“We’ve Learned to Understand Each Other Better”: How Psychological Support Helped Valeriia and Her Daughter

Valeriia lives in Kharkiv region and is raising her 13-year-old daughter on her own. Due to constant shelling and remote learning, the girl has very little opportunity to interact with her peers in person. For her mother, it is not easy to balance keeping her daughter safe with her need for independence and social interaction.

“She listens to me, but we still had minor conflicts. I didn’t know how best to approach her or how to find common ground,” Valeriia says.

An acquaintance advised her to reach out to specialists from the Responsible Citizens NGO. As part of the Berehynia project, a psychologist from the mobile team visited the family at home several times and held consultations with both mother and daughter.

“I’m very grateful to your specialists. These sessions helped us improve our relationship. I was able to understand my daughter better,” Valeriia says.

While working with the family, the specialists also learned that the daughter enjoys drawing. They told Valeriia about creative activities and where her daughter could attend them free of charge. The family plans to take part soon. For the girl, this is an opportunity to develop her interests and interact with peers in a safe space.

The specialists also helped the family address other needs. They advised Valeriia on how to apply for official status for a child affected by hostilities and armed conflict.

“I didn’t know this was possible before. We have already contacted the children’s services department and are waiting to hear about the next steps in our application.”

The woman was also helped to find legal assistance so that her family could receive professional support in resolving legal matters related to her father’s situation.

In September 2022, Valeriia and her daughter left their hometown but later returned. The family still lives in a frontline city. Valeriia does not rule out the possibility that they may have to leave again if the security situation deteriorates. For now, she continues to care for her daughter and look for opportunities for her to develop, pursue her interests and spend time with other children.

The Berehynia project is implemented by the United Frontline Protection Initiative Consortium, comprising Corus International, the Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health (UFPH), the League of Modern Women NGO and the Responsible Citizens NGO, with financial support from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.