Valerie Nykyforets speaks to Marie Claire Brasil about war and psychological support for Ukrainians

On 7 August 2023, Marie Claire Brasil published an interview with Valerie Nykyforets, founder of Together Charity Foundation. Written by journalist Raphaela Cunha, the feature explores her experience of war and support for people who have lived through traumatic events.

Valerie spoke about the first days of the full-scale invasion, volunteering and the experiences that led her to help establish free psychological support for people affected by the war.

The conversation also focused on Ukrainian women who survived Russian occupation and sought help at Together Charity Foundation’s mental health centre. By sharing their experiences, Valerie drew attention to the need for support after violence and loss. In her post about the interview, she also acknowledged her work with Yuliia Faist to establish the platform.

Psychosocial support is one of Together Charity Foundation’s areas of work, alongside education and safe environments. For the foundation, these priorities are connected: the opportunity to learn and develop also depends on feeling safe and having support nearby. Addressing the effects of war requires sustained attention to each person and their circumstances.

Published in Portuguese, the interview introduced this work to readers in Brazil. Through its founder’s personal account, they could learn about Together Charity Foundation and better understand why support for Ukrainians must continue. For the foundation, international media coverage offers an opportunity to explain people’s needs and involve audiences far beyond Ukraine in the conversation.

Valerie Nykyforets thanks journalist Raphaela Cunha and the Marie Claire Brasil editorial team for their attention to Ukraine, their sensitive approach to Ukrainians’ stories and the opportunity to share Together Charity Foundation’s work with an international audience.