Social support for military personnel: what services are available to the defenders of Ukraine
Since the beginning of the large-scale Russian invasion, Ukrainian men and women have been bravely standing up for the defense of their country, risking their lives and health. The state is trying to support its defenders not only through military awards and benefits, but also by providing a whole range of social services that should help military personnel and their families in difficult life situations. For this purpose, social support programs have been launched, which are currently expanding and gaining in scale. According to information published on the official Facebook page of the Chernihiv Regional Territorial Center for Recruiting and Social Support (TCK and SP), state bodies are actively working to make social support services more accessible and of higher quality for military personnel and their families. Previously, such services were available only in a few units, but now their range and number extend to more than 60 military units and structures, including military hospitals, training centers and other military facilities. The gradual expansion of this program was initiated by the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine, which received government support. This made it possible to involve social work and psychology specialists directly in military units and hospitals to provide comprehensive support to military personnel and their families during difficult times of treatment, rehabilitation or simply at the stage of adaptation to new life circumstances. According to the new initiative, in hospitals and military centers that have joined the project, military personnel and their loved ones will be able to receive a number of important services. This is psychological support, which helps to cope with the psychological burden and stress that arise during treatment or stay in rehabilitation centers. In addition, specialists help restore lost documents, which in conditions of war and quarantine restrictions is critically important for rapid social adaptation and access to state benefits. Also, within the framework of social support, the selection and provision of rehabilitation aids - prostheses, orthoses, etc., is ensured, which significantly improves the quality of life of soldiers after injuries and traumas. In addition, specialists assist in communication with state authorities, in particular, for the registration of benefits, social payments and other guarantees provided for by law, which once again emphasizes the importance of direct participation of social workers in the process. The Chernihiv CCC emphasized that the implementation of the social support program allows for the prompt and without unnecessary bureaucratic burden to resolve the issues of soldiers in hospitals or rehabilitation centers, as well as their families. This significantly reduces the time and effort required to obtain assistance, and helps reduce the psychological pressure that defenders experience during treatment and recovery. Let us recall that state support for combatants in Ukraine is not limited to social support. They are entitled to a number of benefits, such as free or discounted medical care, compensation for destroyed housing, social benefits, and additional guarantees in the legal, medical, and educational spheres. In general, total support and the introduction of expanded forms of social support are aimed at providing military personnel and their families with the most comfortable conditions in war conditions, strengthening their resilience and comprehensive support. This is an important tool of state policy, which allows reducing the psychological and social pressure on the defenders of Ukraine and making their path in the most difficult times a little easier.