Elizabeth is a firefighter! At nine years old, she may be a bit young to do the job for real but at least she can try on the helmet during a children’s club visit to a museum. The little girl’s life was turned upside down two years ago when her father’s place of work went up in flames following a Russian missile strike on the city of Sumy. When his job was moved to Ternopil, more than 500 miles away, the family had to rebuild their lives all over again.

They didn’t know anybody in their new city but projects run by Light of the Reformation, with support from Blythswood, have helped Elizabeth and her mother adjust to life there. At first, the family received humanitarian assistance in the form of a food package. Elizabeth started attending the children’s club where she has been able to make new friends – especially important as she continued classes online with her school in Sumy.

Women’s meetings helped her mother, Oksana, to build a new social circle. Psychological support helped her understand the emotions and inner tension caused by forced relocation and uncertainty about the future.

She says: “I came out of curiosity, but after the first meeting I realised how valuable this experience was. In a small group you build a real circle of trust where you can be sincere and receive support.”