Denys was only 21 years old when he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2014, volunteering for the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO).

“I don’t have any close relatives; I’m an orphan and only have my aunt,” Denys says. “She asked me, ‘Why are you getting involved in this? What good will it do you?’ But I was stubborn. My mind was made up – I was going.”

Military service quickly drew Denys in. He felt he was doing something meaningful, finding his purpose within a strong team, with career prospects, while still having the opportunity to visit his family.

In February 2022, Platoon Sergeant Denys and his comrades were awaiting their next rotation, preparing to return home after six months on the frontline. Instead, they were among the first to face the full-scale Russian invasion near Avdiivka.

“Fierce fighting broke out,” Denys recalls. “The ground was shaking. Planes, missiles – it was terrifying. Many of our soldiers were killed there.” Denys was fortunate to survive, but he sustained a serious leg injury during one of the brutal battles in the Luhansk region.

“I’m missing four centimetres from two bones in my leg, and metal rods are now inside,” Denys explains. “I spent six months in hospital in Rivne. Afterwards, I was bedridden at home for a long time, and my muscles wasted away. I couldn’t even stand on the injured leg.”

The long and difficult recovery took a significant toll on Denys’s mental health. He felt apathetic, rarely went outside, even on crutches, and barely spoke to anyone. People around him often irritated him. “I was slowly losing my mind,” he admits with a sad smile.

Many veterans find themselves in similar situations after service or injury; prolonged isolation and constant reminders of trauma can severely worsen their condition.

“A lack of timely psychological support can contribute to chronic depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” explains Lyudmyla Sviridova, psychologist at “Checkpoint”. “Unresolved psychological issues can complicate relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, causing isolation and conflict. Without adequate support, some veterans turn to alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms. Chronic stress and psycho-emotional strain can also lead to cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and other physical health issues.”

Unfortunately, not all service personnel seek psychological help, even when it is available. Many hesitate out of fear of stigma, feelings of weakness, or sheer exhaustion. Denys himself initially refused even to visit a rehabilitation specialist

“A friend messaged me about a rehab centre opening in Zaporizhzhia,” Denys remembers. “She urged me, ‘Go; maybe they can help you.’ But at that time, I wanted nothing more than to stare at the ceiling.”

Eventually, Denys found the motivation and strength to approach the “Checkpoint” Rehabilitation Space, largely thanks to his friend’s persistent encouragement.

“I ignored her suggestion for about two weeks,” Denys recalls. “But she kept asking, ‘Have you gone yet?’ She kept nagging me until I finally decided to give it a go. Once I got there, I liked it and began attending regularly.”

With the help of Iryna, a physical rehabilitation specialist at “Checkpoint”, Denys made significant progress. “Massages and intensive work on my leg and back made a huge difference,” he says gratefully.

Encouraged by these improvements, Denys didn’t stop. Together with his wife, he joined a gym and began training with coach Dmytro. They still attend sessions regularly. In addition, Denys has started psychotherapy with Lyudmyla Sviridova, the centre’s psychologist.

“Initially, I thought, ‘Why would I need a psychologist? What good could that possibly do?’ But our conversations turned out to be enjoyable and genuinely helped me to release emotional tension.”

Working with the psychologist gradually restored Denys’s energy and rekindled his interest in life. Once withdrawn, he became an active member of his local community – he now helps maintain the neighbourhood and has even launched a TikTok blog to share his rehabilitation journey and inspire fellow veterans.

“It’s an amazing experience,” Denys enthuses. “I recommend everyone not to be afraid. Go, meet the specialists at the Rehabilitation Space. They’re wonderful and can help you with anything – whether it’s starting a business, solving a legal issue, or receiving counselling from psychologists. You must give it a try, because staying home alone really can drive you mad.” Denys’s growing online presence has already had an impact, encouraging several veterans and their families to approach the “Checkpoint” Rehabilitation Space.

