The first Zakarpattia Oblast psychosocial support centre for people affected by the war has been officially opened in Uzhhorod. The initiative was implemented by the Zakarpattia Oblast charity fund “Edelweiss” in partnership with the Department of Social Protection of the Zakarpattia Oblast State Administration, with grant support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the European Union. The total project cost amounted to 72,000 USD.

The centre is dedicated to providing professional social and psychological support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) — who exceed 145,000 in the oblast — and other groups affected by the war, including families of the deceased, veterans, and volunteers. Its mission is to support the integration of IDPs into host communities and alleviate social tensions.

The centre delivers a wide array of services for both community residents and displaced people, including individual and group counselling sessions with psychologists who focus on improving emotional well-being, managing stress, and restoring inner balance. Art therapy sessions offer a creative outlet for self-expression and contribute to psychological recovery.

For those requiring legal assistance, the centre provides individual consultations to address critical legal concerns. Social work specialists also offer tailored support through individual and group sessions, helping to navigate life’s challenges and integrate more seamlessly into new communities.

To ensure smooth operations, the centre underwent renovation, received technical upgrades, and assembled a team of qualified specialists. Public awareness initiatives on the significance of mental health were also carried out. Additionally, the centre will function as a methodological hub for specialists across the region, extending its impact beyond direct services.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, highlighted the importance of mental health and psychosocial services to help internally displaced persons integrate into their host communities. “We are proud to support such initiatives, driven by local organisations, that empower people to recover and fully engage in the life of their communities,” he said.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasised the value of long-term, forward-thinking solutions, adding, “This centre exemplifies how investments in psychological and social services not only help overcome current challenges but also lay the foundations for lasting community recovery and future prosperity.”

Background

The centre operates within the framework of the Regional Programme for Sustainable Psychosocial Support “How Are You?” for 2023–2025, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. The project is being implemented as part of the flagship EU-UNDP partnership “EU4Recovery — Empowering Communities in Ukraine.”

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: [email protected]