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The rehabilitation program developed to improve the emotional well-being of women and children affected by the war lasted for three weeks. It is implemented under the Unbreakable Mom project rolled out by the Masha Fund in concert with Saving Lives. The first 70 participants who successfully completed rehabilitation have shared their impressions.

The war has affected every Ukrainian. Yet, there are people who find it more difficult to cope. These are the so-called "vulnerable categories" — mothers with children. Often they are left to fend for themselves and deal with everyday problems, which triggers an emotional crisis. The Unbreakable Mom project helps overcome the trauma.

ABOUT THE PROJECT
Unbreakable Mom is a joint project rolled out by the Masha Fund in concert with the Saving Lives humanitarian initiative launched by Metinvest Group in concert with the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation. The project is designed to improve the psychological and emotional well-being of participants, prevent the development of PTSD, develop the ability to adapt and self-actualize, and form new social connections.
The first session took place in the Carpathians. The project participants included Metinvest employees, their wives and children who were under occupation, lost their families, fled their homes or were left with deep psychological trauma caused by their distressing experiences. A separate schedule was prepared for mothers and children. The participants attended three-week psychological classes and art therapy master classes, and received individual consultations.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the sponsors, organisers, and specialists of the Unbreakable Mom project. Hats off to all the miracle workers who healed our wounded souls for the psychological rehabilitation, a wonderful place of accommodation, an eventful programme, and positive emotions. Thanks to your help we the mothers of little Ukrainians, find the inner resources to bring up the future generation. Thanks to your help we feel strong and free, and we can see our future life path,” Viktoria Kiva shared her impressions of the project.

At the beginning of the rehabilitation program, moms and kids had emotional stress, decreased interest in everyday life and communications, negative self-beliefs, irritability, etc. With the effective methods and techniques, the participants could improve their well-being significantly.

“Each of us remembers the state we were in when we arrived… Project specialists, you are incredible! You have gone with us through all our fears and worries, helping us cope with these and shared valuable knowledge and skills. You have healed our wounds, given us wings, unleashed our potential, inspired us, and brought back smiles to our life. This is particularly important for our children, because we are their support and role models. We are truly unbreakable moms now!” Anna Korobkina shared her personal changes after the program.

HELP IN ACTION
To help moms, the program used EMDR, art therapy, mindfulness techniques, psychodrama, as well as body, narrative, and cognitive-behavioural therapies. Children activities included neurogymnastics, play therapy, Serial Drawing and Safe Space art therapy, stress tolerance techniques, and creative exercises.
“I want to thank psychologists for their professionalism; in particular, many thanks to my psychologist Tetiana Vasylieva for her warm embrace and understanding, our wonderful art masters for helping me see the art as a source of vital resources. I am grateful to kindergarten teachers, and the children psychologist Elmira in particular, for taking care of our children and making them smile. The project has given me lots of energy and strength as well provided reliable tools for sourcing the energy,” Natalia Yerofeyeva gave an emotional description of her achievements.

A team of the Unbreakable Mom program managed to create a safety space where everyone could work on their own feelings, cope with post-traumatic anxiety, and find inner strength to move forward to live a full life. All project participants received road maps for solving urgent problems and learnt to apply successful conduct strategies that can help keep them steady and manage their emotional well-being in the future.