Проект реконструкції Ветеранського Центру “Sumy. Veteran PRO”

In 2024, the Sumy Regional Council established the regional veteran center “Veteran PRO,” envisioned as a place that provides comprehensive assistance to veterans and their families, offers informational and methodological support to specialists working with veterans, facilitates the development of veteran centers and spaces in communities, and designs, pilots, and implements various programs aimed at reintegration—based on assessed needs and challenges.

From the personal experience of the center’s leadership, who themselves are veterans (including veterans with disabilities), the most fundamental principle is building trust and a support system based on the “peer-to-peer” model.

In 2024–2025, the center received support and, in partnership with civil society organizations, began forming a system of comprehensive support for the veteran community. This included needs assessments, capacity building for service providers, and piloting integrated psychosocial and physical support programs, including adaptive sports. Despite positive outcomes, it became clear that small, local, situational initiatives are insufficient to establish a systemic approach.

Sumy region, located in the northeast of Ukraine, is one of the areas that has been significantly affected by military actions in the context of the full-scale war. The war has left a deep mark on the lives of local residents, especially veterans, their families, and communities. During the hostilities, hundreds of servicemen went through extremely difficult combat situations, resulting not only in physical injuries but also in psychological trauma that requires long-term treatment and rehabilitation.

As the war remains in its active phase and continues to escalate, it is already clear that the category of “veterans and their family members” will encompass a substantial portion of Ukraine’s population.

The return of veterans to civilian life, their integration into communities, and the restoration of physical and mental health are among the most urgent tasks of today. The scale of losses in the region is tangible: hundreds of families have lost loved ones, and the number of individuals who have suffered significant, often irreversible physical injuries continues to grow. In fact, nearly all veterans and their family members are people facing mental health challenges. All of this creates additional pressures on communities and requires a systemic approach that includes support across various spheres of life.

At the same time, for reintegration of the veteran community to be truly effective and smooth, it is not enough to simply talk about the development and implementation of state policy at the local level. What is needed is the creation of a certain ecosystem, where each element is united by a shared vision and understanding. A capable, comprehensive veteran space can become the physical nucleus of such an ecosystem.

The limited capacity of existing institutions in the region (and in some cases, their complete absence), along with a lack of qualified personnel, significantly complicates the process of providing necessary assistance. Most facilities are not adapted to the needs of people with disabilities, which poses a serious barrier to their rehabilitation and social adaptation. The absence of modern rehabilitation approaches—such as the use of advanced technologies, innovative methods, and personalized programs—reduces the effectiveness of support and hinders veterans’ return to active life.

Social integration of veterans and their families is another critical aspect. They require dedicated spaces where they can receive support, undergo training, connect with like-minded individuals, and discover new opportunities for development. Such centers will foster the creation of communities that support veterans and help overcome the isolation often associated with their status.

Currently, the regional veteran center, as the main entry point for veterans, is able to serve approximately 40 veterans and their family members per month.

This primarily includes informational and consultative support, occasional psychological and legal assistance, and, in rare cases, support for adaptive sports competitions initiated by veterans themselves. However, the center lacks its own dedicated premises and adequate infrastructure.

With the desire, understanding, experience, and potential already in place—and with trust and a proactive veteran community being cultivated—there is now a pressing need in Sumy city and the region as a whole to establish not just a veteran center as an administrative-service office, but a multifunctional comprehensive hub.

This hub should primarily be a space of trust and effective support. It should combine administrative, consultative, and methodological functions while also providing opportunities for physical, psychological, and social rehabilitation, supported by appropriate infrastructure and staffing.

Such a hub would significantly increase the number of veterans served, expand the range of services offered, and improve the overall quality of support provided.

Statistics

As of today, approximately the following numbers are registered in Sumy region:

• 25,717 veterans
• more than 64 000 family members of veterans
• 4,321 family members of fallen soldiers

At the same time, the professional capacity of specialists dedicated exclusively to veteran case management includes only 84 professionals. Most of them have limited experience and require specialized training as well as ongoing informational and methodological support.

