Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Space for the Elderly
Kushugum Community Development Space for the Elderly: Preserving Experience and Opening New Horizons
Our centre is a real revolution in supporting the elderly! It is not just a meeting place, but a space for new opportunities, development and active life. Here, elderly people not only receive help, but also discover new talents, master technologies and build a real community. We are breaking down stereotypes about old age and creating a future where everyone feels needed, inspired and happy!
Ukraine
Local
Kushuhum community
Mainly rural
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-09-30
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
As a representative of an organisation
The project has been successfully implemented in the Kushuhum community and is aimed at supporting the physical and psychological health of elderly citizens, reducing their social isolation and promoting active ageing. The creation of the modern centre has provided the elderly with a safe and comfortable space for development, communication and active leisure.
The centre has become an important resource for the community, providing social, medical and psychological services on a regular basis. The elderly residents can receive consultations from doctors, psychologists and social workers, as well as undergo preventive medical examinations. This helps to improve their overall health and quality of life.
In addition, the centre regularly hosts social events, including lectures, workshops, film screenings, interactive meetings and creative circles. These activities help older people feel part of society, develop new skills and maintain a positive emotional state.
A large-scale information campaign was launched to inform the community about the centre's capabilities, including social media and local media. This helped to attract more people and raise their awareness of the services available.
Special attention was paid to recruiting volunteers among young people. More than 50 active participants joined the organisation of events, providing support to the elderly and helping to establish a strong connection between generations.
The project has established cooperation with governmental, non-governmental and private organisations, which has allowed the centre to expand its range of services and organise joint events. Thanks to these partnerships, the centre has become a sustainable initiative that continues to grow.
Today, the centre serves more than 300 elderly community members. The project has significantly reduced the level of social isolation, improved the psychological state of older people and provided them with decent conditions for an active life.
The centre has become an important resource for the community, providing social, medical and psychological services on a regular basis. The elderly residents can receive consultations from doctors, psychologists and social workers, as well as undergo preventive medical examinations. This helps to improve their overall health and quality of life.
In addition, the centre regularly hosts social events, including lectures, workshops, film screenings, interactive meetings and creative circles. These activities help older people feel part of society, develop new skills and maintain a positive emotional state.
A large-scale information campaign was launched to inform the community about the centre's capabilities, including social media and local media. This helped to attract more people and raise their awareness of the services available.
Special attention was paid to recruiting volunteers among young people. More than 50 active participants joined the organisation of events, providing support to the elderly and helping to establish a strong connection between generations.
The project has established cooperation with governmental, non-governmental and private organisations, which has allowed the centre to expand its range of services and organise joint events. Thanks to these partnerships, the centre has become a sustainable initiative that continues to grow.
Today, the centre serves more than 300 elderly community members. The project has significantly reduced the level of social isolation, improved the psychological state of older people and provided them with decent conditions for an active life.
Health
Social integration
Active ageing
Community support
Volunteering
The project aims to support the physical and psychological health of older citizens, as well as their social integration and active ageing. It is in line with the principles of sustainable development and contributes to several key UN goals.
First and foremost, the project helps to improve the health and well-being of older people. Through organised medical consultations, psychological support, and physical activity activities, more than 400 people received the necessary assistance, which had a positive impact on their overall health and emotional well-being.
Training and continuous development has become an important aspect. The centre regularly hosts lectures, workshops and trainings to help older people learn new skills, stay active and engage in the modern information space. This promotes active involvement in social life and reduces social isolation.
The project also aims to reduce social inequality. Particular attention is paid to people with disabilities, for whom comfortable conditions have been created and special services are available. This allows every resident of the community to feel part of society and receive proper support.
Thanks to the implementation of this project, the community has become more united. Young volunteers are actively involved in events, helping the elderly and facilitating intergenerational communication. This creates a positive social effect and fosters a culture of mutual assistance in the community.
