Name of the initiative: "Friendly space" (Sokyriany)
With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Sokyriany region - the most distant community of Bukovyna from the regional center - hospitably received the forcibly displaced persons. And if the youth got used to the new land quite quickly, then the people of retirement age, with disabilities mostly closed in themselves alone with their own experiences and pain.
"Pensioners are the majority among IDPs in the community, it is difficult for them to adapt to new conditions after losing their usual way of life and desired contacts, these people are very vulnerable and especially need psycho-emotional support and social adaptation", - explains the importance of the project, Iryna Trachuk, coordinator of the initiative group, members which, on the basis of the communal institution "Center for the provision of social services" in Sokyriany, a "Friendly space" was arranged for elderly persons from among IDPs and the host community.
Thanks to the grant, the applicants purchased furniture, equipment and materials for furnishing space for the elderly. It held a cycle of classes on computer literacy, applied creativity, meetings with a psychologist and a lawyer, etc., involving more than a hundred beneficiaries.
Administers the NGO project "Innovation Search". "For us, receiving this grant is very important. After all, Sokyrian region is the most remote region of the region and many initiatives simply bypass us. And we strive to develop this wonderful region, we see its prospects and we want everyone to know what wonderful people live here," says the chairman GO Mrs. Inna Yatsyshena.
Complex psycho-emotional and social support is provided in the space allocated by the city council, IDPs are easily integrated into the life of the community and join the local culture. "Friendly space" provides various social services, legal and psychological assistance. Here, elderly people meet like-minded people, compatriots who find themselves in a similar life situation, establish the necessary contacts with local residents.
At the service of visitors are classes in language learning, digital literacy, master classes in decorative and applied arts, vocal studios. In July, visitors to the applied creativity classes organized the charity fair "Festival of Good", where they sold their own handmade products: patriotic bracelets, garlands, toys. And the earned funds were transferred to the needs of the defenders who are being treated at the Vinnytsia Hospital.
So, in "Friendly Space" everyone will find something to their liking. It is a cozy place for communication, where lonely elderly people can spend time meaningfully, feel like a necessary part of a large community. Joining the charity allowed the old women to feel useful, to join a common cause. The space continues to work for everyone, and therefore people always have interesting hobbies and communication, which has a very positive effect on their well-being.
