My name is Anton, I’m 19 years old. I was born and raised in the village of Novoekonomichne in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, a place with a rich history and traditions. In 2022, due to the war, my family relocated to Poltava, where a new chapter of my life began.
My life in Poltava quickly became active. In my first year of university, I joined the student council and, by my second year, I became its head. Organizing student activities isn’t just about entertainment – it's about volunteering, creating a supportive community and contributing to the well-being of others.
While working with a local public organization, we attended training sessions for people with mental health conditions. Initially, it was challenging for everyone involved. However, we soon realized these difficulties stemmed from stereotypes and misconceptions, which sadly remain prevalent in society.
Determined to address this issue, my friends and I decided to create an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reducing stigma around mental health conditions, particularly among young people. In 2024, we launched the ‘Understand Us’ project through the UPSHIFT programme supported by UNICEF.
Our team – comprising myself, Dina, Maksym and Yelyzaveta – organized various activities to promote understanding and foster inclusivity. A significant part of our project included workshops for Poltava youth aged 15 to 25. These sessions, titled ‘Tools for Effective Communication with People with Mental Health Conditions, equipped participants with practical skills for meaningful and respectful interaction.
We also held four art therapy sessions called ‘My Soul’, in which people with mental health conditions and youth could express their emotions through art. Additionally, we conducted four workshops on mapping the needs of people with mental health conditions, helping participants better understand their unique experiences and even forge friendships.
The ‘Understand Us’ project engaged 244 participants, but this is only the beginning. We plan to organize more events, including charity fairs among university students, to support people with mental health conditions.
This initiative is not only transforming how people in Poltava perceive mental health conditions but also creating a platform for dialogue and progress. While this is a small but meaningful victory for our team, we remain committed to building a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to realize their potential.