This project is exemplary in the context of sustainable development, as it not only provides assistance to the elderly but also creates a long-term model of social support. It can be adapted and implemented in other communities seeking to create a safe, comfortable, and inclusive space for older people.
First and foremost, the project helps to improve the health and well-being of older people. Through organised medical consultations, psychological support, and physical activity activities, more than 400 people received the necessary assistance, which had a positive impact on their overall health and emotional well-being.
Training and continuous development has become an important aspect. The centre regularly hosts lectures, workshops and trainings to help older people learn new skills, stay active and engage in the modern information space. This promotes active involvement in social life and reduces social isolation.
The project also aims to reduce social inequality. Particular attention is paid to people with disabilities, for whom comfortable conditions have been created and special services are available. This allows every resident of the community to feel part of society and receive proper support.
Thanks to the implementation of this project, the community has become more united. Young volunteers are actively involved in events, helping the elderly and facilitating intergenerational communication. This creates a positive social effect and fosters a culture of mutual assistance in the community.
This project is exemplary in the context of sustainable development, as it not only provides assistance to the elderly but also creates a long-term model of social support. It can be adapted and implemented in other communities seeking to create a safe, comfortable, and inclusive space for older people.
The project pays special attention to the aesthetics of the space and the quality of the experience for the elderly, providing not only functionality but also comfort, emotional appeal and cultural enrichment.
Creating an aesthetically pleasing and accessible space
The space of the centre was specially designed with the needs of the elderly in mind. Every detail has been taken into account to create a cosy and calm atmosphere that promotes a sense of security and home comfort.
The centre includes areas for creativity, where older people can paint, do handicrafts, write memoirs or try their hand at theatre, and work with computers. This promotes self-expression, the development of personal abilities and the creation of an emotionally positive experience.
The project involves the use of music, aromatherapy and natural elements (plants, water compositions) to help reduce stress, improve mood and overall well-being of the elderly.
In addition to preserving cultural identity, the centre provides access to modern technologies, such as multimedia lectures, film screenings, and digital workshops, which allows older people to learn new skills and remain integrated into the modern world.
Creating an aesthetically pleasing and accessible space
The space of the centre was specially designed with the needs of the elderly in mind. Every detail has been taken into account to create a cosy and calm atmosphere that promotes a sense of security and home comfort.
The centre includes areas for creativity, where older people can paint, do handicrafts, write memoirs or try their hand at theatre, and work with computers. This promotes self-expression, the development of personal abilities and the creation of an emotionally positive experience.
The project involves the use of music, aromatherapy and natural elements (plants, water compositions) to help reduce stress, improve mood and overall well-being of the elderly.
In addition to preserving cultural identity, the centre provides access to modern technologies, such as multimedia lectures, film screenings, and digital workshops, which allows older people to learn new skills and remain integrated into the modern world.
The project paid attention to inclusion, ensuring that the space is accessible to all elderly residents of the community, regardless of their physical abilities or social status.
The citizens who benefit from the project, as well as civil society, played an important role in its implementation and development.
From the very beginning, the elderly residents of the community were involved in discussing the concept of the centre, which allowed their needs and wishes to be taken into account. They were actively involved in shaping the programme of activities, which made the centre more useful and interesting for them.
Local volunteers, including young people, helped to organise events, provide technical support and facilitate the social integration of older people. This contributed to the development of intergenerational dialogue and increased social cohesion in the community.
Thanks to this level of community involvement, the project not only responded to the real needs of older citizens, but also became an important component of the community's social life, uniting people around a common goal.
From the very beginning, the elderly residents of the community were involved in discussing the concept of the centre, which allowed their needs and wishes to be taken into account. They were actively involved in shaping the programme of activities, which made the centre more useful and interesting for them.
Local volunteers, including young people, helped to organise events, provide technical support and facilitate the social integration of older people. This contributed to the development of intergenerational dialogue and increased social cohesion in the community.
Thanks to this level of community involvement, the project not only responded to the real needs of older citizens, but also became an important component of the community's social life, uniting people around a common goal.
