Supported by: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
Project geography: Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk regions.
As part of a project implemented jointly by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation partner organizations, the NGO Resource Center provides psychological assistance to people who lost their jobs during the war. NGO Resource Center psychologists conduct specialized trainings, support group meetings, and individual consultations for residents of selected regions to help them overcome psychological difficulties associated with the consequences of unemployment in unstable war conditions. Within the framework of these activities, the emphasis was placed on developing skills to overcome stress and anxiety, increasing psychological readiness for job search in conditions of uncertainty, developing self-confidence and improving self-esteem, as well as mastering the art of self-presentation to prepare for future interviews.
The project will continue to provide support to people facing psychological difficulties due to job loss until October 2026.
Number of beneficiaries: 725 (as of early April 2026)
Number of trainings: 20 (10 offline and 10 online)
Number of support group meetings: over 30
Number of partners (employment centers and NGOs): 9+
Thematic trainings are designed to help participants overcome the negative psychological consequences of unemployment, such as anxiety due to uncertainty, impaired self-esteem and self-doubt. The training “Calmness in Changes: From Stress to New Opportunities” introduces participants to techniques for overcoming stress and anxiety during periods of uncertainty and offers tools for resource recovery. The training “Self-Confidence: The Path to Professional Success” is dedicated to increasing self-esteem and overcoming internal barriers in a process of job search and on the path to future career growth. The training on the topic “Self-Presentation Skills and Secrets of a Successful Interview” aims to develop skills in presenting one’s own strengths and improve participants’ interaction with a future employer both online and offline.
Support groups provide participants with a safe, trusting space to discuss their experiences and gain a sense of community. United by the shared experience of job search in the difficult conditions of ongoing war, participants feel less isolated and, by supporting each other, find motivation and strength to change. Topics discussed in group meetings include stress after losing a job, feelings of guilt, shame or insecurity, fears related to unemployment and hopes for finding a new job, stability and security.
Individual consultations help people find emotional support and internal resources to overcome their personal psychological barriers to finding a new job. Such support is especially important for many participants with a variety of difficult experiences, including those who have lost their homes or loved ones or experienced other difficult events in a time of war.
