Author:
Yuliia Didenko
January once again proved how vital our centers have become for children and parents across Ukraine. In Chernihiv, children attended sessions even in –25°C temperatures. They were simply tired of staying home and being on their phones. In Kharkiv, our specialists worked without electricity or heating, yet demand for psychological sessions and creative activities continued to grow. In Lviv, one mother wrote after a parent meeting that for the first time in a long while, she felt she was among her people.
Despite the difficult conditions, in January we supported 835 children and 293 adults. Our psychologists conducted 1,162 individual sessions, 148 group therapy sessions, and 557 psychosocial group activities for children and families. At the same time, our case managers assisted 469 individuals facing complex life circumstances.
Despite the difficult conditions, in January we supported 835 children and 293 adults. Our psychologists conducted 1,162 individual sessions, 148 group therapy sessions, and 557 psychosocial group activities for children and families. At the same time, our case managers assisted 469 individuals facing complex life circumstances.
Parent Groups and Educational Meetings: Support for Families
In Kyiv, our team hosted a Parent Club focused on how to stay connected with children without losing parental authority. In Mykolaiv, the Conscious Parenting group met regularly, while in Kharkiv, the Parenting with Joy group continued its work. In Lviv, two parent meetings addressed how to support children in challenging situations. In Truskavets, our specialists organized resource-based sessions for women.
This meeting truly revived me. For a long time, I’ve felt emotionally frozen. It has become a chronic state caused by the constant stress of war. Then this beautiful meeting happened. I was surrounded by people who understood me like no one else. Today, in this great city of Lviv, I felt among my own. I came home emotionally full, uplifted. I came home happy,
In Kharkiv, educational sessions with a creative component were held for adults. Parents painted tote bags and felted wool, made candles, and received valuable information, communicated with one another, and took a break from daily stress.
Creative Activities for Children: From Clay to Affirmation Art
Creative activities at our centers help children express emotions, develop motor skills and creativity, as well as strengthen communication skills.
In Lviv, the center launched a new creative program for youth. Over the month, our team conducted 32 sessions in various formats, engaging more than 150 children aged 5 to 14+. The program included art therapy techniques such as ceramic sculpting, felting, beading, and photography. The team also organized film screenings followed by psychological discussions and therapeutic board games.
Two moments from Lviv stood out for our specialists. During one session, a girl sculpted a winged horse and called it her “Horse of Hope.” Our specialist observed how children express their dreams, fears, and hopes for the future through the images they create, while also processing their emotions. In another session, teenagers sculpted ceramic angels for their loved ones, each sharing whom they wished to protect.
In Lviv, the center launched a new creative program for youth. Over the month, our team conducted 32 sessions in various formats, engaging more than 150 children aged 5 to 14+. The program included art therapy techniques such as ceramic sculpting, felting, beading, and photography. The team also organized film screenings followed by psychological discussions and therapeutic board games.
Two moments from Lviv stood out for our specialists. During one session, a girl sculpted a winged horse and called it her “Horse of Hope.” Our specialist observed how children express their dreams, fears, and hopes for the future through the images they create, while also processing their emotions. In another session, teenagers sculpted ceramic angels for their loved ones, each sharing whom they wished to protect.
In Dnipro, children took part in programs such as The Art of Clay, Fluffy Cats Handmade, and Beaded Wonders. Younger participants joined the Winter Adventures club and a communication skills development program built around original games.
In Sumy, children created New Year’s gnomes from yarn, crafted small toy dogs with squishy paws, and painted affirmation paintings. They experimented with new painting techniques, expressing their dreams and sources of inspiration through color, shape, and personal affirmation phrases.
In Kharkiv, despite harsh weather and power outages, children enthusiastically practiced wood burning, made dreamcatchers, and created gel candles. Sessions were held in an underground school, in a place where children feel safe.
In Sumy, children created New Year’s gnomes from yarn, crafted small toy dogs with squishy paws, and painted affirmation paintings. They experimented with new painting techniques, expressing their dreams and sources of inspiration through color, shape, and personal affirmation phrases.
In Kharkiv, despite harsh weather and power outages, children enthusiastically practiced wood burning, made dreamcatchers, and created gel candles. Sessions were held in an underground school, in a place where children feel safe.
Cultural and Recreational Activities: Performances, Excursions, and Film Clubs for Children
Our regional centers actively collaborate with cultural institutions and partner organizations.
In Kyiv, 50 children attended the immersive performance Speaking Are Those Who Have Listened to Eternity at the National Conservation Area “Saint Sophia of Kyiv.” Another 52 children and their parents visited the play Zobeida at the Krakiv Cultural Cluster. Our team also organized a screening of Avatar for 27 teenagers at Planeta Kino cinema.
