Author:
Yuliia Didenko
The full-scale war unleashed by Russia, now in its fourth year, has shown that no organization can alone meet all the requests of people who need humanitarian or other types of assistance. Some organizations help with evacuations, while others provide psychological or legal support. Our partnership experience proves that real effectiveness comes from cooperation.
That’s why eight Ukrainian organizations, including the Voices of Children Foundation, have united to form the first national consortium—PULSE. Each of them is an expert in its field, and now we are working together as one team.
That’s why eight Ukrainian organizations, including the Voices of Children Foundation, have united to form the first national consortium—PULSE. Each of them is an expert in its field, and now we are working together as one team.
What Does PULSE Mean?
The consortium’s name is no coincidence. The PULSE abbreviation stands for Protection, Unity, Leadership, Support, and Empowerment. Each word reflects what genuine assistance should look like.
But “pulse” also means heartbeat—the heartbeat of aid that never stops. The heartbeat of change that happens every day. The heartbeat of cooperation when organizations work together for people.
But “pulse” also means heartbeat—the heartbeat of aid that never stops. The heartbeat of change that happens every day. The heartbeat of cooperation when organizations work together for people.
How It Works in Practice
The main strength of PULSE lies in a comprehensive referral system among the organizations. Imagine reaching out to the Voices of Children Foundation for psychological support, but you also need another kind of help. Previously, you’d have to search for other organizations on your own, make calls, and explain your situation again and again.
Now, anyone who contacts any member of the consortium can receive help from other partners, if needed, as well. The process is well-coordinated—there are no unnecessary steps, no lost information. This means that the people supported by the Foundation will never be left alone with their problems, even if their needs go beyond the expertise of any organization.
Now, anyone who contacts any member of the consortium can receive help from other partners, if needed, as well. The process is well-coordinated—there are no unnecessary steps, no lost information. This means that the people supported by the Foundation will never be left alone with their problems, even if their needs go beyond the expertise of any organization.
Who Is Part of the PULSE Consortium
PULSE brings together eight organizations, each contributing its own expertise:
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Right to Protection Charitable Fund—coordinates the consortium’s work and protects people affected by war and disasters, including those forced to leave their homes and obtain the status of internally displaced persons.
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Caritas Ukraine—provides social protection and supports people with disabilities.
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Girls NGO—works with women and girls who have survived gender-based violence.
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Voices of Children Foundation—that’s us. We provide psychological and psychosocial support to children and families affected by the war and advocate for their rights.
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Humanitarian Mission “Proliska”—assists people in the most challenging situations, offering needed resources, support, and services.
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League of the Strong—supports people with disabilities.
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Helping to Leave—evacuates people from dangerous areas and helps them settle in new places.
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The HALO Trust Ukraine—clears landmines and raises public awareness about mine safety.
How PULSE Plans to Help
PULSE will operate for three years. Throughout this time, we are focusing on several key directions:
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First, direct assistance for people—including psychological and financial support, legal support, and evacuation.
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Secondly, community support. We want to rebuild and strengthen communities affected by the war.
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Thirdly, and not less importantly, we will work on changes in legislation related to social services, child protection, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Because what needs to change is not only the process but also the entire system of assistance in the country.
Support from the United Kingdom
The consortium operates with the support of the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It is part of the SHARP program, a three-year partnership that responds to Ukraine’s most urgent humanitarian needs. It is also part of a greater story—the 100-year partnership between the United Kingdom and Ukraine, helping our country recover and build an inclusive and resilient future.
Why the Creation of PULSE Matters
PULSE is a major step toward the localization of humanitarian aid. What does this mean? Those decisions are made not by international organizations, but by Ukrainian foundations working on the ground—those who understand the local context best. Our leadership in the humanitarian sector is effective thanks to professionalism and a deep understanding of people’s needs. The UK Government has recognized this and entrusted us with this mission. We are grateful to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for their trust and recognition of the value of Ukrainian leadership and expertise in humanitarian response.
The PULSE consortium strives to provide higher-quality assistance. We work across every region of Ukraine. And the heart of this work beats for one purpose—to ensure that everyone who needs help receives it.
The PULSE consortium strives to provide higher-quality assistance. We work across every region of Ukraine. And the heart of this work beats for one purpose—to ensure that everyone who needs help receives it.
Funded with UK aid from the UK Government, implemented by the Voices of Children Foundation within the National Consortium PULSE, coordinated by the Right to Protection Charitable Fund. The support of the UK Government for this project in Ukraine is provided through the SHARP component of its Humanitarian Assistance, Recovery and Protection Program.
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