On 7 October, an Integration Space for Contact Therapy with Animals was opened in Kamianets-Podilskyi — a unique location where anyone can ride horses, pet guinea pigs, feed goats, or watch parrots. The space was created to support children and adults who have suffered psychological trauma during the war. 

The opening of the space was possible thanks to cooperation between the Institute for Social and Economic Regional Studies, a non-governmental organization, and the Kamianets-Podilskyi City Council under the “Empowered Partnership for Sustainable Recovery” (EPSR) project funded by the Government of Sweden, represented by the Swedish Development Agency (Sida), and implemented by UNDP Ukraine.  

In the new space, highly qualified specialists conduct hippotherapy sessions for anyone in need of psychological support, including children from internally displaced families and those whose parents serve in the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine. 

The sessions will take place both outdoors and in a modern horse-riding arena built as part of the project on the grounds of the city's Ecological and Naturalistic Centre. The new integration space offers two types of training: for children who need emotional support, and for parents to better understand and support their children in difficult times.  

Visitors to the new location will enjoy a sense of trust and security. In addition to equine therapy and special classes, they will be able to feed and care for the animals. All of this will serve as a distraction from traumatic memories and help improve their physical and emotional state. 

The space is open to the public free of charge and is expected to become a centre for psychological rehabilitation, psychological relief, and therapeutic assistance. Thanks to its creation, Kamianets-Podilskyi will gain another attraction for the development of recreational tourism, as well as a boost for social entrepreneurship. 

The Integration Space for Contact Therapy with Animals is located at 47, Yaroslav Mudry Street and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except on weekends.