Training Boosts Youth Support Network

The Olena Zelenska Foundation and Headspace Denmark have expanded training for volunteers supporting teenagers at Ukraine’s “12–21” youth centers. The three-day program took place ahead of World Mental Health Day and focused on practical psychosocial support skills.

Headspace Denmark specialists trained volunteers from centers in Bila Tserkva, Khmelnytskyi and Chernihiv in active listening, trust-building and identifying situations requiring professional psychological assistance. Danish participants also learned group-work methods developed by the Ukrainian centers, including forum theater, which helps teenagers explore difficult situations and discuss possible solutions.

First Lady Olena Zelenska joined volunteers and Danish partners in Bila Tserkva. Volunteers proposed initiatives including youth self-governance days, intercity exchanges and partnerships with European youth centers.

The “12–21” network currently includes five centers in Bila Tserkva, Chernihiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kryvyi Rih and Odesa. More than 2,300 teenagers visit the centers, supported weekly by 44 trained volunteers. A sixth center is planned for Kropyvnytskyi.