CARE NEARBY

"CARING NEARBY": A MEETING WITH VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS WAS HELD IN THE ZMIIV COMMUNITY

As part of the “Caring Nearby” initiative, a meeting with veterans and their family members was held in the Zmiiv territorial community. Representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, the veterans’ space “Side by Side”, the Chuhuiv District Military Administration, the Zmiiv City Mayor, specialists in supporting veterans and demobilized persons, representatives of the employment service and the Pension Fund of Ukraine joined the dialogue.

As of today, there are 917 war veterans registered in the community, including:

850 – participants in hostilities

60 – people with disabilities as a result of the war

7 – participants in the war

The community also has 209 family members of the fallen Defenders, including 67 children. However, the actual number of such persons is higher, as the register does not yet contain complete information.

During the meeting, they discussed: the status of implementation of veteran policy in the community; social protection of veterans and their family members; psychosocial support; protection of the rights of families of military personnel, missing persons and prisoners of war; pension provision; opportunities for professional training, retraining and employment.

Participants had the opportunity to raise issues of concern, receive clarification on current state and regional programs and support mechanisms, and identify further steps to strengthen interaction between the authorities and the veteran community. During the event, veterans received individual consultations from specialized specialists.

"A local program to support the Defenders of Ukraine has been adopted and is in operation in the Zmiiv community. Our community is one of the first in the Kharkiv region, where the Department of Social Protection of the Population began its work in the Department for Veterans and War Veterans Affairs. Specialists are working to support veterans.

The next step will be the creation of a veterans' space. Currently, the preparation of design and estimate documentation is underway. We are also negotiating with representatives of the Czech Republic regarding possible financing for the implementation of this project, - said the mayor of the city, Pavlo Golodnikov.

A strong community begins with respect and gratitude for those who stand up for it.

The Zmiiv City Council will continue to expand support opportunities, improve services, and strengthen interaction with the veteran community and their families.