On Friday, January 12, the “SviTy” safe space center where teenagers can access professional psychosocial support officially opened in Zhytomyr.
The facility is staffed with certified psychologists with practical skills and relevant work experience. As part of the center’s program for trauma treatment, they will apply modern psychotherapeutic approaches used in the US, Israel, and Europe. These include art therapy sessions (painting, sculpting, playing musical instruments), relaxation techniques, developmental and interactive exercises, discussions, and business and role-playing games.
Teenagers meeting the following criteria can use the center’s services:
1) aged 12–16;
2) residing in the Zhytomyr region;
3) children of military soldiers (one parent is sufficient) or having the status of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
To enroll their child in the program, parents need to fill out a questionnaire. Once the application is processed, the center’s staff will reach out to provide further details and invite them for an interview to assess the child’s needs, as groups within the program are formed based on them:
The choice of location for the center was driven by the high number of internally displaced persons in this region and the military, many of whom have children.
“Funding for the complete renovation of the municipal space and the comfortable set-up of the facility was provided by the family of BGV Charity Fund’s founder, Hennadii Butkevych. We understand the importance of psychosocial support for teenagers right now, as they’ll soon become part of our country’s adult civil society — the mainstay and driving force. We plan to assist 500 teenagers in the first year. Our main goal for 2024 is to seek donors among local and foreign businesses to support the center’s activities,” said Polina Aldoshyna, the head of the foundation.
“SviTy” in Zhytomyr is a safe and well-equipped space for teenagers, with an area of about 150 square meters. It is divided into separate zones and features a cozy kitchen where you can get some tea and snacks. Other rooms have comfortable bean bags, a sofa, chairs, and tables with all the needed equipment for sessions, including an interactive board. The building has a bomb shelter in case of air raids.
The sessions will focus on various topics to help teens understand themselves and their surroundings better: “Who am I?”, “Me and Others,” “Me and Parents,” “Me and My Body,” a team game “Conquering the Flag,” “Me and Creativity,” “Me and My Home,” “Me and Ukraine,” “Quest,” and “Me and My Dreams.” Each group will include 12–15 people, and the main program will consist of ten sessions. After finishing, each participant will better understand themselves, know their values, be more resilient, and have the skills to fit into a new community. Once the main program is done, participants can come to the center every day after school for agreed-upon psychological or relaxing activities.
