultations.
Project Benefits and Priorities
Margaryta Siranchuk noted, “The main advantages of these locations are maintaining visitor confidentiality and privacy, as well as the ability to receive psychological help online, making the services more accessible.”
Nataliya Ostapchenko highlighted the urgency of such projects: “There is a need for psychosocial adaptation of internally displaced persons and addressing post-traumatic stress disorders resulting from armed aggression.” She also pointed out that the service is primarily needed for the population, including women, children, the elderly, internally displaced persons (IDPs), victims of violence, people with disabilities, and social sector workers.
The main priorities of the project are:
- Confidentiality
- Comfort
- Inclusivity
Technical Details and Launch
Each PSS location will have an administrator who will assist with the setup and adjustment of technical equipment, manage schedules and visitor reception, and help with the technical connection to the counseling program with a psychologist, establishing a connection between the visitor and the psychologist.
The planned launch of the first spaces will take place in May-June 2024. The project geography covers the Narodytska, Olevska, and Slovechanska communities.
Expected Outcome
The project aims to provide the population with the necessary psychological support and assistance while maintaining confidentiality and comfort.
The project is implemented with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project is executed by a consortium of three organizations: Pact, FHI 360, and AFEW-Ukraine (AIDS Foundation East-West).