The project “Recovery and Safety: Psychosocial Support for Children and Women During the War”, implemented by the Carpathian Agency of Human Rights “Vested”, has come to an end after several months of activities from May to August 2026.
These were exceptionally busy months filled with travel, meetings, new connections, children’s laughter, conversations among women, creativity, learning and support. All project activities were brought together under one shared name: VIDNOVAcamp.
The project aimed to provide psychosocial rehabilitation and non-formal education for children and their families affected by the war and belonging to identified vulnerable groups. Participants included children, adolescents and adults from internally displaced families, families connected with military service, as well as civilians directly affected by hostilities.
18 activities and 425 beneficiaries
All 18 planned activities were successfully completed within VIDNOVAcamp.
Between May and August 2026, the project reached 425 participants as final beneficiaries of services. In total, 469 unique individuals were involved in the project, including organisers, educators and accompanying persons.
Participant outreach and selection were supported by 18 territorial communities, the Department for Veteran Policy of the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration, veteran hubs, social services, educational institutions and partner NGOs.
The project team also monitored participants’ needs throughout the activities. As a result, 59 participants received recommendations for further support.
According to the available final evaluation questionnaires from the retreat programme, 98% of respondents reported an improvement in their psycho-emotional well-being and recognised the practical value of the skills they had gained.
Retreats for internally displaced women with children
The project included six four-day residential retreats for internally displaced women and their children.
The programme provided a space for recovery, rest, communication and self-care. Women worked with a psychologist and participated in group sessions, body-oriented practices, creative activities and legal awareness sessions.
At the same time, a separate safe space and age-appropriate programme were organised for the children. This format allowed mothers to participate fully in the programme while their children received support tailored to their age and needs.
Theatre camp for psychosocial recovery
A 10-day theatre camp was held in Vynohradiv in partnership with NGO “Grassroots Institute”, based at the YVS Art Theatre Studio of the Vynohradiv Model Puppet Theatre at the City House of Culture.
Through theatre, creativity, teamwork and joint activities, children developed communication and creative skills, learned to interact with one another and gained a safe space for self-expression.
Children’s psychosocial recovery camps
Another important part of VIDNOVAcamp was a series of children’s camps combining active recreation, creativity, teamwork, psychological support and opportunities to make new friends.
In Uzhhorod, four five-day sessions were organised in partnership with NGO “Voleliubni”. The programme included activities focused on recreation, social interaction, skills development and creating a supportive environment for children.
Another five-day camp session took place in the settlement of Batiovo, Batiovo territorial community, Berehove district, Zakarpattia region, in partnership with NGO “TABULA RASA for the Future Generation”. Its programme included physical activities, psychological workshops, art therapy and a STEM laboratory.
Environmental camp
A seven-day environmental psychosocial recovery camp was held in Vynohradiv in partnership with NGO “Grassroots Institute”, based at the Vynohradiv District Ecological and Naturalist Centre for Student Youth.
Participants explored nature, took part in environmental and educational activities and learned to engage with their surroundings. The programme combined learning, teamwork, recreation and recovery through interaction with nature.
Road Traffic Rules and Safety
A separate component of the project focused on road safety for children.
In Uzhhorod, five five-day sessions were organised in partnership with the UzhNU Driving School, based at Uzhhorod National University.
Visual simulations of real-life traffic situations, role-playing exercises and practical scenarios helped children not only learn traffic rules but also practise applying them and making safe decisions in everyday situations.
Behind every number are real people
425 participants. 18 activities. Dozens of programme days in different communities.
But behind every number is a real person.
A child who stepped onto a stage for the first time. A mother who finally allowed herself to rest. Children who found new friends. Families who received a space for communication, support and recovery.
For the team of the Carpathian Agency of Human Rights “Vested”, the project also became an important learning experience. We strengthened our expertise, met many new people and once again saw how important it is to create spaces where people can receive support, feel safe and simply be themselves.
Some of the most valuable results were the comments and feedback we received directly from participants.
When children do not want to leave after an activity ends.
When mothers say they have not been able to rest like this for a long time.
When participants ask, “When will the next camp take place?”
These are exactly the moments VIDNOVAcamp was created for.
A project made possible through partnership
A project of this scale could only be implemented through the cooperation of many people and organisations.
We sincerely thank our partners, NGO “Voleliubni”, NGO “Grassroots Institute”, the UzhNU Driving School and NGO “TABULA RASA for the Future Generation”, for their professional work, ideas, commitment and willingness to work together to create meaningful opportunities for children and families.
We thank the Department for Veteran Policy of the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration, the Department of Social Protection of the Population of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration, the Department of Social Policy of Uzhhorod City Council, territorial communities, veteran hubs, social services, educational institutions and civil society organisations for their support and for sharing information that helped participants join our programmes.
Special thanks go to Bilyak Clinic for providing medical support and helping ensure the safety of our participants.
And, of course, we thank everyone who became part of VIDNOVAcamp: participants, parents, trainers, psychologists, instructors, facilitators, partners, volunteers, organisers and everyone who helped, supported us, shared advice and contributed to our common work.
Thank you for your trust.
VIDNOVAcamp is ending, but recovery continues
The end of the project does not mean the end of the stories that began this summer.
We take with us the experience we have gained, hundreds of stories, new partnerships and a strong desire to continue creating opportunities for children, women and families who need support.
VIDNOVAcamp became a summer we will definitely remember.
The project “Recovery and Safety: Psychosocial Support for Children and Women During the War” is implemented by the Carpathian Agency of Human Rights “Vested” within the grant programme of the project “Comprehensive Support for Children, Families and Communities Affected by the War”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Representative Office of the Solidarity Fund PL in Ukraine as part of the PRO_MentalHealth Psychosocial Programme.
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