Children’s mental health is a key aspect that directly affects their development, learning and socialisation. Especially when society is facing numerous challenges, including the aftermath of war and crisis situations, it is important to ensure that children have access to appropriate support. Mental health is the basis for the formation of a healthy personality capable of coping with stress, adapting to change and developing positive thinking. During this critical period of growth, children need not only physical but also emotional support to help them become confident, resilient and successful adults. Without proper attention to mental health, children can face various problems that can leave an imprint on their future lives. Therefore, the opening of mental health centres is a step that will contribute to both their healthy development and overall harmony in society.
A new mental health centre for children has been opened at the Family Polyclinic, a municipal non-profit institution of the Chernihiv City Council, at 30 Levka Lukyanenko Avenue. From now on, young Chernihiv residents can receive free professional psychological help here. The opening of the centre was made possible thanks to the support of the Chernihiv City Council and the efforts of the Family Polyclinic staff. Today, on 5 October, Deputy Mayor of Chernihiv Victoria Pekur visited the centre to get acquainted with its work and assess the conditions created for patients.
Photo: chernigiv-rada.gov.ua
According to Viktoria Pekur, the aim of the centre is not only to provide psychological support, but also to create conditions for improving the quality of life of young patients. ‘The main goal of such a centre is to promote mental health, improve the quality of life of young patients, help them cope with stress and anxiety,’ Pekur said. She emphasised that providing affordable and high-quality psychological assistance is one of the city’s priorities, especially in light of the current social and military realities.
Liudmyla Ovsiyenko, General Director of the Family Polyclinic, also shared her thoughts on the functioning of the new centre. She noted that the number of children in need of psychological support is significant, and that is why the centre employs highly qualified psychologists, doctors and nurses.
“The centre has been operating for several days now. There are many children who need help, so psychologists, doctors and nurses work here. I hope that the opening of such a centre will help our children and that we will have a healthy child population, both mentally and physically,’ Ovsiyenko said.
The centre was made possible thanks to the joint efforts of the Chernihiv City Council and the staff of the institution. All services are free of charge for young patients. Patients can get an appointment either by referral from a family doctor or by contacting the centre directly. This approach ensures that every child in need of support can receive it regardless of their circumstances.
The opening of the mental health centre in Chernihiv is an extremely important step in supporting the younger generation. It symbolises the community’s commitment to ensuring a healthy future for its children by giving them the opportunity to develop in a harmonious and supportive environment.
