Be There
Providing Psychosocial Support to Children and Their Parents, Promoting Recommended Nutrition Practices for Young Children and Adolescents
Status: Completed
Implementation DateApril 2022 - September 2022
Project Focus Areas:Promoting healthy eating, Psychological support
Partner
The war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted the psychological well-being of children, teenagers, and their parents, particularly those forced to leave their homes. Many children experience anxiety, emotional instability, loss of security, and difficulties with social adaptation. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet—let alone teaching its principles to others—has become increasingly challenging in wartime conditions. However, nutrition plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of Ukrainian children.
Project Goal
To provide primary psychosocial support to children, teenagers, and their parents affected by the war and to share information on healthy eating habits that can help sustain mental health. The project focused on supporting displaced families, restoring their sense of psychological comfort, reducing anxiety levels, and empowering them through food.
The project aimed to deliver psychosocial assistance to children, teenagers, and parents affected by the war while also promoting recommended nutrition practices for young children and adolescents.
A key component of the project involved culinary masterclasses combined with psychological support sessions for children and teenagers. Additionally, thought leaders in the gastronomy field, including chef Yevhen Klopotenko, participated in live online sessions to uplift children and their parents and provide career orientation for those interested in the culinary industry.
The project was divided into two main parts:
1. Offline and Online Activities for Children and Youth (IDPs):
- Development of a unique, tailored program of culinary workshops aligned with the project’s objectives.
- Training and preparation of facilitators and psychologists.
- Execution of masterclasses focusing on psychological support and the promotion of recommended nutrition practices.
2.Information Campaign:
- Development of educational materials for children and parents on the connection between nutrition and physical and psychological well-being.
- Social media campaign raising awareness about the impact of nutrition on mental development.
351 psychosocial support sessions were conducted for children.
4,807 children and 2,500 adults participated in project activities.
A media campaign reached a total audience of 1,834,738 people, with the most popular post engaging 359,484 users.
Culinary therapy proved to be highly effective in improving participants’ emotional well-being and fostering social integration:
- Children and parents received essential psychological and emotional support to cope with the war’s impact.
- Participants experienced improved emotional stability.
- Public awareness of the role of nutrition in children’s physical and mental health increased through the development of educational materials and an extensive social media campaign.
How the Project Helped
- Support for Mental and Emotional Well-Being – The project provided children and their parents with essential psychosocial assistance during difficult times.
- Culinary Masterclasses as a Tool for Integration – The sessions not only improved emotional resilience but also facilitated social integration, fostering new skills and interactions.
- Raising Awareness of Healthy Eating – The information campaign helped spread knowledge about healthy eating habits and their impact on children’s psychological development.
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