“People started coming because of me,” Denys says with a smile. “Everyone’s going to the gym, to the lawyers and the psychologists, and enjoying it. They’re thanking me. It’s fantastic!”

Today, Denys has returned to work and leads an active lifestyle, but he still continues to visit the “Checkpoint” Rehabilitation Space. These days, it’s just to work out – and to say hello and chat with the staff.

“They’re my friends,” Denys says warmly. “True friends.”

The “Checkpoint” project was co-funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. It was administered by the Central Project Management Agency of the Republic of Lithuania, with expert implementation support from the Open Lithuania Foundation. The project concluded in May, but the “Checkpoint” team continues to provide services to veterans, albeit in a different location.

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Project „GrassRoots” (no. 101140032) is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed on this webpage are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The project is co-funded by the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania: International Donor Funded Non-Governmental Organisations Project Co-financing Call 2024.

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Tell us about the Klaipėda Men’s Support Center. What are your goals and activities?

Darius: Klaipėda County Men’s Support Center is an organization focused on providing assistance and support services to men. We provide psychosocial, emotional and practical assistance to men facing various challenges. The main goal of our organization is to provide support to men who are experiencing crises related to loss, divorce, job or health loss, addictions, identity issues or other personal or social problems.

Fausta: We notice that due to still prevailing stereotypes, it can be more difficult for men to notice their neglected physical and emotional health, to admit to themselves that they need help and to dare to seek it. Therefore, we offer various methods – individual consultations, self-help groups, psycho-educational activities.

What brought you to the Academy?

Darius: First of all, we are here to create a strategic plan for our organization. This is very important to us. At the moment, there are changes taking place in the organization’s activities, so the offer to apply for the NGO Academy “came” to us at the right time and place.

Fausta: Even before starting our studies, we identified the challenges we want to address – greater financial stability of the organization, clarification of identity and development of a social business direction. We are working in this direction.

What have you learned so far?

Darius: We have clarified the values of the organization, created a strategy for the next 3 years and deepened our understanding of project thinking.

What surprised or inspired you?

Fausta: What surprised us? Probably the community of NGO representatives striving for social change in society!

The post Klaipėda County Men’s Support Center: NGO community impresses with its drive for social change appeared first on ALF.

Panašios diskusijos surengtos Paryžiuje, Varšuvoje, Budapešte. Diskusijoje Vilniuje dalyvaus EP narys Andrius Kubilius, VU TSPMI direktorė Margarita Šešelgytė, Lenkijos Res Publika foundation viceprezidentė Magda Jakubowska, Atviros Lietuvos fondo direktorė Sandra Adomavičiūtė, buvęs Lietuvos JT jaunimo delegatas Klaudijus Melys. Diskusiją moderuos Vyriausiosios Rinkimų Komisijos pirmininkės pavaduotojas Maksimas Reznikovas. Ji vyks anglų kalba.

Keturi Europos ateities scenarijai. Kokie jie?

Tyrime „EP ELECTIONS 2024: HOW DEMOCRACY CAN WIN AND EUROPE LOSE“ pateikiamos strateginės Europos Sąjungos prognozės, nagrinėjami galimi ES scenarijai karo kontekste. Taip pat analizuojama, kokį poveikį demokratijai ir pasaulinei ES įtakai turės Europos Parlamento rinkimų rezultatai ir naujos sudėties Europos Komisija.

Nuo pat įsikūrimo pradžios svarbiausia Europos Sąjungos misija buvo taika. Vėliau darbotvarkė plėtėsi, įtraukiant piliečių gerovę, demokratiją bei užsienio politiką. Tačiau kaip rodo pastarųjų metų įvykiai demokratijos ir taikos nebegalime laikyti savaime suprantamomis, kaip ir teisinės valstybės principų.  Tyrimo autoriai pripažįsta, kad būtent 2024 metų rinkimų į Europos Parlamentą rezultatai ir nulems Europos Sąjungos ateitį.

