Solutions from Ukraine: Lviv to open Its first resilience center with UNICEF support

In Lviv, the first Resilience Center is being established at the Center for Social Services "Dzherelo," with financial support from UNICEF. The final stage of renovation work is currently underway.

This was reported by Rubryka, citing the Lviv City Council.

What is the problem?

In Ukraine, approximately 200 Resilience Centers are currently in operation, offering support to all community members regardless of age, status, or gender.

"We all experience stress, and it is important to learn how to cope with emotions, pain, and stress. Many families have suffered losses and are waiting for their loved ones. Therefore, it is crucial to have specialists nearby who can provide help and support,"said Zoreslava Liulchak, director of the Dzherelo Center.

What is the solution?

The Resilience Center in Lviv will be the first of its kind in the community and is scheduled to open in the spring of this year. Designed with a barrier-free access model, the center aims to provide social and psychological assistance to residents of the community.

Specialists at the center will offer free social and psychological support, guide individuals to relevant services and organizations, and facilitate group classes focused on psychosocial support.

The project is being implemented by the Lviv City Center for Social Services and Rehabilitation "Dzherelo" in collaboration with UNICEF. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the state development bank KfW, as part of UNICEF's national program, Better Care for Every Child.

How does it work?

According to "Dzherelo," the goal of the Resilience Center is to preserve and support the mental health of community residents, help them manage stress, recover from crisis events, and maintain an active life despite ongoing challenges.

The center's activities and training sessions will focus on families with children, military personnel and their families, as well as displaced persons. Importantly, anyone in need of psychological consultations, support groups, or assistance with various social issues will be able to access the necessary help at the center.

The Center for Resilience will place significant emphasis on raising awareness about:

• The importance of mental health,
• The development of emotional intelligence, and
• Techniques for emotional and psychological relief.

In Lviv, alongside the Resilience Center on Naukova Street, which will be the first to open in the community, plans are also underway to begin work on another center on Hrinchenko Street this year. This second center will also operate under the "Dzherelo" Center and will receive financial support from UNICEF for its renovation and equipment.

Thanks to UNICEF's financial assistance, the premises for the center on Naukova Street have been repaired and equipped, with 10 million UAH (around $236,000) allocated for the project.

It is also worth noting that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a framework for the organization and functioning of Resilience Centers. These centers are designed to provide social services, counseling, and socio-psychological assistance to community residents.