"I'm Learning to Live Again": How the Fastiv Resilience Centre Changed Veteran's Life

Vitaliy Pronin, a native of Fastiv, served on the frontline, suffered injuries and required multiple surgeries. Today, he is learning to rebuild his life and support others at the Resilience Centre.

He served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine for three years, carrying out combat missions from Horlivka to Izium. He also took part in the defence of Bakhmut. In January, during a rotation, he stepped on a "Petal" anti-personnel mine and was seriously wounded. Now he faces multiple surgeries and a long road to recovery.

However, even in this situation, Vitaliy doesn't give up: he studies, trains the local youth in his hometown and supports other soldiers.

The Caring Space

The Fastiv Resilience Centre became an important part of his recovery. At first, he came there only to apply for financial assistance after his injury.

"At first, I had no idea that this place would become something much bigger for me," recalls Vitaliy. "I found out there was a gym and the rehabilitation therapist worked here – I started training and eventually became one of the most active visitors."

From that moment, he began to explore different opportunities at the Resilience Centre: individual consultations, group sessions and training. "The Resilience Centre has become a powerful source of support for me. It is a place of care and friendship. The positive and cheerful team always guides you in the right direction. Here you find recovery and growth, new connections, opportunities, and knowledge," he says.

Experience That Brings Back Strength

At the Centre, Vitaliy takes part not only in training, but also in volunteer initiatives: he painted a mural with the team, assisted in organizing charity runs, and went camping. "It gave me a sense of community and strength. This was something I had been lacking," he admits.

These activities are not only part of recovery; they are also a way to learn how to better understand his fellow soldiers in order to lead peer support groups in the future. Today, he trains the local teenagers at the Centre’s gym and plans to expand his activities.

A New Life After Injury

Despite his injury, Vitaliy leads an active life: he coaches the local youth basketball team in Fastiv and studies at the National Transport University of Ukraine, majoring in Business Logistics. A veteran says he is preparing for a new chapter – combining his studies with volunteer work.

"For me, it is important that the support here is not just formal. They really look for every possible way to support and accept me as I am. Here, I felt I was not left alone – and that inspires me to move forward," the veteran shares.

A Real Strength Comes From the Community

Today, the defender describes his experience as a road to recovery. He emphasizes to others that rehabilitation is not only physical but also mental. At the Resilience Centre, he found a place where people can feel they are not alone in their experience.

This story shows that resilience is not about forgetting or running away from pain. It is about the ability to recover, find the strength to move forward and share it with others.

The Resilience Centers are barrier-free spaces in the communities where every person can get psychosocial support, participate in training, self-help groups or just find a place for recovery.

The project is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine under the All-Ukrainian mental health program "How are you?" initiated by Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine.

The Resilience Centres make psychosocial support available, humane and understandable for everybody.

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