Pirmasis scenarijus. Aljansas dėl patogumo

Populistinė banga apima visas valstybes nares ir Europa po rinkimų suka politinį kursą į dešinę. Stiprėja nacionalistinės nuotaikos, kurias skatina ekonominis nerimas, baimės dėl imigracijos ir kultūriniai susidūrimai. Europos liaudies partija (EPP) susilpnėja, tačiau savo įtaką siekia atkurti pasukdama į dešinę ir sudarydama aljansą su Europos konservatoriais ir reformistais. Kartu jie gina Europos viziją, paremtą ekonominiu atsparumu ir saugumu. Pagal šį scenarijų Europa tampa mažiau demokratiška, tačiau stipresnė pasaulinėje arenoje.

Antrasis scenarijus. Demokratijos atgimimas

Europoje, kur klesti demokratija, ES tampa stipresnė, o jos galią sustiprina kolektyvinis piliečių balsas. Demokratinės jėgos gali pakeisti ES trajektoriją ir toliau kurti remdamosi įtvirtintais laimėjimais. Po 2024 m. Europos Parlamento rinkimų bus sudaryti įvairialypė, tačiau darni koalicija. Pagal šį scenarijų aljansą turėtų sudaryti Europos liaudies partija ir socialdemokratai kartu su Renew ir žaliaisiais ir gauti stiprų palaikymą su 435 vietomis Parlamente. Jie pasisako už veiksmus klimato kaitos srityje, socialinį teisingumą ir ekonomines reformas. Pagal šį scenarijų Europos Komisijos pirmininke lieka Ursula von der Leyen, o pagrindiniai tikslai yra skaitmeninis suverenumas, DI etika, sąžiningas apmokestinimas ir naujos investicijos.

Trečiasis scenarijus. Suskilinėję Europos horizontai

Valstybėse narėse išlieka didelė poliarizacija, kurią skatina nacionalistinės nuotaikos ir skirtingos Europos ateities vizijos. Stiprėjantys populistiniai judėjimai meta iššūkį tradicinėms partijų struktūroms. Kadaise stabili Europos Sąjunga ima susidurti su vis didėjančiais vidiniais nesutarimais, kurie trukdo efektyviai spręsti pasaulinius iššūkius. Poliarizuotose visuomenėse balsai pasiskirsto beveik po lygiai, todėl suformuojama plataus masto koalicija tarp Europos konservatorių ir reformistų kartu su Renew ir žaliaisiais. Kartu jie gauna 382 vietas. Ši koalicija užtikrina ekonomikos augimą, inovacijas ir aplinkosaugą. EPP pragmatiškumas atsveria žaliųjų idealizmą, tačiau sutarimas yra trapus, tad ES sutelkia dėmesį į vidaus reikalus, o ne į plėtrą.

Ketvirtasis scenarijus. Šešėliai Sąjungoje: porinkiminė odisėja

2024 metais Europa atsiduria kryžkelėje. Europos Parlamento rinkimai atskleidė tektoninę skirtį, kuri kelia grėsmę patiems Europos Sąjungos pamatams. Antisisteminės partijos, kadaise veikusios politikos paraštėse, dabar atsiduria dėmesio centre. Jų radikalūs pažadai  griauti establišmentą ir mesti iššūkius status quo sulaukia palaikymo iš nusivylusių piliečių. Europos Parlamento salėse Vokietijos Alternatyva Europai (AfD) tampa tamsiąja jėga. Jų pergalė sukelia šoką žemyne. Po AfD triumfo 2024 ES rinkimuose prognozuojamas ir jų atėjimas į valdžią Vokietijos federaliniuose rinkimuose (2025 m.). Jų nacionalistinis užsidegimas, anti-imigracinė pozicija ir ekonomikos atgaivinimo pažadai užburia nusivylusius rinkėjus.

Išsamiai visi ateities scenarijai aptariami tyrime  „EP ELECTIONS 2024: HOW DEMOCRACY CAN WIN AND EUROPE LOSE“

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