As part of the Speak up, Veteran project, supported by Metinvest both ideologically and financially, panel discussions on the comprehensive rehabilitation of veterans were held in Kryvyi Rih and Zaporizhia. In Kryvyi Rih, the project aimed at supporting and adapting veterans is being implemented with the assistance of the city's Defence Council. The events in both cities were arranged by civil society organisations, including the Kryvyi Rih Foundation for Future and the Zaporizhia. Joint Action Platform.
"We continue working through discussion panels, where we address the urgent issues faced by veterans with the help of specialists from various fields. This time, we are focusing on state and private rehabilitation opportunities for soldiers. Our goal is to provide information on specialised medical institutions in the city, share details about rehabilitation programmes, and offer necessary contacts and consultations," emphasised Olena LESCHENKO, director of the Kryvyi Rih Foundation for Future.
Veterans, representatives from city and regional health departments, private rehabilitation centres, psychologists, and Metinvest employees who recently returned from the frontlines and have now resumed work at local enterprises, were all invited to discuss pressing issues. Serhiy Harkusha, who works at Inhulets Mining and Processing Plant, helps colleagues who have returned from the war. Recently, he was demobilised due to a severe injury. With the support of Metinvest’s veteran programmes, he was able to return to work at the company and now provides guidance to others, fully understanding how vital this assistance is.
"When I was receiving treatment, the company provided me with financial support. Later, they offered me a job at the plant, along with psychological support. For me, the ability to work in a team, rather than feeling forgotten and abandoned, was the most important help," shared Serhiy HARKUSHA.
Metinvest actively addresses the needs of both mobilised and demobilised employees, offering various support programmes to help them adapt to civilian life. Through Metinvest’s humanitarian and social initiatives, reconstructive surgeries and prosthetics are provided to injured servicemen and civilians. The company is also developing general and targeted psychological support programmes. For all Metinvest employees and their families, the Metinvest - Together! psychological service provides free consultations. Cities where the company operates receive financial support for the repair of medical facilities and the improvement of the material and technical resources of local hospitals.
"We are very grateful to Metinvest for its support of the healthcare system, which has been provided not only in peacetime but also during the pandemic, and continues during the war. During this difficult time for the country, the company has managed to maintain its voluntary insurance programme for employees, which is a significant help, not only in treatment but also in rehabilitation efforts," said Oleksandr LUKIANENKO, deputy head of the health department of the City Council Executive Committee.
The key topic discussed by participants in the panel was the care and rehabilitation of military personnel. Businesses and local authorities are working together to create conditions where veterans can receive comprehensive physical and psychological rehabilitation, including free or partially subsidised dental services. A holistic approach to addressing the needs of our heroes is seen as a crucial step toward restoring the health and emotional well-being of veterans.
"Thanks to this meeting, I learned a lot of useful information about rehabilitation centres in our city that help with recovery after injuries. Currently, I have an issue with my arm, and I also learned about a new project providing rehabilitation through swimming at the Free Waves pool, which really interested me. On top of that, the opportunity to talk with the other guys is invaluable. Everyone has their own experience, and we share it with each other," said Serhiy PAVLOV, a war veteran from InGZK.
The meeting concluded with veterans receiving personal consultations from the event’s speakers. The Speak up, Veteran project will continue to unite businesses, government, and civil society to improve the quality of life for veterans by providing them with the necessary support and resources for successful reintegration.
