On August 5 in Kyiv, the Future for Ukraine charitable foundation and the NGO “All-Ukrainian Association ‘Veteran Corps’” signed a memorandum of cooperation. Their first joint initiative will be a comprehensive psychological support program for veterans and their families.
The fifth year of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine continues to create numerous challenges for millions of Ukrainians. Veterans and their families face an especially difficult path.
Caring for families’ mental health is an essential part of veterans’ comprehensive recovery and reintegration into society. Both veterans and their loved ones need professional psychological support to cope with the consequences of their experiences, rebuild family relationships, and move forward together. Only a systemic approach can be truly effective. That is why the Future for Ukraine charitable foundation launched a new program, Mental Health for People Affected by the War, as part of its Medical Help direction.
The comprehensive psychological support program for veterans and their families will be the first joint initiative of the Future for Ukraine charitable foundation and the NGO “All-Ukrainian Association ‘Veteran Corps’” to be implemented as part of the Mental Health program.
“We understand that a veteran’s return to civilian life affects not only the veteran but the entire family, who go through this difficult journey together. That is why support must be comprehensive and include psychological recovery, adaptation, support for loved ones, and the creation of a safe environment for returning to a fulfilling life,” said Anna Kovalova, CEO and founder of Future for Ukraine.
She emphasized that the foundation is committed to developing systemic programs that create lasting impact. Caring for veterans and their families is a responsibility that society bears toward those who defended Ukraine.
Yan Klishaiev, Head of the NGO “All-Ukrainian Association ‘Veteran Corps’,” also highlighted the importance of supporting the mental health of veterans’ families:
“The consequences of war affect not only veterans but also their loved ones. That is why it is important for families to go through the recovery process and adapt to civilian life together. Through this partnership, we will foster a culture of mental health care within our community and encourage its members to seek professional psychological support when they need it. This support is essential to the emotional well-being of the entire family.”
Anna Hrubaia, Mental Health Program Lead, clinical psychologist, and trauma therapist, explained that a veteran’s return from the front line to civilian life requires the entire family to rebuild their relationships and each family member to adapt. The program therefore aims to provide comprehensive support and recovery not only for veterans but for their families as a whole.
“After combat experience, injury, or a return to civilian life, established family roles and relationships may change. Everyone — veterans, spouses, children, and parents — needs time and support to adapt. That is why the program involves comprehensive work with the entire family, helping its members better understand one another’s needs, rebuild their connections, and set new shared goals together,” Anna Hrubaia explained.
The psychological support program for veterans’ families will consist of two stages. The first will be an introductory meeting where participants can meet the specialists, learn more about the program, and establish a safe environment for further interaction. The second stage will involve three months of individual and group sessions with a psychologist, including weekly consultations.
The program is designed to help participants reduce psychological distress, improve communication and mutual support within the family, strengthen psychological resilience, and develop an individual plan for continued recovery.
“Returning to civilian life is a journey that families take together. Psychological support helps strengthen relationships and allows family members to better understand one another’s needs. It is not only about overcoming the consequences of war but also about preserving the family as an essential source of support for the veteran. Supporting the mental health of veterans and their loved ones is an investment in the resilience of Ukrainian families, the successful reintegration of veterans into civilian life, and the country’s future,” said Ivanna Babii, Head of the “Rodyny” Family Support Center project at the NGO “All-Ukrainian Association ‘Veteran Corps’.”
The memorandum covers not only the implementation of the pilot program but also further joint initiatives focused on the psychological recovery and social adaptation of veterans and their families, their integration into active community life, stronger family relationships, and an improved quality of life.
