War mercilessly intervenes in people's lives, leaving deep wounds
on souls. So residents of Chernihiv felt the weight of the fighting,
attacks and restrictions. Project "Collective memory of the war on
Chernihiv region "seeks not only to preserve memories of tragic events, but also
help women and girls affected by war find strength
to live on.
Within a few months, 12 trainings took place within the framework of the project
on art therapy and psychological care. They were organized by our team in
coalition with women's organizations NGO "Women for Development," NGO
"KIPTI WOMEN SOCIETY", NGO "YUSTYNA", NGO "DOBRO TAYM". These events
visited women and girls of the Kyiv, Ivanovo and Kiptiv communities.
"Holding such events is not just a necessity, it is our
duty to support women and girls affected by war.
Help find the strength for life, give them the knowledge and skills they need
in order to cope with stress, maintain your mental health and
to live on "‒ Natalia Apanasko, project assistant, is convinced.
At the training on art therapy, women and girls learned
use creativity as a tool to express your emotions,
overcoming tension and trauma.
"Art therapy ‒ it's not about drawing with the right proportions,
correct colors. This is a way to work out your emotions, release
them and take a fresh look at what is happening. In Times of War, Women
often take on many responsibilities, forgetting about their own
needs. These trainings are an opportunity for them to take care of themselves, find
internal resources to overcome difficulties, "‒ emphasizes the psychologist
Elena Antonenko, who conducted the trainings.
Trainings on psychological assistance helped participants understand
the impact of stress on a person during the war, to debunk stereotypes about
taking care of yourself, as well as getting effective tools to combat
stress and anxiety.
"Our meeting with Mrs. Olena, conversations with girls and such wonderful
exercise helped me understand how war affects me. Finally
admit to yourself that even strong people need support. I took it for myself
in the piggy bank a few exercises and breathing technique, "‒ shared her
impressions Tamara, participant of trainings.
The project "Collective Memory of the War in Chernihiv Region" ‒ this is not only
on the preservation of history and memory. It's also about helping women
and girls who suffered from war, to find the strength to live, create and
to build the future.
The project "Collective памʼять about the war in Chernihiv region" takes place/carried out for
support of the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Fund, funded by governments
Great Britain, Estonia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United States of America,
Finland, Switzerland and Sweden.