The project was made possible through the involvement of various stakeholders, which ensured a comprehensive approach and long-term sustainability of the initiative.
The main role in the project was played by the Kushuhum community and Ulead with Europe, which provided a grant. Local authorities provided support in the form of premises for the centre. Older residents of the community were involved in discussing the concept, and volunteers and organisations helped to organise events and provide social services.
The main role in the project was played by the Kushuhum community and Ulead with Europe, which provided a grant. Local authorities provided support in the form of premises for the centre. Older residents of the community were involved in discussing the concept, and volunteers and organisations helped to organise events and provide social services.
The "Development Space of Kushugum Community for Elderly Citizens" project brought together professionals from various fields, ensuring a comprehensive approach and effective implementation.
Key Knowledge Fields and Their Contributions
Social Work and Psychology
Specialists helped develop support programs for elderly people, aimed at overcoming social isolation, maintaining mental health, and adapting to changes.
Medicine and Gerontology
Doctors and gerontology specialists provided medical support, consultations, and preventive measures, contributing to improved health among the space's visitors.
Educators and cultural workers organized lectures, workshops, creative events, and cultural activities, helping elderly people acquire new knowledge and expand their worldview.
Management and Public Administration
Managers coordinated the work of the center, liaised with partners, and ensured sustainable funding and efficient resource management.
How did the interaction take place?
Joint Planning – Experts from different fields worked together to identify the key needs of elderly citizens and determine ways to address them.
Multidisciplinary Meetings – Regular discussions between social workers, doctors, educators, and managers helped align actions and integrate various approaches.
Flexibility and Adaptability – The interaction of different disciplines allowed for quick responses to community requests and the continuous improvement of the center's services.
Added Value from Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Comprehensive Approach – Ensuring the physical, psychological, educational, and social well-being of elderly residents.
Inclusivity – The project became accessible to all due to the thoughtful space design, quality medical support, and diverse activities.
Sustainability and Scalability – Thanks to effective management and partner involvement, the project has long-term potential and can be adapted in other communities.
This interdisciplinary col
Key Knowledge Fields and Their Contributions
Social Work and Psychology
Specialists helped develop support programs for elderly people, aimed at overcoming social isolation, maintaining mental health, and adapting to changes.
Medicine and Gerontology
Doctors and gerontology specialists provided medical support, consultations, and preventive measures, contributing to improved health among the space's visitors.
Educators and cultural workers organized lectures, workshops, creative events, and cultural activities, helping elderly people acquire new knowledge and expand their worldview.
Management and Public Administration
Managers coordinated the work of the center, liaised with partners, and ensured sustainable funding and efficient resource management.
How did the interaction take place?
Joint Planning – Experts from different fields worked together to identify the key needs of elderly citizens and determine ways to address them.
Multidisciplinary Meetings – Regular discussions between social workers, doctors, educators, and managers helped align actions and integrate various approaches.
Flexibility and Adaptability – The interaction of different disciplines allowed for quick responses to community requests and the continuous improvement of the center's services.
Added Value from Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Comprehensive Approach – Ensuring the physical, psychological, educational, and social well-being of elderly residents.
Inclusivity – The project became accessible to all due to the thoughtful space design, quality medical support, and diverse activities.
Sustainability and Scalability – Thanks to effective management and partner involvement, the project has long-term potential and can be adapted in other communities.
This interdisciplinary col
The project stands out for its innovative approach compared to mainstream initiatives in the field of elderly care and social inclusion. Unlike traditional models that focus primarily on medical assistance and passive social support, this project creates an active, engaging, and sustainable environment for elderly citizens by integrating health, culture, intergenerational exchange, and digital inclusion.
Key Innovative Aspects
A Holistic and Multidimensional Approach
Instead of offering only medical or social services, the project combines healthcare, psychological support, creative activities, and lifelong learning. This ensures a more comprehensive and meaningful impact on the well-being of elderly citizens.
