Veterans have a strong sense of brotherhood, strong identification with their community, and trust in those who have gone through war. That is why the peer-to-peer model is recognized as the best in providing support to veterans.
Of course, we are not talking about help that requires professional knowledge (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, etc.). We are talking about platforms organized by the veteran community for veterans - veteran spaces, public spaces, hubs, and other services organized by public veteran associations.
This is where veterans can find understanding of their needs and problems, share their pain, and get information on how to solve a particular problem. Such platforms are staffed by proven specialists: psychologists, lawyers, who are trusted by the veteran community and are worth contacting.
«"The history of veteran spaces began in the Zhytomyr region, where in 2016 the first veteran space in the format of a public association was created - "Veteran's House". This initiative united the efforts of veterans, volunteers, the public, local and state authorities," the "Handbook of Barrier-Free Access" notes.
The activities of the spaces were effective and interesting for veteran communities in the regions. Veteran spaces should be considered the best "entry point" for anyone who intends to interact with veterans. A kind of "one-stop shop" - from legal consultations to rehabilitation services.
Today, such spaces operate in almost every region in the format of non-governmental organizations, municipal institutions, associations, etc. There is the largest association of them - the Coalition of Veteran Spaces, which includes 26 veteran spaces.
So, if a veteran is looking for their path to civilian life, it is worth turning to veteran spaces.
We would like to remind you that the «Veteran’s Assistant» project is also being implemented in the Kharkiv region; you can learn more about it at by reference. For additional information about the project, please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs of the HOVA at: 057-752-09-06.