How can we support a comrade after returning to civilian life? What should we say when someone is struggling? How do we stay present, avoid dismissing their experience, not cause harm — and at the same time not burn out ourselves?
These were the key questions behind the training “How to Support Comrades in Civilian Life,” held from April 1 to 5 at the PDMSh Education, Training and Rehabilitation Center.
Over five days, participants worked with topics such as stress, traumatic experience, recovery, and mutual support. The training combined theory and practice: real-life scenario simulations, group work, and the development of self-regulation and peer-to-peer support skills.
Participants learned to better understand the body’s response to stress, work with emotions, restore internal stability, and become a source of support for others in difficult situations. Special attention was given to facilitating peer support groups, communication skills, and the referral of complex cases.
Such trainings provide not only knowledge, but also practical tools that work in real life — in military units, veteran communities, and civilian environments.
We thank all participants for their openness, engagement, and willingness to work through important topics. Special thanks to the organizers from the NGO “Ukrainian Professional Development,” trainers from the NGO “DOVIRYAI UA,” and the team of the “TvoyaIstoriya” Psychology Center for their deep work, support, and for creating a safe space for this process.
We will continue to develop this direction further. The project is implemented by the NGO “Ukrainian Professional Development” together with the NGO “DOVIRYAI UA” and the First Volunteer Mobile Hospital, with the generous support of World Jewish Relief.