Continuous professional development is a key factor in the effective operation of psychological support spaces established by the In Touch Ukraine Foundation. Administrators of these locations play a vital role in providing quality assistance to community residents, making their training extremely important.
Workshop for Administrators: New Knowledge and Experience Sharing
On June 24, In Touch Ukraine Foundation organized a workshop for administrators of psychological support spaces in the Zhytomyr region. The event brought together 12 administrators from the Olevsk, Narodychi, and Slovechno communities who traveled to Zhytomyr to enhance their competencies and acquire new knowledge.
During the workshop, trainer Halyna Perkolaba emphasized key aspects of the job, such as organizing online consultation appointments, effectively interacting with visitors, and ensuring confidentiality. Iryna Hladka, coordinator of the “How Are You?” program, shared self-soothing techniques to reduce anxiety, and participants had the opportunity to practice these methods, which helped them better understand their effectiveness.
The discussion of real-life cases proved particularly useful, as participants could exchange experiences and receive valuable advice on how to handle unusual situations.
First Psychological Aid Training: Basic Skills and Self-Care
As part of the “Innovations to Combat the HIV Epidemic” project, partners conducted a two-day training aimed at enhancing the competencies of administrators in the area of first psychological aid. Administrators from psychological support spaces in the Zhytomyr region participated in the training, which covered topics such as:
- Organizational processes within the functioning of the spaces.
- Assessing the needs and requests of clients.
- Interacting with clients and providing first psychological aid.
Participants also received stress management training, which allowed them to master self-care techniques. This is especially important because, to provide quality support to others, one must have internal resources and maintain personal balance.
Feedback from Administrators
- Maria Hryb: “Incredible impressions, light, interesting, and accessible information. The trainers are true professionals! It was especially nice to meet colleagues from other regions.”
- Iryna Nevmerzhytska: “Everything was great. The training, the acquaintances, the team of trainers, and the organizers. We, the administrators of the Zhytomyr region, became closer. A big thank you to our coordinators and the entire In Touch Ukraine team for their coordinated work and wonderful locations.”
Forum “Veterans – The Way Home”
Our administrator Valentyna Stuzhuk shared her feedback on attending the forum on August 9, 2024, in Zviahel: “Colleagues, today I am participating in the forum ‘Veterans – The Way Home.’ Thank you to USAID for organizing the event.” [Link]
“Veterans – The Way Home” is a series of forums held in regions of Ukraine aimed at improving the satisfaction of veterans’ needs, establishing interaction between veterans, communities, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and government authorities.
Supporting Communities and Further Development
The psychological support spaces (PSS) in Slovechno, Olevsk, and Narodychi communities continue to provide assistance to residents who need psychological support. Thanks to the high professionalism of the administrators who constantly enhance their competencies, these spaces become an important resource for supporting mental health in communities.
In Touch Ukraine Foundation continues its work within the framework of the “Psychological Support Spaces in Communities of Zhytomyr Region” project, implemented as part of the “Innovations to Combat the HIV Epidemic” project with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project is carried out by a consortium of three organizations: Pact, FHI 360, and AFEW-Ukraine (“AIDS Foundation East-West”).
We Invite Community Residents to Receive Qualified Psychological Assistance
Residents of the Olevsk, Narodychi, and Slovechno communities can contact the PSS and receive qualified psychological assistance. Administrators, psychologists, and psychotherapists are ready to provide support on a completely confidential basis.