Before the war, 77-year-old Volodymyr lived in his own flat in Sievierodonetsk, in eastern Ukraine, surrounded by family and friends. But in 2022, he and his wife were forced to leave everything behind, get on an evacuation train, and head into the unknown. That is how the couple ended up in Uzhhorod, in western Ukraine, where they have since been living in a collective shelter.
The displacement took a heavy toll on Volodymyr. “After the move, in a strange dormitory, I suffered a heart attack. And after the treatment there remained a feeling of emptiness. I did not talk to anyone. Everything lost its meaning. I was convinced: my life was over.”
Severe depression worsened his already poor health – Volodymyr’s hands and legs began to fail, while his wife almost lost her eyesight. “Now she is my physical support, and I am her eyes,” he says. “That’s how we move around.”
“Every day I have to take the necessary medicines so that I don’t feel dizzy and can sleep properly.” To support his health, Volodymyr is periodically hospitalized. But financial difficulties make it impossible to receive full treatment: “Sometimes there is not enough money to buy medicines and food,” he sighs. “My pension is only 2,800 UAH (50 GBP), plus I receive IDP payments.”
“When HelpAge came into my life, for the first time in a long while someone simply listened to me. Without pity, without pressure. They offered support. I admit – at first I hesitated, but my wife persuaded me. And since then, HelpAge has become the only thread that keeps me connected to life.”
Volodymyr first received psychosocial support and information assistance. “I am sincerely grateful to my kind and sensitive social worker Olena for such hard work, attention, care and support! Together with her I started to enjoy the small joys of life again,” he admits.
Volodymyr began doing exercises recommended by a physiotherapist. He also received cash assistance, hygiene kits and essential assistive devices – a walker, a commode chair and a blood pressure monitor.
“Thanks to HelpAge I wanted to live again. No, my life has not become the same as before the war, but it has gained meaning. I help new displaced people in our dormitory with some advice, I share my personal experience. And most importantly – I am no longer afraid of the future! Thank you, HelpAge, for bringing me back to life.”