Mykolaiv, Ukraine, 27 March 2026 – The Government of Denmark and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have supported the establishment of three new Social Adaptation Centres in Mykolaiv Oblast. The opening of these centres has expanded access to quality social services and will help people reintegrate into their communities and restore social connections.

New facilities have been launched in Buzke community, and Korabelnyi and Inhulskyi districts of Mykolaiv. Local authorities own the premises and renovated them in preparation, while the Government of Denmark and UNDP furnished the centres, supplied the necessary equipment, and offered technical expertise. The total value of the assistance provided exceeded US$100,000.

Social adaptation is a comprehensive social service designed to help individuals in difficult life circumstances adjust to new living conditions and overcome functional and social limitations. It is delivered following a systematic, interdisciplinary process that includes needs assessment, individual support planning, life-skills development, restoration of social connections, and engagement in community life.

The newly established centres provide social adaptation services in line with national standards set by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine that promote the psycho-emotional well-being and social inclusion of older adults, internally displaced persons, veterans and their families, people with disabilities, and other groups.

Jakob Torrild Hansen, Head of the Danish Embassy Office in Mykolaiv, highlighted the importance of creating Social Adaptation Centres to help communities recover. “For many people, especially those who have endured displacement or other hardships, having a safe and welcoming place to access social services can make a tremendous difference. Social Adaptation Centres help people rebuild their lives with dignity, reconnect with others, and feel part of their communities again. By fostering social cohesion and restoring people’s sense of confidence in the future, this local authority social service plays a key role in driving community recovery,” Mr. Hansen noted.

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the positive impact of the Social Adaptation Centres already operating in communities. “We see how quickly communities benefit when accessible, inclusive social services are available close to home. These centres allow people to regain routines, strengthen their well‑being, and feel supported in difficult times. Our strategic collaboration with the Government of Denmark, the Ministry of Social Policy, and local partners ensures that those most affected by the war can access the social services they need to reduce chronic vulnerabilities and increase the human capital Ukraine has available for recovery,” Mr. Lootsma said.

Background

As of March 2026, with support from UNDP and its partners, a total of 46 Social Adaptation Centres have been established across Ukraine. They now operate in Chernivtsi (4), Chernihiv (8), Dnipropetrovsk (6), Kharkiv (5), Mykolaiv (11), Poltava (7) and Sumy (5) oblasts.

The establishment of these Social Adaptation Centres responds to the growing need for accessible, community‑based support mechanisms amid ongoing wartime challenges, to ensure that vulnerable groups can rebuild essential life skills, strengthen psychosocial resilience, and reintegrate into community life – all in line with the priorities and standards set by the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine.

By 2028, UNDP in Ukraine intends to expand the network of Social Adaptation Centres by partnering with at least 10 more communities committed to adopting this model of community‑based social care.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org