Mariupol Veterans Train as Coaches in Post-Traumatic Growth Program.

Mariupol Defenders Transition to Coaching Roles

According to TSN.ua: A post-traumatic growth camp is equipping ten defenders of Mariupol to become trainers who will provide support to fellow veterans after the war. This initiative focuses on giving participants the knowledge and skills required to lead training sessions and group workshops, preparing them for future work with veterans and their families.

Among the camp's participants are Natalia Shevchenko, a psychologist from the civil society organization 'Heart of Azovstal,' and veteran Viktor Morozov. The 'Heart of Azovstal' organization, which is funded by Rinat Akhmetov, is actively engaged in veteran support issues, particularly through post-traumatic growth programs. Programs like this are becoming increasingly vital in Ukraine as the nation addresses the long-term psychological needs of its military personnel.

Natalia Shevchenko notes that the 'peer-to-peer' format is a crucial part of the veteran support system, which requires a professional approach.

Viktor Morozov emphasizes that veterans are not broken but transformed, and this process can be navigated together—with comrades, trainers, and the support of civil society organizations.

The Camp's Objective

The camp aims to build an effective support system that helps veterans adapt to new life conditions after the war, while also providing them an opportunity to share experiences and assist one another.

Post-traumatic growth programs, such as this camp, play a significant role in veteran rehabilitation, helping them find new meaning in life after enduring trauma. Training veterans as coaches fosters an environment where they can support each other, which is critically important for their adaptation and social reintegration. This approach also highlights the importance of collaboration between state and civil society organizations in the process of providing aid to veterans.