Traumatic experiences and mutual understanding: tools for specialists working with veterans
The Education and Research Centre for Social and Psychological Support and Resilience held a training course for specialists working with veterans and in veteran spaces – ‘Trauma Awareness: Psychological Support Skills’.
This is a very important lesson, because defenders and their families should always be surrounded by people who know how to help themselves and others, support them, understand them, and give them the tools they need to recover.
Trainers: Natalia Makienko, an expert in trauma work and official representative of the Israel Trauma Coalition in Ukraine, who herself survived the occupation and has been working with veterans, military personnel, first responders, and police officers for many years, and Tetiana Nadvynychna, associate professor at the Department of Psychology and Social Work of WUNU, trainer for the same coalition, and specialist at the Resilience Centre.
Participants practised exercises, discussed real cases and challenges. There was a lot of experience sharing, improvisation and advice. It was not just training, but a lively dialogue and practical exercises that specialists encounter in their work. Participants did not just listen — they tried, discussed, sought solutions, shared their pain and their resources. And they even found room for laughter — sincere, supportive laughter that helps to get through difficult times.
Gradually, an environment is being created in which veterans and the families of defenders feel supported and cared for, and communities and veterans' spaces are becoming stronger — thanks to people who are willing to understand, be there and help.
We sincerely thank all participants for their openness and enthusiasm, and the trainers for their experience and inspiration. Together, we are creating an environment where every veteran and every defender's family will know that they are not alone.