By Sarah Slimp | Partnership Manager
Sumy Regional Center: May–June 2025 Report
Voices of Children is thrilled to share that in May, our team in Sumy officially opened the doors of a brand-new center! Since May 1, our dedicated team (two psychologists and a coordinator) has worked tirelessly to bring care and healing to children and families affected by the war.
The space is now fully equipped to provide both psychological and psychosocial support, with a spacious room for group sessions and a private room for individual consultations. The center provides a stable, supportive environment for those living on the frontlines.
May Programs and Impact
In May alone, our psychologists served 129 beneficiaries, including 80 first-time clients. Many of the children showed signs of heightened anxiety, directly linked to the ongoing war. There were 36 individual consultations this month, an increase in comparison to previous work as a mobile team of psychologists.
The team actively implemented therapeutic programs to promote emotional growth and resilience, including:
One group, in particular, included children aged 9–10, among them children with special educational needs. The group focused on building inclusivity, social skills, and a sense of belonging. It concluded on May 30 with a warm farewell, featuring shared memories and handmade keepsakes, including a small “magic mushroom” created by one of the children. It now serves as a welcoming symbol for new participants.
New Programs in June
In June, the team launched two new psychological groups as part of the program "Voice of Fairy Tales: Introduction to Emotions", which uses fairy tale therapy to help young children process and express their feelings.
By mid-June, the center had served 98 beneficiaries, 35 of whom were new. To expand outreach, the team also created and distributed a series of child-friendly self-help posters to be displayed in local schools and shelters, raising awareness and providing simple mental health tools for children.
Creative psychosocial classes also continued, including:
These sessions nurture creativity while offering a safe and engaging way for children to share and explore their emotions.
The "Cartoonland" film club became a favorite among children aged 6–9. Screenings of Frozen, Frozen 2, and The Wild Robot were followed by guided discussions to help children reflect on emotional themes and build empathy.
Creating an Emotionally Safe Space
The center’s recreation area (complete with floor mats and soft toys) has quickly become a favorite retreat for children. It offers a space for rest, play, and emotional decompression, reinforcing the center’s role as a haven during uncertain times.
Extending Support Beyond the Center
In response to growing emotional fatigue among educators, the team also led psychological relief workshops for teachers from:
Feedback from Families
Parents shared touching reflections on how the programs have impacted their children:
Despite the Challenges, Hope Persists
Even under the strain of a difficult security situation in Sumy, the team remains resilient, dedicated, and deeply committed to reaching as many children and families as possible with healing support.
We are profoundly grateful to our GlobalGiving community for making this possible. Your donations have brought this center to life, and with it, real relief, stability, and emotional care for those who need it most.
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