Bucha Lyceum No. 3 has officially opened the first “Shelter from Violence” anti-stress room — a safe space for teenagers where they can receive psychological support, calm down, and cope with difficult emotions. The initiative was implemented as part of the “It’s NOT Okay” advocacy campaign by the charitable foundation “Your Support”.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Bucha City Council, the leadership and team of the “Your Support” Foundation, psychologists from the Your Support Family Center for Mental Wellbeing, as well as the school’s administration, psychologist, and teachers.

On the opening day, the school psychologist conducted an interactive program for students, demonstrating the opportunities offered by the new space. The program began with an introduction circle, followed by an anti-bullying activity through which teenagers learned practical ways to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying.

The participants then split into two groups. At the “Choose Respect, Stop Bullying” station, they discussed real-life situations and explored constructive ways to address them. At the “Resource Tree” station, students took part in an art therapy exercise designed to help restore emotional resilience and inner strength.

The program concluded with a relaxation session. The room was transformed into a calm and comfortable environment, providing a space for quiet discussion, reflection, and emotional recovery.

Prior to the opening of the anti-stress room, the “Your Support” Foundation conducted a socio-psychological study at Bucha Lyceum No. 3. A total of 350 children aged 10–16 anonymously shared information about their emotional well-being, relationships, and experiences with bullying and aggression.

According to the findings, 43.5% of respondents reported that they sometimes experience bullying, while another 11.5% stated that they encounter bullying and find it distressing. However, behind these figures lies another important insight. The study revealed that younger adolescents often do not recognize bullying as a form of violence. Aggressive behavior is frequently disguised as “jokes” or “teasing.” Children tend to perceive such experiences as normal because they are common among their peers, and many fail to recognize the harmful nature of these situations out of fear of being labeled as “complainers.”

The “Shelter from Violence” anti-stress room was specifically designed for teenagers and adapted to address the issue of bullying. The space combines flexibility, safety, and an atmosphere of trust.

The room includes four dedicated zones:

•  Emotional Release Zone – equipped with sensory elements, including a fiber-optic water feature and floor cushions, as well as soft furnishings where teenagers can safely process stress, tension, and intense emotions.
• Rest and Privacy Zone – featuring soft platforms and an egg chair that provide a physical sense of security, comfort, and calm.
•  Conversation and Interaction Zone – designed for individual consultations and conflict-resolution sessions with the support of a professional specialist.
• Collaborative Activities Zone – equipped with transformable desks and chairs for group work and interactive activities.

The room is staffed by psychologists who provide both individual and group support. Teenagers can also visit the space independently whenever they need a moment to calm down, regain emotional balance, and recover.

Valeria Tatarchuk, Founder and CEO of the “Your Support” Foundation, shared her thoughts on the launch of the initiative:

“Bullying occurs wherever there is a group setting: in schools, sports clubs, creative workshops, and summer camps. It is never just a one-time conflict—it is a pattern of systematic harassment. That is why our foundation created the ‘Shelter from Violence’ anti-stress room: a place where children do not have to face these challenges alone. Here, they can access a professional psychologist, a safe environment, and genuine support. During difficult moments, everyone needs a place where they can pause, breathe, and receive help. This project has strong potential for replication, and our foundation is committed to bringing similar rooms to schools across Ukraine. Support should be available before a situation becomes critical.”

The “It’s NOT Simple” advocacy campaign is implemented by the charitable foundation “Your Support” with the support of the Askold and Dir Foundation, administered by ISAR Ednannia, within the framework of the project “A Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – Driving Reforms and Democracy,” funded by Norway and Sweden.

The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the charitable foundation “Your Support” and does not necessarily reflect the views of the governments of Norway or Sweden, or those of ISAR Ednannia.