Psychological Intensive in the Carpathians

For six months, mothers and children met in their respective groups, talked about what they were going through, learned to better understand themselves, and explored ways to find sources of support and strength. The August intensive provided an opportunity to bring this shared stage to a close not with another regular meeting, but with several days spent together in a safe and supportive environment.

The programme included group sessions for mothers and children, shared activities, and time to spend together outside their usual home environment.

One of these activities was a hike to Mountain of Life. Children, mothers, and the Foundation’s team set out for the summit together. For participants, the hike carried a special meaning: the mountain became a symbol of challenges that can sometimes seem too great to overcome. But when you keep moving forward step by step, with people by your side who are there to support you, you gradually realise that the path can be travelled.

A special part of the programme was the evening of remembrance. All the families gathered around a campfire to talk about their fallen husbands and fathers, and to share memories and stories about their families.

The day before, the children had created paper figures of men during a group session. For each child, the figure represented their father. During the evening of remembrance, the children could come to the campfire with their figures and say a few words about their fathers: what they remembered and what they wanted others to know about them.

The figures were then joined together into a single chain and placed near the campfire. The children and their mothers lit candles of remembrance beside it. In that moment, each family’s personal story became part of a shared evening where they could remember their loved ones and simply be among people who understood what they were going through.

For the children, the intensive was also an opportunity to reunite with their friends. Strong bonds had formed between them during the support group sessions, so spending several days together was meaningful not only because of the programme itself, but also because they could simply be together, play, and spend time in a shared space.

After the intensive, most families said they felt lighter. They returned home with a sense that there were people around them with whom they could be open, talk about difficult things, and receive support without having to explain their experience every time.

Soborna Ukraine Foundation’s support for these families does not end with the intensive. We remain in touch with them, and each family can continue, at their own discretion, to attend psychological sessions, participate in educational and recreation programmes, and join other Foundation activities. Completing a support group is only one stage in the recovery process.

We thank our partners, Avellana and Glovo, for their financial support of the psychological rehabilitation intensive. Thanks to you, these four days were made possible for children and their mothers as they continue their journey towards a happy, fulfilling, and empowered future.