New Psychological Support Center Opens in Odesa Region
A new psychological support center named POHODA has opened in Dobroslav, Odesa region. This is a significant step within the framework of the nationwide mental health program «How are you?» initiated by the First Lady Olena Zelenska.
The center is designed for women, girls, and families who find themselves in challenging life situations.
POHODA is an acronym that stands for: Space of Support, Equality, Active Actions, Trust, and Targeted Assistance. These values are the foundation of the center's activities.
The center employs a team of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, case managers, mentors, and community mobilizers. They support the residents of the Dobroslav community daily, helping them navigate the challenges of wartime.
In the Family Center, parents and children can participate in group activities, obtain individual consultations, humanitarian aid, and attend mothers' clubs.
In the Women's Center, there are training courses, support meetings, leadership training, violence prevention workshops, and girls' clubs for teenagers.
«The opening of such a center during wartime is not just a humanitarian need but a powerful step toward protection, equality, and hope,» stated Jamila Akhter, a child protection specialist at UNICEF.
This initiative was made possible by the Charitable Foundation «Winds of Change» with financial support from UNICEF.
The POHODA center is yet another example of how the «How are you?» program transforms communities and helps Ukrainians maintain their mental health amid challenges.
The development and implementation of the program are coordinated by the Coordination Center of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine / Mental Health UA with expert support from the WHO.
