Psychosocial Support for Veterans

"Supporting the Social and Psychological Adaptation of Veterans through Evidence-Based Approach" and "Community – it is Me: psychosocial promoting of the civic activity of the ATO veterans".

This first project supported the reintegration of Ukrainian Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) veterans into civilian life by developing and implementing a structured method of social and psychological support. Grounded in evidence-based psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the method was designed to be both accessible and scalable through a train-the-trainer model.

Led by the Institute of Mental Health at the Ukrainian Catholic University, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Association of Specialists on the Aftermath of Psychotrauma, and funded by International Renaissance Foundation, the project:
• Developed a psychosocial support methodology tailored to the needs of ATO veterans.
• Published a practical guidebook for professionals.
• Trained 20 regional trainers in the use of the method.
• Facilitated local trainings for 400 professionals working with veterans.

The method, based on group work and involving family members, significantly expanded the outreach and effectiveness of psychosocial support. In the long term, the project laid the foundation for further research, national-level recognition, and widespread application of the methodology across Ukraine.

The second project, "Community - it is Me", aimed to support the civic reintegration of veterans by fostering their engagement in community life and strengthening their psychosocial well-being. Implemented by the Ukrainian Catholic University, the initiative developed and piloted a programme in three rural communities of Lviv region. Veterans received structured support through community-based group work, legal and social consultations, and family events. Local leaders were trained to continue facilitating the programme, and 25 facilitators from across Ukraine were equipped to scale the approach nationally. Overall, the project empowered veterans to become active agents of change, benefiting over 90 veterans directly and laying the groundwork for broader social impact across the country.