The official staff of the regional veteran center consists of 34 positions, but in reality, only 6 employees are actively working.

Across the region (which includes 51 hromadas), there are 7 veteran spaces and centers, including the regional one. However, only 2 of them operate as independent institutions, and just 1 is capable of providing a relatively full range of services.

In the regional center (where today the majority of veterans in need of services reside—not only from the Sumy city but also internally displaced persons from more than 10 other communities), there are 27 sports halls, but only 3 of them are accessible and inclusive.

This situation clearly demonstrates the existing shortage of modern, accessible spaces for the recovery and development of veterans.

Space

The primary goal of this initiative is to create a unique space that will serve as a pillar of support for veterans and their families. It is a place where everyone who has endured the trials of war can receive the necessary assistance, psychological support, and opportunities for rehabilitation and social integration. Such a space will contribute not only to physical recovery but also to psychological and emotional strengthening—an essential aspect of helping veterans return to active life.

Modern Infrastructure

A crucial component of the concept is the use of modern infrastructure and innovative approaches to the recovery process. This includes the implementation of technologies such as telemedicine, mobile applications for psychological support, and the integration of advanced rehabilitation methods. These innovations will enable the most effective adaptation of veterans to peaceful life. The approach also involves creating comfortable and functional environments equipped with modern tools to accelerate recovery and skill development.

• Community and State Collaboration. The unification of community and state efforts is a key element of this initiative. Together, they must create favorable conditions for veterans to return to active civic life. This involves not only financial support but also the active participation of local communities, volunteer organizations, and government institutions in the rehabilitation and integration process. Such collaboration fosters trust, mutual understanding, and support among all stakeholders.
• Positive Image. It is essential to cultivate a positive image of veterans in society. They should be seen not only as symbols of heroism but also as active citizens, leaders, and mentors for the younger generation. Promoting such images will enhance the prestige and respect for veterans and encourage their active involvement in community life, civic initiatives, and volunteerism. Ultimately, this concept will contribute to the development of a more open, tolerant, and supportive society—one in which every veteran can find their place and realize their potential.
• Key Functions. The establishment and effective operation of the INVICTUS SUMY: Veteran PRO center involves the implementation of a set of key tasks aimed at supporting and developing the community. These tasks span various areas of activity, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meeting veterans’ needs and promoting their social, psychological, physical, and cultural development.
• Information and Consultation Support. This task involves providing clear explanations about available benefits, social guarantees, and support programs. It is essential to ensure that veterans have access to up-to-date information so they can take advantage of all available state and local support mechanisms, as well as understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Psychological Support. Psychological assistance includes individual and group consultations, therapeutic programs, and family support. This contributes to improving veterans’ mental health, reducing stress and anxiety levels, and fostering healthy interpersonal relationships.
• Legal Assistance. This area includes providing consultations, helping with the preparation of necessary documents, and supporting interactions with government institutions. It is important to ensure that veterans receive qualified legal aid to protect their rights and interests.
• Physical and Sports Rehabilitation. Implemented through adaptive sports programs and health recovery initiatives. This helps improve physical condition, increase activity levels, and promote the integration of veterans with special needs into society.

• Professional Adaptation and Training. Includes organizing courses, developing digital skills, and supporting veteran entrepreneurship. This enhances qualifications, enables the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, and helps veterans better adapt to modern working and living conditions.
• Leisure and Cultural Activities. Organizing interest-based clubs, family events, excursions, and creative workshops promotes active recreation, cultural development, and strengthens social ties within the community.
• Partnerships and Volunteering. Engaging civil society organizations, volunteers, and partners expands the possibilities for program implementation, increases their effectiveness, and ensures broad support for veterans. Taking into account the directions and physical capabilities of the potential premises, the veteran hub “Veteran PRO” proposes the following locations:
• Training Room. Function: A space for briefings, general meetings, presentations, trainings, and educational events. Promotes community cohesion and experience sharing.
• Physical Rehabilitation Room. Function: A massage and physiotherapy room for restoring veterans’ physical condition. May include modern equipment for therapy and relaxation.
• Psychological Relief Room. Function: A safe space for individual and group sessions with psychologists. Supports emotional recovery, stabilization, and mental health.

• Ergotherapy and Abilitation Room. Function: An adapted space for teaching veterans with disabilities everyday life skills, household tasks, and the use of assistive devices.
• Children’s Corner. Function: A cozy room for children of veterans and fallen defenders. A place where children can play, learn, and feel the support of the community.
• Adaptive Sports Hall. Function: A gym with adaptive equipment for physical activity, rehabilitation, and strength development. Encourages reintegration through sport.
• Inclusive Pool. Function: A space for water rehabilitation, swimming, and therapy. Accessible to veterans with various levels of physical ability.
• Specialist Consultation Room. Function: A workspace for lawyers, social workers, psychologists, and other professionals providing individual consultations and support.
• Reception Area. Function: Welcoming visitors, administration and coordination, providing information, registration, and other services.

In the future, the potential premises allow for the expansion and development of additional locations, such as temporary accommodation rooms with overnight stay options, showers, a kitchen, an art café, a media studio, and more.

At the same time, we view the Veterans Center not merely as a physical location, but as a space of accessibility, inclusion, and unity. It is important to note that since its establishment in 2024, the Regional Veterans Center has been dynamically evolving — fulfilling not only administrative, methodological, informational, consultative, and statistical functions at the regional level, but also expanding its range of services and creating conditions for effective rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans.

With a strong team and personal experience, one of the core focuses of the future space is adaptive sports. For many veterans, especially those with amputations, the system of adaptive sports rehabilitation represents a comprehensive yet fundamental approach that includes social adaptation, psychological support, and fosters an environment where veterans can regain faith, motivation, and the drive to move forward.

At the same time, there is a growing need for mobility — both in terms of service delivery and access to opportunities for veterans, especially those with disabilities. In particular, when participating in events within our region and across other parts of Ukraine, veterans often rely on their own vehicles, which are not suitable for such purposes. These personal vehicles are not equipped to meet accessibility standards. For example, individuals with lower limb amputations are unable to independently enter the vehicle, which causes discomfort and may eventually lead to veterans refusing to participate in various activities — negatively impacting their physical and mental health, and hindering their reintegration into civilian life.

In light of the above, to enhance the effectiveness of the Center’s operations, support its development, and ensure access to necessary locations for veterans with disabilities — as well as to improve their mobility, quality of life, and establish a functional mobile service delivery system tailored to veterans’ needs — there is an urgent need for specialized inclusive transport.

Having such a vehicle would significantly increase the number of veterans reached by services and programs and contribute to the creation of a barrier-free, inclusive, veteran-oriented environment.

• Expected Outcomes and Community Benefits. The implementation of the program is aimed at achieving several key objectives that have a significant impact on community development and improving the quality of life for its veterans. The main outcomes and benefits can be categorized into several areas:
• Improved Quality of Life for Veterans and Their Families. Through comprehensive assistance and rehabilitation programs, veterans receive the necessary support to restore their physical and mental health. This facilitates their social adaptation, return to active life, and reduction of social isolation. Families of veterans also receive support, which positively affects their well-being and stability.
• Social Cohesion. The creation of a veteran community and partnerships with organizations fosters strong social connections within the community. This not only strengthens the sense of unity but also encourages experience sharing, mutual support, and cooperation among participants. As a result, active civic initiatives emerge, reinforcing the social fabric of the region.
• Economic Impact. The development of veteran entrepreneurship and the creation of new jobs for professionals such as psychologists, lawyers, and trainers contribute to the region’s economic growth. This attracts investment, increases employment, and stimulates the development of small and medium-sized businesses focused on supporting veterans.