Zhytomyr City welcomes opening of resilience center offering free psychosocial support

On May 15, 2024, the Resilience Center for residents of the Zhytomyr community was officially opened. This center, created by the BGV Charity Fund in partnership with the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, offers a barrier-free space where every community member, regardless of social status, gender, or age, can receive professional assistance and support at no cost.

Services provided include coping with anxious thoughts and states, resume writing and interview preparation, grief support, and finding resources for emotional and physical well-being.

"During times of war, 52% of Ukrainians require psychosocial support. That's why our fund decided to implement the Resilience Center project," said Polina Aldoshyna, director of the BGV Fund. "Funding for the renovation of the 137-square-meter facility came from the family of BGV Fund founder Hennadii Butkevych. We extensively renovated the center and refurnished the premises. We also created an accessible space, including a restroom, to ensure barrier-free access and easy movement within the facility for people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. We also have a separate area for children with board games and books to keep them entertained while their parents talk to the specialists. By the end of the year, we plan to assist 3,900 individuals."

The center employs experienced psychologists and social workers with the necessary professional skills. During the initial consultation, staff conduct surveys to determine the individual's immediate needs, based on which an individual support plan is developed.

Services offered by the Resilience Center include:

• Counseling, including crisis intervention
• Initial psychological support
• Assistance in adapting to crisis situations
• Long-term mental health support
• Grief counseling
• Assistance to displaced people in rebuilding interpersonal relationships
• Development of parenting skills and strengthening family ties
• Group workshops
• Information on social issues and support in accessing social services
• Coordination of volunteer activities

To seek support from the Resilience Center in Zhytomyr, individuals can contact them via phone, email, or social media messaging:

• Phone: +38 (067) 800 80 81
• Email: center.zhytomyr@bgvfund.org
• Facebook and Instagram
• Address: Poliovyi Maidan, 8, Zhytomyr, Zhytomyr region, 10002. Please note: the entrance to the center is on the inner side of the building (from the Kosmonavt Square).

Reference

The Resilience Project, implemented by the Ministry of Social Policy, is part of Ukraine's National Mental Health Program "How Are You?" initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. It aims to create Resilience Centers in communities where people can receive professional assistance, find support, and learn to cope with stress and life difficulties.

The BGV Charity Fund was established by representatives of Ukrainian businesses in March 2022 to provide assistance to Ukraine during the war and contribute to the country's reconstruction post-victory. Today, the fund focuses on three main areas: humanitarian aid (both food and non-food), children and educational charity initiatives, and support for Ukrainian soldiers. Since its inception, the fund has invested in charity partnerships and the ecosystem of humanitarian initiatives, involving companies, organizations, and foundations from around the world. Partners of the fund include businesses and civil sector organizations from the USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Romania, and Estonia. In two years of operation, the BGV fund has raised 920 million hryvnias in aid for Ukraine, both in goods and financial support. In January 2024, the fund opened the "SviTy" psychosocial support center for teenagers in Zhytomyr.