A new psychosocial support center called POРАДА has been launched in Dobroslav, Odesa region, marking a significant step in the national mental health program «How Are You?», initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.

This space is created to support women, girls, and families facing difficult life situations.

POРАДА 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 operations.

The center employs a team of specialists: a psychologist, a social worker, a case manager, mentors, and a community mobilizer. They provide daily support to the residents of the Dobroslav community, helping them navigate the challenges of wartime.

At the Family Center, parents and children can participate in group activities, receive individual consultations, humanitarian aid, and also attend mothers' clubs.

In the Women’s Center, there are educational courses, support meetings, leadership training, and violence prevention workshops, as well as clubs for teenagers.

“Opening such a space during the war is not just a humanitarian need but a powerful step towards protection, equality, and hope,” highlighted Jamila Akhter, a child protection specialist at UNICEF.

This initiative is made possible by the Charitable Foundation «Winds of Change» with financial support from UNICEF.

The POРАДА space is another example of how the «How Are You?» program transforms communities and helps Ukrainians maintain their mental health amidst challenges.

The development and implementation of the program is coordinated by the Coordinating Center of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine / Mental Health UA with the expert support of WHO.