Creation of a Resilience Center for Vulnerable People on the Basis of the Trostyanets Public Library
The Local Challenge
Trostyanets, in Ukraine’s Sumy region, is 45 km from the Russian border and endured 31 days of occupation in 2022, leaving over 30% of its infrastructure damaged. Despite reconstruction, residents continue to face war-related trauma, isolation, and economic hardship. Among 26,738 inhabitants are 2,065 IDPs, 1,600 people with disabilities, and over 8,000 retirees—many living alone and without access to inclusive, supportive spaces.
While the city’s public library is modern, well-equipped, and staffed by skilled professionals, there is no facility that combines psychological support, non-formal education, and community integration. Existing NGO premises are too small, leaving vulnerable groups without the environment or resources needed to recover, adapt, and reconnect.
The Initiative
The Resilience Center at Trostyanets Public Library creates a safe, inclusive hub for vulnerable residents, including elderly people, IDPs, people with disabilities, and others facing isolation.
Foreign language courses give older residents a chance to challenge themselves and communicate with relatives abroad. Computer and digital literacy workshops help pensioners pay bills online, keep in touch with family, and feel more confident in a fast-changing world. Physical therapy and medical awareness classes help those recovering from injury or living with chronic conditions to improve mobility and independence. Gardening and landscape design activities offer both relaxation and the satisfaction of nurturing something that grows.
Art therapy sessions provide a space to process experiences through creativity, while individual and group psychological counselling give people the tools to manage stress and rebuild resilience. Civic education workshops help residents understand their rights, get involved in local decision-making, and feel part of the city’s future. Regular cultural events draw together IDPs and long-time residents, turning strangers into neighbours.
What’s Next?
Within the first months, the Resilience Center will launch its core programmes, with language and digital literacy courses starting alongside gardening, art therapy, and physical rehabilitation sessions. A weekly counselling schedule will ensure psychological support is always available, and family-oriented activities will help strengthen relationships strained by displacement and war.
Seasonal events, such as a community garden day in spring or an autumn cultural fair, will bring together residents and IDPs. By the end of the first year, the Center will have a steady group of participants across vulnerable groups, an active network of partner organisations, and a proven model for combining education, creativity, and mental health support.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
