EU4Youth to supports individuals with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities in Ukraine amid war

On 27 July, the EU4Youth Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Programme launched a support project targeting persons with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities (ID) as well as their caregivers. The project aims to strengthen the capabilities of young graduates and university students in community-based care services.

This was made possible by an addendum signed by the European Commission and the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA), implementing EU4Youth Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Programme. This addendum allows for the full release of €2 million in funding dedicated to empowering initiatives in Ukraine. One of the Actions within the repurposing project targets persons with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities (ID) as well as their caregivers aiming to strengthen the capabilities of young graduates and university students in community-based care services.

Current situation

Caregivers of individuals with ID and/or psychosocial disabilities in Ukraine often use outdated methods that do not fully align with modern social care practices. Thus, training the new generation of workers is crucial to bridge the gap between outdated practices and modern social care standards, and to improve the life quality of those in need.

Simultaneously, there has been a significant surge in the requirement for young support workers, as the demand for social services for the target group has increased substantially during wartime.

The ongoing Russia’s war against Ukraine has disrupted the functioning of day-care centers, many of which are now occupied by refugees and internally displaced persons. Facilities for individuals with ID have been damaged by bombing or completely destroyed, resulting in a loss of access to essential services for youth with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, many of whom are 15-35 years old. As a result, these individuals are facing increased isolation, vulnerability, and distress, impacting their mental health and overall well-being. 

Expected results

The project aims to tackle the current challenge in the three dimensions:

Firstly, through supporting young graduates and Ukrainian university students specializing in fields like social work, special pedagogy, and psychology to update their skills and become successful professionals. Within the action, 300 individuals will have the opportunity to refine their practical skills and gain more knowledge. Among them, at least 75 individuals will secure their first contract employment in their respective professions, while around 200 others will be offered volunteer opportunities in their chosen fields with one of the six collaborating NGOs to play the roles of personal assistants to persons with ID.   

Secondly, the upcoming university students pursuing care professions will have their educational program modified to address the requirements of beneficiaries impacted by the war. This change is expected to benefit around 10,000 individuals. 

Thirdly, respite provision for families caring about ID to increase their caregiving capacity will be introduced. A minimum of 380 family members caring for individuals with ID will have the opportunity to take a short relief from their caregiving responsibilities.

It is expected that approximately 20,000 individuals with intellectual, behavioral, and psychosocial disabilities will become future users of the new community-based social services once these are promoted as part of the project.

The Action will last for 18 months and cover six regions based on the general situation in Ukraine amid the war. The All-Ukrainian NGO Coalition for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities together with Djerela Charity Association will implement the action.

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Financed by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, the EU4Youth Phase III Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship programme is being implemented by the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) in Eastern Partnership countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The initiative will continue its activities until the middle of 2025, focusing on providing technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in addressing youth employment and employability.