Those Who Support Others: Gen.Ukrainian Cares for the Well-Being of Its Team
At the end of November, a four-day retreat for the Gen.Ukrainian team took place near Kyiv. The retreat was designed for professionals who work daily with children affected by war-related trauma and became an important part of the organization’s systematic efforts to prevent professional burnout and support the team’s psycho-emotional resilience.
The retreat brought together psychologists, tutors, and members of the administrative team. Over four days, participants had the opportunity to pause, restore their inner resources, and spend time in a safe and supportive environment.
A Space for Recovery and Mutual Support
The retreat program was built around the idea of holistic recovery through a combination of psychological, body-based, team-oriented, and resource-focused practices. The opening lecture, "A Space for Yourself," invited participants to take an inner pause — to listen to their own needs, release tension, and allow themselves to be not only supporters of others, but also people in need of care.
Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in body-oriented and breathing practices, art therapy, sound meditation, and mindfulness-based approaches. A dedicated place in the program was given to team-based strategic games and integration sessions, which helped participants better understand their roles within the team, interaction styles, and shared resources.
An important restorative component of the program included time spent in nature, access to a SPA area, walks, and a visit to the EQUIDES equestrian sports complex. Interaction with animals and observing them became another gentle tool for emotional release and the restoration of inner balance.
Caring for the Team as the Foundation of Quality Support for Children
The retreat allowed participants not only to reduce accumulated stress, but also to gain greater awareness of their personal boundaries, signs of fatigue, and individual self-regulation strategies. Special attention was given to the topics of vicarious (secondary) trauma and professional burnout — risks commonly faced by specialists who work long-term with the difficult life stories of Ukrainian children.
Team cohesion also strengthened significantly. Shared practices, discussions, and reflection contributed to building trust, a sense of mutual support, and a shared vision for the organization’s future work.
The retreat reaffirmed a core principle of Gen.Ukrainian: systematic care for the team is a necessary condition for providing effective and sustainable support to children affected by war. By supporting its specialists, the organization creates the foundation for high-quality programs, long-term impact, and the preservation of humanity even in the most challenging circumstances.
“Integrated support for war-affected children, families and communities" Project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Solidarity Fund PL in Ukraine in frames of PRO_MentalHealth Psychosocial Support Programme.
The content of this material is the sole responsibility of the NGO ‘Gen.Ukrainian Camp' and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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100% of the collected funds are directed to rehabilitation intensives, scientific activities, support of the Gen. children and psycho-social support of their families.
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Psychological support to children is provided free of charge thanks to patronage
The purpose of the Gen.Camp:
stabilization of the psychological and emotional state of a child after a traumatic experience.
The duration of the program: 21 days.
Location: Ukraine.
stabilization of the psychological and emotional state of a child after a traumatic experience.
The duration of the program: 21 days.
Location: Ukraine.
