Over 240 children and families have benefited from psychological recovery programs thanks to support from Credit Agricole

Credit Agricole continues supporting initiatives aimed at helping children and families affected by the war. This summer, thanks to financial support from the Credit Agricole Group Foundation and partnership with the “Children of Heroes” Charity Fund, over 240 children and adults participated in psychological recovery programs in the Carpathians.

The programs targeted children and teenagers who had lost a parent due to the war, as well as mothers and caregivers who came with the youngest of children. Over the summer, three sessions of the Svitliachok (Firefly) project and one 12-day session of the “Strength Within You” program were held. Families from all over Ukraine, from Zakarpattia to Kharkiv region, took part in these programs.

The Svitliachok Camp is designed for children aged between 3 to 10 and their mothers or guardians. The program’s format allows for simultaneous support for both children and adults. While the children worked with psychologists through play, creative activities, and interaction with their peers, the adults participated in their own psychological support program, took part in group sessions, and received professional guidance.

Another project implemented with the support of the Credit Agricole Group Foundation was the “Strength Within You” psychological recovery program. Sixty children aged 8 to 16 took part in the program. Over the course of 12 days, they worked with psychologists, participated in group and individual sessions, art therapy, and various activities, as well as spent time with their peers.

Monitoring the participants’ psychological state was a key component of both programs. Assessments were conducted twice – prior to the start of camp and after the end of the session – using standardized psychological scales.

The results show positive trends. In the “Strength Within You” program, the percentage of participants with a high level of intrusive memories dropped to zero by the end of the session. At the same time, the percentage of children who rarely avoid conversations, places, and feelings associated with loss rose from 76.7% to 83.3%.

Participants in the Svitliachok program also showed a significant improvement in their psychological well-being. While only 17.6% of women reported lower levels of anxiety at the start of the session, this figure rose to 69.1% by the end of the program. Psychologists also noted positive changes among the children: most participants gradually became more active in group activities, were more willing to share their experiences, and became more open to interaction.

Such camps are an important part of long-term support for the bereaved families, as they combine psychological support, recreation, and socialization, helping children and adults to gradually rebuild their inner resources and find the strength to move forward.

“For Credit Agricole Group, philanthropy is an integral part of our global strategy. We believe that by supporting children who have suffered from the war and lost someone most precious to them, we are contributing to Ukraine’s future development. The children’s camps, organized in partnership with the “Children of Heroes” Fund, gave the children the opportunity to recover emotionally, relax, socialize, and experience the simple joys of childhood. After all, children are our future, and today we must do everything we can to ensure that future is strong and happy,” noted the Credit Agricole Group Foundation spokesperson.

For the bank, supporting children and families affected by the war is an important part of its social responsibility. We are grateful to the “Children of Heroes” Charity Fund for partnership and for the opportunity to work together to create a safe, caring, and healing environment for those who need it most.