In Vinnytsia, a mental health center of the nationwide network RETURNING (ukr. ПОВЕРНЕННЯ), founded by Victor and Olena Pinchuk, has opened

The Vinnytsia Mental Health Center of the nationwide RETURNING network (ukr. ПОВЕРНЕННЯ) will provide free professional psychological support to more than 4,000 military personnel, veterans, and their families every year. The project was founded by Victor and Olena Pinchuk to support the mental health of Ukraine’s defenders, veterans, and their family members who have experienced the psychological consequences of the war caused by Russian aggression.

Speaking about the importance of building a culture of mental health care in Ukraine and overcoming the stigma surrounding psychological support, Victor Pinchuk, founder of the RETURNING project, said:

“In the culture and traditions of our society, there is still prejudice: ‘What do you mean, see a psychiatrist? What will people say — that I went to a mental hospital?’ In the West, it’s the opposite: the first thing a person does when there is a problem in the family, with children, between husband and wife, or at work, is turn to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Sometimes it is even difficult to book an appointment there. In our country, this tradition and culture still do not exist. That is why it is important for defenders to talk about it with one another, and for doctors to explain why it is necessary.”

The RETURNING Mental Health Center in Vinnytsia is a space of support, safety, and recovery for active-duty military personnel, veterans, former prisoners of war, and their family members. The center provides individual and group support, works with the consequences of traumatic experiences, helps stabilize emotional conditions, and restore a sense of grounding and stability. When needed, specialists may prescribe medication. Special attention is given to psychological