The branch of the Lviv Centre for Services for Combatants at 11 Lypynskoho Street has summed up the results of its first year of operation. During this time, 2,500 veterans, servicewomen, servicemen and their family members have received support here, and the team of specialists has organised almost 50 different events.
The branch employs lawyers, psychologists and a specialist in supporting veterans and demobilised persons. They handle individual requests, refer people to specialised institutions and experts where necessary, and help them go through all the stages required to obtain the services they need.
“For us, the first anniversary is, above all, about the people who come every day with their requests, needs and life situations. Over this year, at this branch we have welcomed 2,500 veterans, servicemen and their family members and have seen just how important it is for essential support to be accessible, comprehensive and close at hand. It is vital that our Defenders, both men and women, can resolve their issues and concerns in one place and, most importantly, feel at ease here and know that they are genuinely heard and supported,” said Ivan Tanchuk
A particular focus of the work at the branch on 11 Lypynskoho Street is creating a space for communication and development. Here, veterans, servicemen and their families can not only receive consultations, but also take part in training sessions, meetings and workshops, and find like-minded people and community support.
Over the year, around 50 events have been held on the premises: themed meetings on starting a business, opportunities for education and retraining, information and psychological events, as well as activities for families of combatants.
Considerable attention is paid to the children of male and female veterans. The Centre organises themed workshops for them, along with educational and developmental activities where children can spend time in an engaging way and socialise with their peers. The Centre emphasises that it aims to make this a place people want to return to not only for services, but also for communication and a sense of support from the veterans’ community.
An important part of the work is psychological support for the families of Ukraine’s Defenders. In particular, throughout the year the branch has hosted a support group for wives of missing servicemen. It brought participants together for 12 meetings, during which the women had a safe space to talk, process their own experiences and work with art therapy methods.
There are now five branches of the Lviv Centre for Services for Combatants operating in Lviv: at 41 Pekarska Street, 85 General Chuprynka Street, 32 Vyhovskoho Street, 11 Sykhivska Street and 11 Lypynskoho Street. Two more units are planned to open by the end of the year — on Roksoliany Street and in the Riasne neighbourhood.
The Centre is open from Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 17:00, and on Friday from 08:00 to 15:45.