What is the problem?
"In our society, there is a clear division between civilians and military personnel, but then there are us — their families. We exist somewhere in the middle, often overlooked," says Taisiia, the wife of a military volunteer.
She explains that, for a long time, she lacked support because no one close to her had experience with military life. Like many others in her position, she sought out like-minded individuals — people who share similar values and experiences, who understand without asking inappropriate questions, and, most importantly, who provide support without added pressure.
What is the solution?
In a psychological support group for military families, Taisiia discovered the educational project Blyzki, which translates as "close ones." This initiative provides relatives of soldiers and veterans with more than just a sense of belonging—it also supports their professional development. Participants can explore their purpose, refine their resumes, prepare for interviews, acquire new skills, and engage in tailored training programs.
"This is a safe space, designed specifically for the close relatives of military personnel," says Taisiia, who has been part of Blyzki for several months. "I wouldn't feel comfortable attending a place where uncomfortable topics might arise. Here, the community respects your experience and doesn't impose on your feelings. There's no pressure—you can simply show up and find the support you need."
How does it work?
Nothing can stand in the way of an idea when its time has arrived
Graduation ceremony of the communications project Blyzki in Kyiv. Photo courtesy of the project archive
The Blyzki project was launched earlier this year by Maryna Baturynets, founder of the Bazilik Communications School. The initiative aims to create a supportive community where relatives of military personnel and veterans can acquire new professions, explore opportunities in business or creative industries, and redefine their paths.
The project's inception followed a collaborative effort between the Bazilik school and Veteran Hub—a communications course specifically designed for the families of soldiers. According to Baturynets, the course revealed a strong demand among participants for both professional training and meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences.
As a result, the Blyzki project officially began on January 4, 2024, starting in Kyiv and expanding to Lviv in July.
The inaugural event of Blyzki in Lviv. Photo courtesy of the project archive
"Blyzki is an educational project. First and foremost, we bring people together around the idea of learning," explains Baturynets. "It's about helping individuals change direction, find work in a new city where they might not know anyone, and build a foundation for interaction and new connections. Our community includes veterans, active military personnel, and the families and partners of soldiers currently on the front lines, as well as those with loved ones who are missing or have passed away."
The organizers aim to provide not only essential knowledge but also ongoing support, fostering a close-knit community centered around learning—a space where participants feel understood and encouraged.
"Relatives are waiting for their loved ones to come home, and we wait alongside them," the project team shares. "Our goal is to support them now and create new opportunities for soldiers upon their return."
What does Blyzki offer?
At the Blyzki classes. Photo courtesy of the project archive
The Blyzki project offers a variety of educational programs, inviting experts, consultants, successful entrepreneurs, and media professionals to engage with participants. Beyond professional growth, the initiative provides opportunities for physical and mental recovery through activities like sports, board games, and creative pursuits.
All Blyzki events are held exclusively offline, as the organizers believe in the power of face-to-face interaction to foster stronger connections and communication. Participants can benefit from:
- Learning a new profession in just 2-3 months.
- English language courses at various levels.
- Lectures, workshops, and masterclasses on personal finance and professional skill development.
- Business guidance, including information on starting your own enterprise.
- Creative masterclasses for both children and adults, sparking ideas for personal and professional growth.
- Training and sports classes to reduce stress and support physical and mental well-being.
For example, in August alone, Blyzki organized 49 sessions and classes. Community members learned grant-writing for projects, created herbarium decorations, and practiced applying tourniquets and providing first aid. Additionally, the team launched a Starter-level English course for adults, now expanded to five groups across multiple proficiency levels.
Relatives of defenders learning how to apply tourniquets. Photo courtesy of the project archive
At a meeting with Otar Dovzhenko in Lviv. Photo courtesy of the project archive
On September 9, the Communications course kicked off in Lviv—a foundational offline program for individuals seeking to acquire new skills, improve their business communication abilities, or delve into SMM/PR to deepen their expertise. The course runs for two months, from September to November 2024. It includes both lectures and hands-on sessions, and is entirely free for military personnel and their families.
"All of our lecturers are experienced practitioners with years of expertise in developing Ukrainian businesses and public organizations," shares Baturynets, founder of Blyzki.