Intergenerational Engagement
A crucial innovation is the active involvement of young volunteers, fostering intergenerational learning and solidarity. This helps bridge the gap between generations, allowing knowledge exchange and reducing age-related social isolation.
Smart and Inclusive Design
The space was designed to be aesthetically pleasing, functional, and accessible, incorporating universal design principles. This ensures that elderly people feel comfortable, respected, and motivated to engage in activities, rather than perceiving the space as merely a social care facility.
Cultural and Digital Inclusion
The project introduces art, creativity, and technology as essential tools for social participation. Through digital literacy workshops, cultural events, and interactive learning, elderly citizens gain new skills, maintain cognitive engagement, and actively participate in modern society.
Key Innovative Aspects
A Holistic and Multidimensional Approach
Instead of offering only medical or social services, the project combines healthcare, psychological support, creative activities, and lifelong learning. This ensures a more comprehensive and meaningful impact on the well-being of elderly citizens.
Intergenerational Engagement
A crucial innovation is the active involvement of young volunteers, fostering intergenerational learning and solidarity. This helps bridge the gap between generations, allowing knowledge exchange and reducing age-related social isolation.
Smart and Inclusive Design
The space was designed to be aesthetically pleasing, functional, and accessible, incorporating universal design principles. This ensures that elderly people feel comfortable, respected, and motivated to engage in activities, rather than perceiving the space as merely a social care facility.
Cultural and Digital Inclusion
The project introduces art, creativity, and technology as essential tools for social participation. Through digital literacy workshops, cultural events, and interactive learning, elderly citizens gain new skills, maintain cognitive engagement, and actively participate in modern society.
The project was built on an inclusive, participatory, and human-centered approach, ensuring that elderly citizens feel valued, heard, and actively involved in shaping the space and its activities.
1. Listening to the Visitors and Empowering Them (Core Approach)
The primary methodology was to prioritize the voices of elderly visitors, making sure they felt ownership of the space and that their needs, preferences, and feedback shaped the project’s development. Instead of imposing a rigid structure, the project adapted to the real expectations of its participants.
2. Community-Based and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The project was not a top-down initiative but a collaborative effort that involved local organizations, volunteers, medical professionals, cultural workers, and educators.
3. Sustainability Through Active Participation
Instead of making visitors passive recipients of services, the project encouraged active participation and engagement in various ways:
Workshops and Skill-Sharing – Elderly citizens were encouraged to share their skills and experiences by leading sessions and mentoring younger participants.
Personalized Support – Individual needs were taken into account, ensuring that every participant felt included and respected.
1. Listening to the Visitors and Empowering Them (Core Approach)
The primary methodology was to prioritize the voices of elderly visitors, making sure they felt ownership of the space and that their needs, preferences, and feedback shaped the project’s development. Instead of imposing a rigid structure, the project adapted to the real expectations of its participants.
2. Community-Based and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The project was not a top-down initiative but a collaborative effort that involved local organizations, volunteers, medical professionals, cultural workers, and educators.
3. Sustainability Through Active Participation
Instead of making visitors passive recipients of services, the project encouraged active participation and engagement in various ways:
Workshops and Skill-Sharing – Elderly citizens were encouraged to share their skills and experiences by leading sessions and mentoring younger participants.
Personalized Support – Individual needs were taken into account, ensuring that every participant felt included and respected.
Several key elements of the project can be replicated or adapted to different locations, target groups, and contexts:
Community-Driven Approach – The methodology of listening to beneficiaries, adapting to their needs, and fostering ownership can be applied in any social initiative to create an inclusive and welcoming space.
Intergenerational Engagement – The involvement of young volunteers working alongside elderly citizens can be replicated to strengthen social bonds and reduce isolation across different communities.
Flexible and Adaptive Programming – The model of co-creating activities with participants ensures relevance and engagement, making it suitable for diverse cultural and social contexts.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Partnering with healthcare providers, cultural institutions, and community organizations can enhance the impact of similar projects elsewhere.
