Since the end of June, the public organization “In Touch Ukraine Foundation” has launched a psychological support project in Zhytomyr region. Twelve locations of Psychological Support Spaces (PSS) are already operating in a pilot mode in the Slovechanska, Olevska, and Narodytska communities, providing access to qualified psychological services for local residents.
Feedback: The Need for Psychological Services
The initial feedback from visitors indicates a high level of satisfaction and the necessity of such services. Community members who have used the PSS services note the professionalism and sensitivity of our psychologists. This is particularly relevant due to the increased psycho-emotional stress on people caused by the war. This confirms the demand for psychological support spaces in communities.
PSS Administrators: Guides and Helpers
Our administrators play a key role in the functioning of the psychological support spaces. Tetiana Cherniaieva, the administrator of the space in the village of Lystvyn, and Valentyna Kovalchuk, the administrator of the PSS in the town of Narodychi, shared their experiences:
Why are Psychological Support Spaces Needed in Communities?
- Tetiana Cherniaieva: “Currently, many people face difficulties that require professional psychological support, especially in remote communities. Our spaces are created to help them cope with these challenges. Residents of villages and towns now have access to psychologists of various specializations.”
- Valentyna Kovalchuk: “It is especially important to be able to receive help close to home. This saves time and resources and also creates a sense of community support. We are grateful to international organizations for their assistance in such a relevant and sensitive area.”
Initial Results of the Pilot Launch:
- Tetiana Cherniaieva: “The pilot launch allows us to adapt our services to the real needs of visitors. We receive valuable feedback that helps improve the quality of our services.”
- Valentyna Kovalchuk: “We strive to create a comfortable atmosphere for each visitor. They communicate with specialist psychologists online. Our task as administrators is to technically organize the meeting. People are already seeing positive changes after their initial visit to our spaces.”
Who Seeks Help in the Spaces?
- Tetiana Cherniaieva: “Families who have lost loved ones, people with depression and anxiety disorders have turned to us. We help them find new strength for life. People have even traveled from Ovruch to Lystvyn to see us. Recently, Oleg (name changed) contacted us by phone. After losing a loved one, he began experiencing panic attacks, developed depression, and had a fear of going outside. We did everything possible to ensure the session with the psychologist took place. Each situation is individual, and our task is to select and organize a meeting with a specialized psychologist so that the session brings maximum benefit to the person.”
- Valentyna Kovalchuk: “Often mothers with young children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), who need support in difficult life situations, come to us. We are glad to see how they find solutions to their problems. Recently, a man who needed advice on how to improve relationships with his teenage son attended a session. After the consultation, he asked to schedule a session for his son.”
Future Plans:
- Tetiana Cherniaieva: “We plan to expand our services, implement new methods, and involve more psychologists to provide even higher quality assistance.”
- Valentyna Kovalchuk: “Our goal is to ensure that community residents have access to qualified psychologists and psychotherapists.”
Booking an Online Consultation
Booking an online consultation with a psychologist is done through the administrators of the psychological support spaces.
Tetiana from Lystvyn: “Do not be afraid to ask for help: seek support from relatives, friends, or contact us. We will organize a meeting with a psychologist or psychotherapist. Psychological support can change your life for the better. Please note, our psychologists’ services are absolutely free! Do not stay alone with your problems – we are here to help you find the inner resources to overcome difficulties.”
Valentyna from Narodychi: “There is no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed to contact psychologists. Sessions with psychologists are completely confidential. For example, our PSS room is located at the end of the corridor, so isolated that people are surprised.”
Support and Participation
The project is implemented by the public organization In Touch Ukraine Foundation and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project executors are a consortium of three organizations: Pact, FHI 360, and AFEW-Ukraine (“AIDS Foundation East-West”).
The goal of the project is to help community residents gain access to qualified psychologists and psychotherapists. If you have relatives or friends in the mentioned communities, please inform them about the opportunity to use the services of the psychological support spaces. This is a great opportunity to receive the necessary consultations from specialists.
To book a consultation, please visit the link:
Thank you for your support and active participation in improving psychosocial and medical services in Zhytomyr region!