Ukraine’s Vinnytsia region debuts social adaptation service for veterans and their family members

A pilot program for the social adaptation of veterans and their families has been launched in the Vinnytsia region.

Natalia Zabolotna, the first deputy chief of the Vinnytsia Regional State Administration, announced this on Facebook, Rubryka reports.

What's the problem?

Adapting war veterans is a complex and multifaceted problem, requiring a comprehensive approach and cooperation between the government, the public, and veterans. Considering the large number of veterans expected after the war, it's crucial for the state to plan and implement adaptation and socialization programs carefully. This will help reduce potential issues and ensure a dignified and quality life for veterans and their families.

What's the solution?

The Vinnytsia region was the first to welcome a pilot program for the social adaptation of veterans and their families.

"Twelve veteran families from Vinnytsia became pioneers of this new social service. The pilot program for the social adaptation of veterans and their families was initiated by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, and the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration," said Natalia Zabolotna.

How does it work?

According to Zabolotna, during the seven days, the veterans adapted to civilian life, improved interpersonal relationships with their families, learned to cope with their fears, and also worked on restoring their physical health.

"Family members were supposed to be alongside during this important and challenging phase. Moreover, a multidisciplinary team worked with them the whole time. It included Red Cross specialists and the best psychologists and social workers from the region, who underwent team training by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society," the official said.

Zabolotna noted that specialists conducted both group and individual sessions. They taught veterans self-regulation skills and addressed the personal needs of each participant. Social work methods such as family meetings were also applied.

With the support of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the service was provided at the Pivdennyi Buh sanatorium, allowing comfort, quality rest, and health and rehabilitation services for participants.

Twelve families from seven communities in the region with veterans with severe injuries or trauma took part in the first family trip to the sanatorium.

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society covered the main costs of implementing the pilot program. The salaries of the regional team of specialists (psychologists and social workers) were paid from the regional budget.

The Vinnytsia Regional State Administration plans to implement this program for all communities supporting the initiative. They will finance the weekly stays of veterans and their families at the sanatorium, while the regional budget will cover the expenses of the work of the regional team of specialists.

Several communities in the region have already allocated funds for these needs in their budgets.

Zabolotna emphasized that the social adaptation service for veterans and their families doesn't end with their stay at the sanatorium. Social workers from the communities will continue the work started and follow the plan and recommendations provided by the regional specialists.

Background

The Ministry of Social Policy is piloting a project for the social adaptation of veterans and their families. This service will have two stages: a social recovery program in a sanatorium or recreational facility and social adaptation in the community. Currently, three regions — Poltava, Cherkasy, and Vinnytsia — are involved in the pilot.

It was also reported that Ukraine will expand free psychological assistance to veterans and their families.

Rubryka also reported how Ukrainians who lost sight have to start over and learn how to live.