"Association of Democratic Development" strengthens the system of psychosocial support of the population: final forum in Chernihiv
On October 29, a forum on the exchange of experience was held in Chernihiv within the framework of the project "Psychosocial support of vulnerable population groups in communities of Chernihiv region". The event was organized by the NGO "Association for Democratic Development" in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and with the financial support of the German Government (BMZ) through the German Development Bank KfW.
The forum brought together representatives of local self-government bodies, international and local organizations, psychologists, facilitators and participants of activities to analyze project results, discuss current needs and determine ways of further development of the mental health support system in the region.
From partnerships to joint solutions
Opening the forum, Anna Nikolenko-Bayeva, head of the NGO "Association for Democratic Development", emphasized that partnership interaction is an important component of providing quality assistance to community residents and successful implementation of the project: "Partnership with the International Organization for Migration allows combining psychological support with practical help, training and creation of opportunities for self-employment in the communities of Chernihiv Oblast. When different parties — international and national organizations, specialists, local authorities — work together, it helps residents of communities of the border Chernihiv region to get the necessary help and gradually regain control over their own lives. Such a systematic approach turns the support of even one person into further strengthening of the entire community".
Artem Vengrenyuk, a leading specialist in mental health and psychosocial support of the International Organization for Migration, outlined the IOM's strategic approach to providing psychosocial support for war-affected residents of Chernihiv Oblast: "We do not provide ready-made products, but develop solutions for specific people's needs. This allows you to raise the quality and coordination of services to a new level. Human life — is complete. We cannot share mental health, livelihood or professional growth support — are all parts of one life. And when we combine different services, we get an incredible effect of — one plus one becomes a little more than two".
Maintaining mental health as a common cause
The first panel discussion was devoted to the relevance of the topic of mental health in the communities of Chernihiv Oblast. Inna Chistenko, adviser to the head of Chernihiv OVA and regional coordinator of the All-Ukrainian program "What are you like?", presented the results of a study that covered about 6,000 respondents from 11 communities of Chernihiv region.
She emphasized that, despite the active work of mental health and psychosocial support specialists, the number of people in need of psychological help continues to grow, because the security situation remains unstable. Ms. Inna emphasized that the emotional state of people affects not only their well-being, but also the economic stability of communities.
Community experience: the power of community and trust
Olena Antonenko, project coordinator, shared the results of the assessment of mental health and psychosocial support needs (PZPSP) in five communities of the region — Novgorod-Siverska, Kulikivska, Losinivska, Snovska and Varvynska.
The study showed what are the needs of IDPs, their host communities and other population groups in the field of PZPSP, as well as their vision of ways to meet these needs. Current conditions in specific communities were clarified from the point of view of mental health and psychosocial well-being, safety, means of livelihood, education, health care, etc. In addition, during the needs assessment, the existing support services were identified and the lack of services in the field of PZPSP was clarified. Community experiences and needs are recorded to provide information for targeted interventions addressing urgent and long-term mental health needs. The study proved that one-time promotions and short projects do not have a long-term effect. People need the systematic, constant presence of specialists and the feeling that help is nearby. Thus, the results of the needs assessment in the PZPSP became the basis of future activities in the target communities.
Economic stability as a component of recovery
Panel discussion "Partner interaction and options for strengthening Project components. Implementation experience" focused on the relationship between psychosocial support and increased economic activity of community residents.
Hanna Sherman, vice-president of the Chernihiv Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented the experience of implementing the "Viability+" project. Economic integration of internally displaced persons and war victims", which combined training with psychological support. Within the framework of the project, residents of target communities were helped not only to find a job, but also to believe in their own strength. The team of the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry held information sessions to raise awareness about mental health and psychosocial support in Chernihiv and Kulikiv communities for participants of the livelihood project. Such cooperation helps people not only to improve their job search skills, resume writing, interview preparation, but also to gain psychological support and self-belief.
Yulia Posternak, head of the Kulikiv settlement community, supported this opinion, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach. She is convinced that a solid component of projects, such as equipment, generators, equipment —, is important. But without psychosocial support measures, the overall effect of the programmes is limited. At such meetings, people gain new knowledge, develop their soft skills, increase the level of resistance, and get to know themselves better. Psychological help has become vital for all residents of the community.
Results: sustainability, trust and systematicity
The forum in Chernihiv became an important platform for sharing experience, summing up the results of the project, and determining the actual needs of community residents. The participants not only talked about the achievements within the project, but also planned what further activities and activities in the field of mental health and psychosocial support for residents of Chernihiv Oblast could be. After all, such help should be systematic, sustainable and built on trust.
