How IDPs from Vuhledar can get help: tips and resources

IDPs from Vuhledar, like those from other war-affected regions of Ukraine, are in need of a variety of assistance, from legal and financial support to housing and social services. In this article, we will look at how and where IDPs can receive assistance, as well as review key resources to support their rights and well-being.

1. Legal assistance for IDPs

Many IDPs face legal problems related to documents, IDP status, benefits and payments. Here are some important resources where you can get free legal aid:

• Free legal aid (FLA) system – provides advice on social benefits, registration of IDP (internally displaced person) status and other legal services.
• NGOs – some NGOs offer legal support specifically for IDPs. For example, the Right to Protection or the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union offer advice and assistance on legal issues.

2. Financial support

The state, international organisations and charitable foundations offer various types of financial assistance to IDPs from the coal mine:

•  State aid is a monthly payment to internally displaced persons. To receive it, you need to apply to social security authorities or through the Diia app.
•  International programmes – the UN, Red Cross, UNICEF and other international organisations provide financial assistance to IDPs. As a rule, this is a one-time or short-term assistance, and to participate in such programmes, you need to apply on the official websites of these organisations.
• Charitable foundations – many Ukrainian and international charitable organisations, such as Caritas, provide financial assistance to IDPs or cover certain expenses (rent, medicines, etc.).

3. Housing for IDPs

One of the most pressing problems for IDPs is housing. The state and charitable organisations provide temporary or long-term accommodation for those who have lost their homes:

•  Centres for IDPs – There are temporary accommodation facilities for IDPs in different regions of Ukraine. Information on available accommodation can be obtained through the IDP hotline or by contacting local authorities.
• Rental housing programmes – the government has introduced a programme to compensate for the cost of renting housing for IDPs. You can contact local councils or social protection departments to apply for this programme.
• Private assistance – some volunteers and NGOs organise accommodation searches or provide free accommodation for IDPs.

4. Social and psychological support

Loss of housing and relocation are often accompanied by psychological difficulties, so IDPs may need not only material but also emotional support. Some resources that can help:

• Psychological counselling – various free psychological assistance programmes for IDPs organised by both governmental and non-governmental organisations. For example, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation offers psychological support counselling.
• Social services – social workers work in the regions to help IDPs adapt to new living conditions and access social benefits and support.

5. Education for IDP children

Ensuring continuing education for children is an issue for IDP families:

• Schools for IDPs – many educational institutions in Ukraine accept IDP children for education. If you have moved from Vuhledar, you should contact your local education department to enrol your child in a school.
• Online learning – for those who cannot attend schools offline, on one of the distance learning platforms. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has introduced several programmes to provide online learning for displaced children.

Displaced persons from Vuhledar can receive assistance through various channels – from government programmes and international organisations to private initiatives and charities. It is important not to be afraid to ask for support and use the available resources. Every contribution, every help you receive or provide to others brings us closer to victory and the restoration of normal life.

If you are looking for specific assistance or want to know more about support opportunities, please contact your nearest social service centre or use online resources for IDPs.