This project provides a scalable and adaptable framework that can be applied to different age groups, marginalized communities, and social initiatives, making it a universal model for inclusive engagement and active participation.
Community-Driven Approach – The methodology of listening to beneficiaries, adapting to their needs, and fostering ownership can be applied in any social initiative to create an inclusive and welcoming space.
Intergenerational Engagement – The involvement of young volunteers working alongside elderly citizens can be replicated to strengthen social bonds and reduce isolation across different communities.
Flexible and Adaptive Programming – The model of co-creating activities with participants ensures relevance and engagement, making it suitable for diverse cultural and social contexts.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration – Partnering with healthcare providers, cultural institutions, and community organizations can enhance the impact of similar projects elsewhere.
This project provides a scalable and adaptable framework that can be applied to different age groups, marginalized communities, and social initiatives, making it a universal model for inclusive engagement and active participation.
The project was built on an inclusive, participatory, and human-centered approach, ensuring that elderly citizens feel valued, heard, and actively involved in shaping the space and its activities.
Listening to the Visitors and Empowering Them (Core Approach)
The primary methodology was to prioritize the voices of elderly visitors, making sure they felt ownership of the space and that their needs, preferences, and feedback shaped the project’s development. Instead of imposing a rigid structure, the project adapted to the real expectations of its participants.
Listening to the Visitors and Empowering Them (Core Approach)
The primary methodology was to prioritize the voices of elderly visitors, making sure they felt ownership of the space and that their needs, preferences, and feedback shaped the project’s development. Instead of imposing a rigid structure, the project adapted to the real expectations of its participants.
The "Development Space of Kushugum Community for Elderly Citizens" project has successfully created a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for elderly residents, significantly improving their physical, mental, and social well-being.
Key Achievements and Outcomes
Engagement of 1,800 Elderly Residents
Out of 18,000 community members, 1,800 are elderly, and the project has directly impacted their quality of life by reducing social isolation and promoting active aging.
Creation of a Multifunctional Space
The space is not just for elderly citizens—it also serves the entire community, hosting youth activities, humanitarian events, legal and psychological consultations, and acting as a hub for intergenerational interaction.
Diverse Daily Activities
The center offers physical, educational, intellectual, health-related, cultural, and social activities on a daily basis, ensuring continuous engagement and development for its visitors.
Successful Funding and Expansion
Through U-LEAD with Europe, the project secured 1 million UAH, allowing for high-quality infrastructure development. Additional support from the Help 2.0 Program provided passenger and cargo vehicles, as well as essential reconstruction tools worth €160,000.
Improved Well-being and Community Integration
The happiness, well-being, and engagement of elderly citizens are the strongest indicators of success. Their participation in activities, social interactions, and improved mental and physical health demonstrate the positive transformation brought by the project.
Key Achievements and Outcomes
Engagement of 1,800 Elderly Residents
Out of 18,000 community members, 1,800 are elderly, and the project has directly impacted their quality of life by reducing social isolation and promoting active aging.
Creation of a Multifunctional Space
The space is not just for elderly citizens—it also serves the entire community, hosting youth activities, humanitarian events, legal and psychological consultations, and acting as a hub for intergenerational interaction.
Diverse Daily Activities
The center offers physical, educational, intellectual, health-related, cultural, and social activities on a daily basis, ensuring continuous engagement and development for its visitors.
Successful Funding and Expansion
Through U-LEAD with Europe, the project secured 1 million UAH, allowing for high-quality infrastructure development. Additional support from the Help 2.0 Program provided passenger and cargo vehicles, as well as essential reconstruction tools worth €160,000.
Improved Well-being and Community Integration
The happiness, well-being, and engagement of elderly citizens are the strongest indicators of success. Their participation in activities, social interactions, and improved mental and physical health demonstrate the positive transformation brought by the project.