In Mykolaiv, our specialists held storytelling sessions, family film clubs, and creative workshops at the library named after Kropyvnytskyi. They also organized a game-based quest and the opening of an exhibition featuring works by students of the Children’s Art School. Additionally, the team arranged family excursions to the Toy Museum with creative activities for children and hosted events at the Kherson HUB for both children and adults.
In Kyiv, 50 children attended the immersive performance Speaking Are Those Who Have Listened to Eternity at the National Conservation Area “Saint Sophia of Kyiv.” Another 52 children and their parents visited the play Zobeida at the Krakiv Cultural Cluster. Our team also organized a screening of Avatar for 27 teenagers at Planeta Kino cinema.
In Mykolaiv, our specialists held storytelling sessions, family film clubs, and creative workshops at the library named after Kropyvnytskyi. They also organized a game-based quest and the opening of an exhibition featuring works by students of the Children’s Art School. Additionally, the team arranged family excursions to the Toy Museum with creative activities for children and hosted events at the Kherson HUB for both children and adults.
It was a true emotional reset that resonated deeply with the hearts of young Mykolaiv residents. Today’s interactive activity felt like a genuine embrace of kindness. Thank you,
In Chernihiv, our team participated in the opening of the partner space 12–21. The center also welcomed Oleksandra, who completed our art lab program. Work continued with the teaching staff of Preschool No. 21 “Dzvinochok,” where our specialists facilitated sessions on cognitive biases and “autopilot thinking,” explaining to children how certain thought patterns can be harmful.
In Truskavets, the Foundation’s team conducted focus groups with parents and teenagers. Participants shared feedback and ideas for future activities. An external facilitator led the meetings to ensure everyone felt comfortable speaking openly.
In Truskavets, the Foundation’s team conducted focus groups with parents and teenagers. Participants shared feedback and ideas for future activities. An external facilitator led the meetings to ensure everyone felt comfortable speaking openly.
Mobile Teams’ Visits: Psychological Support for Children in Communities
Voices of Children mobile teams continued working in communities where access to psychological support is often limited.
- The Dnipro center conducted eight outreach visits to Mohyliv and the Liubymivka community, where our specialists organized creative workshops, board games, and active group activities.
- The Truskavets team worked in the Skole community and the village of Ulychne, and resumed cooperation with the Koziavkin Clinic, providing creative sessions for children and psychoeducational meetings for parents.
- The Sumy center made three visits to the Trostianets community. During a team-building workshop, teenagers got the chance to relax and reflect while decorating their own tote bags. Psychological sessions focused on processing traumatic experiences that affect socialization and communication skills.
- The Chernihiv team carried out six outreach visits to Honcharivske, Novoselivka, and modular housing settlements, as well as separate visits to Borzna, Liubomudrivka, and Mykolaivka.
Shelling, power outages, and extended school holidays have been hard on children. But even at –25°C, they didn’t stop attending their favorite activities. Many said they were tired of sitting at home with phones and tablets. At the center, they can connect with each other and spend time in a meaningful way,
Each of our centers found its own way to support children and parents during this extraordinarily difficult month. This month was about adapting to work without electricity, supporting children through extreme cold, strengthening parent communities, and expanding our outreach to new communities.
Our specialists continue to stand by children and families, offering support and guidance. Voices of Children centers work so that in difficult times no child or family is left alone with their experiences. A new month of work lies ahead—new groups, new meetings, new support.
Our specialists continue to stand by children and families, offering support and guidance. Voices of Children centers work so that in difficult times no child or family is left alone with their experiences. A new month of work lies ahead—new groups, new meetings, new support.
Today, Voices of Children operates ten regional centers across Ukraine, along with mobile teams. In each location, children can find a supportive community, receive psychological help, and participate in creative activities and games.
We also operate a psychological support helpline: 0 800 210 106 (free within Ukraine, available daily from 09:00 to 20:00).
We thank our partners and all friends of the Foundation for working alongside us.
We thank our partners and all friends of the Foundation for working alongside us.
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This winter, we launched the campaign “What If the Patronus Is Actually You?” to bring together a community of donors and support Ukrainian children who are facing especially difficult circumstances right now. The funds raised will go toward providing psychological support to children living in frontline communities and online, support for families of Ukraine’s defenders, and other vital areas.
Join our mission by making a donation, signing up for a monthly subscription, or sharing our updates. Together, we can do more.
Join our mission by making a donation, signing up for a monthly subscription, or sharing our updates. Together, we can do more.
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