A new “12–21” youth space has opened in Chernihiv – the third in the network developed by the Olena Zelenska Foundation. The space is designed for adolescents and young people aged 12 to 21, combining leisure activities, peer-to-peer interaction, and professional psychosocial support.
During the opening, Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, met with teenagers and young people from Chernihiv. Unfortunately, due to an air raid alert, the meeting had to take place in a shelter. Despite this, the young visitors were able to explore the space and experience its welcoming atmosphere.
“For us, it is important that young people come here not out of obligation, but from a genuine need. They should come seeking a sense of safety, support, and acceptance,” Olena Zelenska said.
The First Lady emphasized that Chernihiv is experiencing a difficult winter, with shelling and power outages. Under such conditions, it is especially important for young people to have a place where they are not left alone with their worries. This is exactly what the “12–21” space aims to provide.
The space will host a variety of activities, including creative workshops, training sessions, book clubs, and movie nights. Social workers and psychologists will also be available on-site, offering confidential and free support for any questions or concerns.
The “12–21” youth spaces are already operating in Bila Tserkva and Khmelnytskyi. The network is expanding to ensure that support for adolescents and young people is accessible across all regions of Ukraine.