Yoga in Lviv. Photo courtesy of the project archive
The result of a master class on creating bouquets with florist Anastasiia Shumafova. Photo courtesy of the project archive
Does it really work?
"We will look after your loved ones, and when you return, we will look after you as well"
Business plan writing workshop in Kyiv. Photo courtesy of the project archive
"For the past seven months, together with our partners, we've been teaching English to the relatives and partners of military personnel and veterans. We've already graduated over 40 students at Starter and Intermediate levels," says Baturynets. "We also regularly invite entrepreneurs to share their experiences with Blyzki. Some participants are inspired to start their own projects, while others realize they're not quite ready. It's always heartwarming to hear how women share their success stories—both during and after our classes. For example, Sasha, a graduate of our first communications course, now works as an SMM specialist at Blyzki."
Baturynets also highlights the sense of community that has grown within the project. "The participants and graduates of our courses often joke that they're girlfriends from Blyzki—they attend events together and share experiences. They say we're like family. Blyzki is not only a team, but also the people who come to our events. They create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, talking about us and inviting friends. And sometimes, they even make new friends who become close to them."
The wife of a serviceman, Nadiia. Photo courtesy of the project archive
Nadiia, the wife of a military man and a two-time veteran, shares that her husband has recently demobilized.
"My entire social circle is made up of people connected to the military," Nadiia explains. "By the second year of the full-scale war, I realized I felt uncomfortable among civilians. That's why I started looking for people I could relate to. That's when I found Blyzki. They organized courses and lectures at the VeteranHub, so I decided to attend. At first, I wasn't sure, but with each visit, I felt more at home. Everyone here understands you, and it quickly became clear that this was a place where I belonged. Four months passed without me even noticing!"
She adds that all relatives of military personnel or veterans often experience challenges when communicating with civilians or those outside their "bubble." However, Blyzki is different—everyone is "on the same wavelength." The various lectures and workshops offer a chance to both learn and be distracted from the stress of everyday life.
Viktoriia Smereka. Photo courtesy of the project archive
Viktoriia Smereka, the wife of a soldier, discovered Blyzki through a friend who is also a military wife.
"At first, I had no doubts about going," Smereka recalls. "At that time, I was working from home, my husband was far away, and we had no communication. I was looking for reasons to leave the house, other than going to the gym. It started to feel like I was living entirely online."
Not only does Smereka attend the lectures, but she has also participated in several creative masterclasses, which she sees as her form of recreation. In one modeling class, she even made a vase "so that my husband would have a place to put flowers when he comes home."
Member of the Blyzki community, serviceman Mykola. Photo courtesy of the project archive
Another member of the Blyzky community, Mykola, is a soldier who began his service before 2014. He is involved in logistics and unit support. Family and books provide him with motivation, along with the events hosted by Blyzky.
"Here, you can find support, make new and interesting connections, and participate in various events to learn and try new things," says Mykola.
His favorite workshop is "Practice of Free Movement"—a class that allows participants to disconnect from the outside world, letting them focus on their bodies and explore movement. "After each session, I discover something new or gain a fresh perspective. I always look forward to the next one," adds Mykola.
The organizers of Blyzki continue to gather feedback on the project and are pleased to see that it brings a wealth of positive experiences to its participants.
Even more useful solutions!
Easter egg-making masterclass. Photo courtesy of the project archive
Currently, the Blyzki project operates in person in both Lviv and Kyiv. The organizers hope to expand in the future by offering online broadcasts of events and exercises.
Their upcoming plans include developing long-term courses focused on applied specialties, as well as organizing more events for children. They are actively seeking meaningful and engaging topics that would be beneficial for all age groups within the families and communities of military personnel and veterans.
"We are also 'close ones.' We volunteer, and many of our team members are military wives or veterans. Many of our friends are also in the military. Our goal is to create a community where they will always feel understood and supported," says Baturynets.
She and her team are committed to spreading the word about Blyzki to reach as many people as possible: "We're always happy when our friends and acquaintances talk about us. It's an opportunity for someone to find like-minded people and take care of themselves."
