All key services for military personnel, veterans, and their families have been brought together in a single platform.
In Zaporizhzhia, new tools to support veterans – namely the multifunctional Veteran Help platform and an updated services guide – have been presented. The initiative was implemented by NGO “Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action”, in partnership with the charitable organisation “Rubicon of Freedom”, as part of the “Speak-up, Veteran” project.
During the event, participants were introduced to an online platform that brings together information on public, civil society, and private services for military personnel, veterans – both men and women – and members of their families. This includes a wide range of support, such as: ranging from legal and psychological support to rehabilitation services.
Serhii DRUZHYNIN, Regional Coordinator of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme “How Are You?”, noted:
“The platform brings together a very wide range of resources and services. The platform even features a studio offering laser hair removal services and the removal of traces of powder residue from the face. In other words, even such services are included. It is very encouraging that socially responsible businesses are joining such initiatives."
The organisers emphasised that the platform’s primary objective is to make information as accessible and easy to understand as possible.
Iraisat MAHOMEDALIIEVA, Head of a Unit at the Regional Development Department of Metinvest Group, emphasised:
“Our aim is to bring together as much up-to-date information as possible, and to present it in a high-quality, clear, well-structured, and accessible manner, so that people can quickly orient themselves and find exactly what they need."
The platform is designed to ensure barrier-free access to information and to help veterans adapt more quickly to civilian life.
Ivan MINCHENKO, Director of the charitable organisation “Rubicon of Freedom”, explained:
“The platform is intended to help address the issues faced by veterans. so that they understand which services are available to them, what they are entitled to, and so forth."
An updated digital services guide for veterans was also presented separately. It was created to allow for the prompt updating of information and the expansion of the range of services.
The guide was developed by NGO “Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action”, the Humanitarian Coordination Centre in Zaporizhzhia Region, and the charitable organisation “Rubicon of Freedom”, with support from the “Impulse” project, implemented by the International Renaissance Foundation and the East Europe Foundation with funding from Norway (Norad) and Sweden (Sida).
Representatives of the business community and the civil society sector were also involved in the development of the Veteran Help platform. According to the organisers, the service will be useful not only for veterans but also for those who provide aid.
Veterans note that such initiatives help them navigate civilian life more effectively after completing their service.
Veteran Oleksandr HRYTSAI shared:
“After my discharge, I had almost no information: where to go for different matters, what was required to process documents, or how to obtain payments. Organisations such as Rubicon of Freedom provide veterans and their family members with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with civilian life and understand where to turn for services. This is extremely important."
City officials emphasise that the development of a veterans’ ecosystem is only possible through cooperation between government authorities, civil society organisations, and businesses.
The event also served as a networking platform: participants presented their organisations, exchanged contact details, and discussed new opportunities for collaboration to support veterans – both men and women – in Zaporizhzhia region.
