Memories That Warm the Heart: A Summer Project for Veterans’ Families

Lecturers at Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, Yuliia Kriuchkova and Daryna Lytvychenko, joined an important initiative of the non-governmental organization “Fishing Club of Ukraine” (NGO “KRU”) — the “Recovery Space for Veterans’ Families” project.

Throughout the summer of 2026, the project brought together 500 veterans and their family members. Its goals included psychological and emotional recovery, strengthening family bonds, and supporting adjustment after wartime experiences. The programme combined outdoor recreation, psychological sessions, creative activities, and adaptive sport fishing.

Participants had the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones, connect with families who shared similar experiences, and receive professional support. Shared games, art therapy activities, and exercises such as “Family Tree,” “Family Coat of Arms,” and “Friendship in Marriage” encouraged mutual understanding and helped create positive shared memories.

The involvement of Yuliia Kriuchkova and Daryna Lytvychenko in the NGO “KRU” initiative illustrates the participation of BSPU lecturers in socially significant projects. It provided an opportunity to use their professional expertise to support families coping with the consequences of war every day.

The initiative was implemented by NGO “KRU” in partnership with the Representative Office of Solidarity Fund PL in Ukraine within the PRO_MentalHealth Psychosocial Programme. The camps took place as part of the European Union-funded project “Comprehensive Support for Children, Families and Communities Affected by War.” The PRO_MentalHealth Programme is supported by the EU, the Republic of Poland, and other international partners.

Daryna Lytvychenko
Senior Lecturer, Department of Applied Psychology and Speech Therapy

Yuliia Kriuchkova
Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology