Every family that has a loved and dear one serving in the war waits for their safe return with great hope. However, even when they come back, many service members struggle with mental health issues as they try to adjust to everyday life. Those who have lost limbs also deal with physical difficulties. Because of this, rehabilitation is very important and essential for our defenders.
Since 2020, these services have been offered at Vashkivtsi Hospital for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care. At this hospital, patients not only prepare for prosthesis and learn how to use it but also get help to improve their overall quality of life. Because of this, the project ‘The School of the Unbreakable: Rehabilitation and Integration into Society of People with Limb Loss’ was started. The project focuses on helping people who have lost limbs through rehabilitation and reintegration into society. It is part of a full recovery process that also includes adapting driving skills for those injured in the war.
The concept for transport rehabilitation was initiated by doctors. Seeking help, they reached out to the NGO Vashkivetska Cheremshyna and the local authorities. The project required significant funding to buy a vehicle, equipment for manual control, and to create a training area. It was also crucial to buy an electroneuromyography device, as without it, they couldn't get the required certificate from the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC) that allowed driving. Doing all of this on their own was nearly impossible, so the team approached the Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe in Chernivtsi Oblast for financial support.
“Our NGO couldn’t accomplish this by ourselves. We depend on donations, and a large portion of the funds goes to the military: purchasing drones, electronic warfare systems, equipment and other necessities. The local budget also lacks sufficient funding, that is why we’re thankful to have the opportunity to cooperate with U-LEAD,” says Ivan Shevchuk, Head of NGO Vashkivetska Cheremshyna.
