Children's spaces operating in the Novovodalaz and Zlatopil communities in the Kharkiv region and the Tomakiv community of the Dnipropetrovsk region within the PROMESSA project unite highly professional teams of psychologists and psychologists who are able to provide high-quality psychosocial assistance and support to children of various ages and their parents or guardians.
Specialists have specialized education, many years of experience working with children and teenagers in the form of individual and group classes. Various trainings and art therapy sessions help children understand their emotions, cope with stress, reduce the level of anxiety and find internal resources. A safe environment has been created in children's spaces, where every child feels heard and important.
Psychologist Oksana Cherkashina from the space "Kryla" in the Zlatopil community, — in the profession for more than 25 years. And almost all this time she worked with children. The specialist uses various methods of psychological correction: fairy-tale, puppet, music, art therapy and sand therapy. Her methods help support children and teenagers in various life circumstances, overcome the consequences of stress, and develop leadership qualities.
"Every child already has internal sources of strength —, sometimes you just need someone to help see, reveal and show it correctly", says psychologist Olga Chornenka-Karmaz, who works in the children's space in Tomakivka. She knows how to find contact with children, listen to them and create trust.
Psychologist Nataliya Atanasova, who works in the "Pearl" children's space in Novaya Vodolaz, combines a structured approach and a lively, sensitive presence. It is also important for her not just to give tools, but to create a space in which every child can hear himself and find inner support.
Children's spaces in the Novovodalaz, Zlatopil and Tomakiv communities were created within the PROMESSA project, which is implemented by the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" together with the Branch of the "Ter des Om Italy ETS" Foundation in Ukraine (TDH Italy). The spaces are centers of security, recreation and development. Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years old, visiting groups formed in accordance with their age needs, receive psychosocial support accompanied by qualified psychologists. All activities that take place in the space help to strengthen the mental stability of children and adolescents, to form skills to overcome difficulties, to reduce the level of stress and anxiety. Also in the space are group and individual activities for parents and caregivers.
The project "PROMESSA: Protection of children, response to emergency situations and health care for the most vulnerable families affected by the conflict in the Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions" is implemented by the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" in partnership with the branch of the "Ter des Om Italy ETS" foundation in Ukraine(TDH Italy) Terre des Hommes Italia in Ucraina financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo - AICS Kiev
