Resilience as the basis for supporting communities: public social service model

Resilience-building services are one of the key tools for supporting people in communities during war and prolonged crises. Inna Solodka, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine, spoke about the approach to organizing this system during the Western Ukrainian Forum “Resilience Centers: Experience and Energy for the Future.”

This service is not a one-time assistance, but a permanent support system that helps people cope with challenges, restore internal resources, and strengthen their ability to cope with stressful situations. It is being implemented as part of the All-Ukrainian program “How are you?” by First Lady Olena Zelenska.

The system operates through Resilience Centers—open and safe spaces in communities where people can get help at any time convenient for them. Services are provided by social managers and social workers. Support is available individually, for families, and in groups.

Currently, residents of 305 communities have access to the service. It is provided by more than 1,500 specialists, most of whom have undergone special training.

Inna Solodka emphasized that the state is moving from responding to challenges to providing systematic support, and that seeking help should be a normal practice, not a “last resort” in difficult situations.

An important step was the adoption on November 19, 2025, of a resolution by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to launch a new pilot project on the organization of comprehensive social services for building resilience in communities. The project will run until June 30, 2026, and provides for:

• a more active role for local authorities in ensuring the stability of services;
• strengthening the functions of the National Social Service;
• clearly defining the role of the Social Protection Fund for Persons with Disabilities as the service provider;
• developing interagency cooperation with educational, rehabilitation, legal, and other services.

The state plans to allocate UAH 1 billion in 2026 to develop resilience centers and support the work of teams of specialists. This is an investment in people and community resilience.

In the coming months, a state service standard is to be approved and amendments to regulatory acts prepared, paving the way for the transition from an experimental model to a nationwide system.

“Resilience is a skill that can and should be developed. This is where the strength of our communities and the future of Ukraine lie,” concluded Inna Solodka.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine with the support of UNICEF as part of the “How Are You?” initiative, the Ukrainian Education Platform Charitable Organization, and the All-Ukrainian Public Center "Volunteer" NGO. The forum covers nine regions of Ukraine.