On June 5, the multifunctional IDP Support Center of Mariupol district "Heart of the East" in Lviv hosted an event to summarize the first year of its activities "1 Year Together: From Heart to Heart", where they reported on the work done, shared their experience and best practices in providing comprehensive assistance to residents of Donetsk region.
The event was attended by representatives of the Oblast State Administration, Mariupol District State Administration, local communities of Mariupol District, international and non-governmental organizations.
"The IDP support centers in Mariupol district "Heart of the East" have become important islands of salvation for those who have found themselves in difficult life circumstances due to the war, forced to integrate into a new environment, lost their homes and jobs, and need warmth and attention," said Elena Tokareva, Director of the Social Protection Department of the Regional State Administration.
The main areas of work of the Support Center are to provide humanitarian, legal, psychological, social and medical assistance.
The Support Center has a children's space where cultural, entertainment, educational, sports, psychological, art therapy events, various workshops, meetings, games, training, etc. take place.
The Support Center is home to a resilience center that helps people cope with psychological stress and other social challenges, as well as teach everyone how to recover from traumatic events, return to active life, and get involved in community initiatives.
In a relatively short time, the Support Center has gained popularity for its interesting classes, lectures, talks, trainings, events, projects, mental health care programs, various workshops, and cultural and entertainment events.
"It is very important for IDPs to feel that they are not alone. All of us create an atmosphere of warmth, hope and new opportunities for each of them," said Ms. Olena.
Together to Victory!