From November 2025 to January 2026, the “Positive Parenting” activity was implemented in three temporary accommodation centers in Kharkiv, attended by 155 internally displaced persons currently living in these centers. Participants had the opportunity to receive psychosocial support, discuss current life challenges, learn practical techniques for emotional stabilization, and support their children in crisis conditions.
Upon completion of the sessions, 150 beneficiaries received “Positive Parenting Family Psychosocial Support Kits,” which included a branded tote bag, an informational booklet, an information card on GBV, a mini-poster “Positive Parenting,” an emotions card game, a simple cooperative board game, a soft anti-stress toy (ball), an anti-stress coloring book, and colored markers for organizing shared family leisure activities that strengthen family bonds, foster a sense of stability, and support the recovery of both parents and children.
Thanks to these meetings, people who were forced to leave their homes received the necessary psychosocial support, were able to adapt more quickly to new living conditions, and integrate into the local community. Participants not only got to know each other better but also initiated new traditions of shared leisure - regular meetings over a cup of coffee, friendly communication, exchange of experiences, and mutual support.
As participants themselves note:
“For me, these meetings became a place where, for the first time in a long while, I felt calm and realized that I am not alone with my experiences,” shares one participant.
Another participant says: “We didn’t just attend sessions - we found new friends and support that each of us truly needs.”
Another mother adds: “After the sessions, I began to better understand my child and myself. Now we have family evenings that we spend together using the materials from the kits.”
In each dormitory, active communities of residents have formed, who use the Viber messenger to coordinate the time and place of meetings, organize themed evenings, creative activities, and joint leisure for both children and adults. During these gatherings, participants share experiences, support one another, sing, communicate, and gradually restore a sense of community, trust, and confidence in the future.
The project “Strengthening the resilience of residents of collective centers in Kharkiv region” is implemented by UN Women Ukraine in partnership with Unity Platform NGO. The project is financially supported by the governments of Sweden and Latvia, as well as the national committees of UN Women.
