A psychological relief space for children “Alley of Friends” has opened in the village of Velykyi Kuchuriv.
Thanks to the initiative, the first psychological relief space with proper conditions has been created in the Velykyi Kuchuriv community, to organize psychological relief for children and adolescents, primarily IDPs and people with disabilities, who need the help of a psychologist. This makes it possible to improve the mental health of everyone who wants and needs it, because receiving psychological help by every person is an important benefit in society, especially in times of war.
A psychological relief space has been set up in the Culture and Leisure Center of the Velikoy Kuchuriv Village Council. It is located in the center of the village of Velikoy Kuchuriv. The necessary equipment, furniture, and appliances were purchased with the grant money.
The space hosts training sessions, consultations, educational and preventive classes, art therapy classes, and working meetings of the Youth Council of the Velikoy Kuchuriv community.
The psychological relief space “Friends Alley” has become an important place for forming trusting relationships between children and psychologists. Thanks to games, drawing, and construction, it was possible to support the emotional stability of children, develop their social skills, and the ability to express and recognize their feelings. This also contributed to the formation of empathy skills, the ability to overcome life's difficulties, as well as the development of imagination, leadership qualities, and ingenuity.
During the classes, children learned to set goals for themselves, develop steps to achieve them, and demonstrate their leadership qualities. For the youngest participants, the space promoted the development of cognitive processes, tactile sensations, sensory perception, and fine motor skills, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement that helps them grow confidently and explore the world.
The story of Denis from Kherson region, who found a new home in the Velikokuchuriv preschool “Kazka”, which has been a shelter for refugees from military operations since the beginning of the war, is a vivid example of how support and attention can help a child overcome the difficulties of adaptation. Having moved with his family to the community in search of safety, Denis, initially shy and withdrawn, gradually opened up thanks to individual classes in the psychological relief space “Friends’ Alley”. In a safe atmosphere where he was understood and supported, the boy was able to gradually overcome his fears. Over the course of several weeks, he became more confident, actively joined games, met new friends and participated in group projects. An important step was communication with other children during games, where he began to show initiative, inviting others to play and sharing ideas. His activity inspired other children, and he gradually became a central figure in the team. Drawing has become especially important for Denis: through art therapy, he was able to express his feelings and share memories of the past by depicting his family and home. This helped him find support among his peers and feel accepted.
Denis’s successes delight the entire team of the Kazka preschool educational institution, as they demonstrate how important it is to create a safe and supportive environment for children in need. His happy moments in classes and joint games inspire everyone around him, showing how compassion and care can change a child’s life for the better.
The space is a cozy corner for all community residents who may need conditions to relieve stress and restore strength, urgent psychological help or specialist consultation. It continues to operate after the end of the initiative thanks to the support of local authorities.