ABOUT PROJECT
Women’s support groups are a safe space for wives and partners of Ukraine’s defenders, where they can receive emotional support, share experiences, and find understanding among those going through a similar ordeal.
Groups are formed around the main problems that women face. Currently, we are working in three directions: “a Support Group for the wives and partners of military service members, “A support group for women whose husbands are missing” and “a support group for women whose husbands are held in captivity”.
In the near future, we plan to add a support group for women who are grieving the unspeakable loss of a loved one.
During the weekly online meetings, participants can:
- speak openly about their feelings and experiences
- receive professional psychological support
- exchange insights and practical advice
- access self-help resources
- build a network of mutual support
- plan in-person gatherings for deeper connection
The groups are led by experienced facilitators and psychologists who create a safe and supportive space for every participant.
All women’s support groups are a joint initiative of the NGO United Humanitarian Front (UHF) and our partner, American-Ukrainian Foundation Heal Ukraine Trauma.
Support Group for the wives and partners of military service members
This group is conducted according to the “5 Steps of Resilience for Those Who Wait” protocol developed by the NGO “Yarmiz”. This group is for women who love, wait, and support their loved ones.
Over the course of eight sessions, you will be able to:
- strengthen your relationship despite the distance
- recognize your own strength and rebuild your inner grounding
- reinterpret your shared story — with you at the center
Program details:
Duration: 8 weeks
Format: online (Zoom)
Time: every Tuesday, 10:00 am–12:00 pm and 6–8:30 pm
Session length: 2 hours
Group size: 10–12 participants
Application deadline: –
Start date: January 2026
Free participation
Tetyana Ruda
Group Leader
Practical, family, and clinical psychologist, systemic family psychotherapist in training. Works in individual and couples counseling, conducts mental health workshops and support groups. Her approach is a combination of depth, sensitivity, and strength.
A support group for women whose husbands are missing
We are opening registration for a psychological support group for wives, fiancées, and partners of service members who went missing.
It is a space where you may speak or remain silent.
A place with no advice — only presence, support, and understanding.
A space where you can be among those who truly know what it means to wait without clarity, without a date, without boundaries.
A special part of the program is an in-person gathering in Ivano-Frankivsk.
We invite you to join a one-day trip to:
– see and embrace the women who have walked this path alongside you;
– spend time in a warm, supportive circle, take part in workshops and art therapy;
– stroll through the old streets of Ivano-Frankivsk, finding moments both for solitude and togetherness.
Program details:
Duration: 13 weeks
Format: online (Zoom)
Time: sessions take place every Wednesday, 6–8 PM
Session length: 1.5 hours
Group size: 8–10 participants
Application deadline: –
Start: January 2026
Free Participation
A support group for women whose husbands are held in captivity.
We are opening registration for a psychological support group for wives, fiancées, and partners of service members who are being held in Russian captivity.
This is a space for those who hold the line every day — in their hearts, in their words, in their silence.
For those whose waiting carries pain, hope, and unwavering love.
For those who want to live through this story, not alone.
A support group is not about solutions we do not have. It is about presence. About learning how to endure uncertainty while staying alive, strong, and sensitive.
Here you will find:
– a safe space for conversation, silence, tears, and laughter;
– support from facilitators and women who understand;
– practices that help you preserve your resources and inner grounding; – the chance to be among those who breathe in unison.
A special part of the program is an in-person gathering in Ivano-Frankivsk.
We invite you to join a one-day trip to:
– see and embrace the women who have walked this path with you;
– spend time in a warm, supportive circle, take part in workshops and art therapy;
– stroll the old streets of Ivano-Frankivsk, finding moments both for solitude and togetherness.
Program details:
Duration: 13 weeks
Format: online (Zoom)
Time: sessions take place every Wednesday from 1- 3 pm
Session length: 1.5 hours
Group size: 8–10 participants
Application deadline: –
Start: January 2026
Free Participation
Tetyana Sukhoborova
Group Facilitator
Clinical psychologist, trauma therapist, veteran. She has over 10 years of experience in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, working with military personnel, their families, and people experiencing loss, shock, and prolonged uncertainty.
Got questions about how support groups work?
Call +38 099 385 40 06 (Monday-Friday 9:00 am -6 pm).
This communication channel is not a crisis hotline.
We may not be able to respond immediately, but we will definitely call you back within 24 hours.
Let’s cooperate
We are constantly expanding our team of specialists who are willing to work with the wives, partners, and mothers of our defenders.
If you are a practicing psychotherapist and would like to join our team, we will be happy to consider your application.
