Another rehabilitation camp for families of fallen soldiers has come to an end in the Kyiv region. Charitable Organization "Charity Fund "Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattya", with financial support from the Association "Network Switzerland – Transcarpathia / Ukraine" (NeSTU), supported a socially important initiative of partners from the NGO "Mental Recovery".

During the week, members of 10 families who suffered losses due to the war had the opportunity to relax and recharge their batteries as part of a busy camp program. Most of them were families of fallen Defenders of Ukraine. Psychologists, mentors tailored to the needs of different age groups, and trainers worked with the target audience. The organizers paid a lot of attention to physical rehabilitation in the fresh air and body-oriented therapy, such as hippotherapy – a model of interaction between humans and horses that has psychotherapeutic potential and is aimed at personal development. Much was done to fill the time families spent together with useful activities, to socialize children and teenagers, and to develop their communication skills.

The April camp was distinguished by the introduction of a new area of activity – education, especially since the participants included 10 children aged 8 to 16.

"We managed to create a feeling of being one big family again. This was evident in the participants’ behavior and emotions, their reactions, the lively chat, and the way they made plans for the future. This kind of feedback is very valuable. Another challenge we faced, which was important to overcome, was working with teenagers. This was the first time our team had implemented a project with such a concentration of teenagers, and we definitely need to continue. Unfortunately, in the conditions of war, our children face very unchildlike threats and suffer trauma, including psychological and emotional trauma, but they are capable of change; they just need to be given the right and relevant help", says Hanna Nahorna, head of the NGO "Mental Recovery".