Support for Children and Families Affected by the War in Ukraine

Project Objectives

The project focuses on two main areas:

• Increasing access to psychosocial, rehabilitation, and educational programs for children, young people, their families, and other particularly vulnerable groups.

• Strengthening the capacity of local communities to provide comprehensive psychosocial services – including for veterans and their families – based on the PRO_MentalHealth model.

During the inauguration, Peter Wagner, Director of the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of investing in the wellbeing of young people and entire communities:

Twelve years ago, the world watched the Revolution of Dignity unfold. Many of those who were children then are now adults — defending, building, and shaping their country. Twelve years from now, the children we visited yesterday at the camp will also be adults. Investing in their wellbeing is investing in the future of Ukraine. Similarly, investing in psychosocial services for entire communities lays the foundation for society as a whole.

Justyna Janiszewska, CEO of Solidarity Fund PL, highlighted the long-lasting impact of the war:

The wounds of war in the souls of Ukrainians will remain for many years. We must do everything in our power to help heal them and support the reintegration of those affected by Russian aggression into social life.

During the inauguration, the key achievements of the PRO_MentalHealth program — the model on which the launched project will also be based — were presented:

• 29 rehabilitation camps organized from August to November 2025 by ten partner NGOs for nearly 2,000 children, their families, and teachers.
• 8 newly established Psychosocial Support Centers in the Dnipro and Odesa regions.
• Development of decentralized psychosocial services in the regions.
• Documented social needs and recommendations for working with war-affected populations.

NGO representatives also shared practical observations on the challenges faced by families, teachers, and communities in crisis situations and during the rebuilding of social life.

What’s next for PRO_MentalHealth?

The project plans further activities in 2026, targeting at least 2,000 additional beneficiaries and continuing cooperation with local NGOs. The initiative will continue to develop psychosocial and educational services in frontline regions, supporting a sustainable system of assistance for children, families, and communities affected by the war.