Another meeting was held in Zaporizhzhia as part of the "Speak Up, Veteran" project to discuss how to make the return of military personnel to civilian life more comfortable.
The key topic of the discussion focused on overcoming communication barriers and triggers when engaging with war veterans.
It is worth noting that discussion platforms addressing issues important to defenders are held once a month as part of the project. These issues relate to legal, medical, psychological, and social benefits, as well as other important aspects where defenders need attention and support.
Serhii Druzhynin, Regional Coordinator of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme "Are You OK?", emphasised that this event aims to foster dialogue between society and veterans, who are its integral part.
"Society must be equipped to understand veterans. This event aims to raise issues that may resonate with people. We want to give veterans a platform to directly respond to society's concerns," said Serhii DRUZHYNIN.
War veterans, psychologists, and students from higher education institutions in Zaporizhzhia took part in the meeting.
One of the veterans who participated in the discussion was Mykola Tkachenko, who volunteered to defend his country in the first days of the full-scale invasion. Before being conscripted, he had worked at Zaporizhstal. Now, having returned from the frontline, he is back working alongside his colleagues. He spoke about how some questions from civilians can be frustrating for him and his fellow soldiers.
"The most foolish question I've heard is, 'Have you killed people?' The answer is straightforward – I did not kill people. People are those who stood by my side and had my back. The ones I defended. I killed the enemy".
Thanks to the open discussion, participants learned about the triggers veterans face and how society can help its heroes adapt to civilian life.
"This is extremely important work that should become an everyday effort. Youth should engage with this wide range of issues and contribute according to their field of expertise. Lawyers will help address legal matters, psychologists will provide mental health support, and so on across all areas," said Mykhailo PYROH, Chairperson of the Veterans Council in Zaporizhzhia.
As a reminder, the "Speak Up, Veteran" project was launched last summer in Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih. In Zaporizhzhia, the project was launched and is being implemented by the NGO "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action". with financial support by Metinvest and Zaporizhstal Iron and Steel Works, in partnership with the Zaporizhzhia City Council. The project was created as a platform to explore veterans' needs and provide comprehensive support in resolving the issues they face.
