Live Without Limits II

Ukraine is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with around 40% of its territory contaminated by explosive hazards. According to the UN, more than 1.8 million Ukrainian children and adults live in conditions of increased mine risk, especially in the de-occupied regions of the country. Despite the efforts of the SES pyrotechnic units, large areas remain dangerous for the local population. People affected by the war and/or living in de-occupied communities need support. The International NGO "Labour and Health Social Initiatives" (LHSI) continues the work started in 2023 to support these people.

The Live Without Limits II project will provide psychosocial support services in the affected communities. In addition, a special playground will be set up on the basis of the project partner, the State Rehabilitation Institution (SRI) ‘Podillia Centre for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities’, and a training programme will be introduced for people with spinal cord injuries to learn how to use a wheelchair.

Project goal:

Increase the capacity of state and municipal institutions, such as social service centres in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts, as well as the State Institution ‘Centre for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities “Podillia”, to provide high-quality services to people affected by the war in Ukraine.

Project objectives:

1. Strengthening the capacity of social service centres in the communities of Donetsk and Kharkiv oblasts contaminated by explosive ordnance to provide comprehensive social services, including psychological support to ERW survivors, for their recovery and further reintegration into communities.

2. Providing psychological support to GBV survivors and their families in the project's target communities.

3. Developing and implementing a training programme for people with spinal cord injuries to master the skills of using a wheelchair at the Podillya Centre for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities.

Target groups:

• People directly affected by explosive ordnance and military operations;
• Residents of communities in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions affected by the hostilities;
• People with spinal cord injuries;
• Social workers and psychologists from the Centres for Social Services that provide psychosocial services to GBV survivors and specialists from the Rehabilitation Centre.

The project is implemented in partnership with the Donetsk Regional Centre for Social Services, Kharkiv City Centre for Social Services ‘Dovira’ and the State Rehabilitation Institution ‘Podillya Centre for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities’.

The project is implemented by the NGO "Labour and Health Social Initiatives" (LHSI) with the support of UNDP under the ‘Transformational Recovery for Safe People in Ukraine’ project and with financial support from the Government of Japan.