On the basis of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, the “Plus Plus ++” space was opened for the defenders of Ukraine and their families. The event took place on September 12.
The event was attended by many guests, representatives of the University, authorities and local self-government, military personnel and their family members.
The host of the opening ceremony was project coordinator Tetiana Hordovska, who spoke about the network of partner spaces, the use of the location, the events and activities supposed to take place here.
Afterwards, Rector Anatolii Tsios was invited to speak. “An extremely important function of a higher education institution is assistance to the Armed Forces and activities aimed at protecting the state. It is nice that our University has taken a clear civic position. Psychological assistance to combatants and their families is also important. I am very grateful to our employees who joined this project. I hope for a good result,” Rector said.
After that, the Head of the Volyn Regional Council Hryhorii Nedopad took the floor: “Such space is very necessary. This is what we really lacked. People who have been fighting, their families should have some outlet so that they can be heard, talk about their problems. This is a great initiative.”
The local government was represented at the event by the Deputy Mayor of Lutsk, Iryna Chebeliuk. “We have been working with our defenders and military families in need for a long time. We understand that the number of such people is growing. We will try to support this initiative and help,” she said.
The Director of the Department of Youth and Sports of the Lutsk City Council, Volodymyr Zahozhyi, emphasized the urgency of creating such a location. “We understand that there will be many times more veterans, because a full-scale war is going on. We want to facilitate their adaptation and socialization. This will be our honour and we are grateful to the veterans for their feat. Gratitude to the Rector and the University for such an initiative,” he summarised.
Professor of the Department of General and Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Larysa Zasekina, told the audience about work with veterans as a factor in improving the community’s mental health: “The project and the hub’s goal is not only to provide psychological, but also social and adaptive help for everyone who needs it. The practice of our activity has shown that it is most productive to work in families.”
Last summer, eight “Plus Plus ++” partner spaces were opened, some of which closed due to the occupation. Currently, Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University is joining the network to support veterans and families of defenders in Lutsk. The project is implemented within the framework of the Veteran Hub “Plus Plus ++” partner programme.
The space at the University will be open on weekdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at: 13 Voli Avenue, the main building of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, entrance from the courtyard.
Come to “Plus Plus ++” in order to:
– to be among one’s own;
– work and drink coffee;
– to visit or hold events in the space;
– access Veteran Hub online services, including support from lawyers, psychologists and job search consultants. Veteran Hub was founded in 2018 in Kyiv as a space to support ATO/JFO veterans. Currently, the organisation provides services to relatives of defenders personally in Vinnytsia and the region. The support line and partner spaces “Plus Plus ++” work throughout Ukraine. For questions about the “Plus Plus ++” partner programme in Lutsk, contact the space coordinator Tetiana Hordovska: +38 050 197 70 55; +38 050 061 81 88 lutsk@plusplus.org.ua
Information Policy Office
