In March 2022, Olga Bukovska, a clinical psychologist, PhD and associate professor, arrived in Switzerland with her children. ‘I felt like I was let out like a pig in a poke - without a language, without understanding the country,’ she shares her first impressions. It took her a year to adapt, learn the language, and help the children integrate.
One day, Olha realised that representatives of other nationalities actively gather in communities and support each other. However, Ukrainians who had just arrived in Switzerland because of the war in Ukraine remained scattered. This prompted Olga to create her own psychological club where they could find support and overcome difficulties together.
This is how the idea for the Resilience Club was born. Thanks to the support of the NGO Ukraine-Switzerland-Bern, the initiative was implemented, and for a year and a half now, the club has been helping Ukrainians adapt and integrate in the new environment. About the club's activities
About the club's activities
The Resilience Club is a place where Ukrainians can talk openly about their problems and receive psychological support. Olha conducts trainings based on cognitive behavioural therapy, which she used to use in Ukraine in rehabilitation centres for military personnel and their families. Initially, the meetings were aimed at overcoming the trauma of war, and later the topics expanded.
In particular, the club members have already worked on the topics of relationships, femininity, sexuality and personal happiness. The new cycle of meetings is dedicated to the topic of Happy Parenting, as many parents face difficulties in raising children, especially teenagers, in the context of adaptation to a new environment.
Integration and employment
Many of the club members have already integrated into Swiss society: they are employed, learning the language, and actively involved in social initiatives. ‘Psychological support is directly related to successful integration. People who receive emotional support find an inner resource, believe in themselves, and this helps them find a job, get out of their ‘bubble’, and realise their potential,’ explains Olga.
In addition to psychological meetings, the club offers yoga classes that promote harmony between physical and mental health. ‘It's all about our resource. When a person feels good physically and emotionally, they are able to build their future,’ she adds.
Plans for the future
The Resilience Club continues to develop and adapt to the needs of its members. Olga periodically conducts surveys among the community members to find out what topics are most relevant to them. ‘Right now we are focusing on parenting, but we will continue to move in the directions that concern our people the most. The main thing is that the club exists and will continue to exist as long as there is a need for support and community,’ assures Olga Bukovska.
‘The Resilience Club has become an important space for Ukrainians in Thun, helping them to gain self-confidence, integrate into the new society and build their future. It is a vivid example of how the initiative and professionalism of one person can change the lives of many.
