10 Blog Cafés in Sumy: Emotions, Stress, and the Power of Support
Between June and September 2025, the city of Sumy hosted ten blog cafés within the “Together We Can” programme. These events became platforms for developing communication skills, emotional intelligence, self-care practices, and mental well-being.
The meetings brought together educators, psychologists, civic leaders, project ambassadors, and active community members, creating a safe space for open dialogue on emotional awareness, resilience, and empathy.
June 2 – Barrier-Free Communication: The Basics of Dignified Interaction with Different Social Groups
Trainer: Maryna Osiukhina
Participants discussed how words can build or break barriers, developed a “barrier-free vocabulary,” and practiced inclusive communication through storytelling and empathy exercises.
June 12 – Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Understanding Yourself and Others
Trainer: Sofiia Solodchenko
Through exercises such as “Dictionary of Emotions,” “Emotional Cocktail,” and “Verbalizing Feelings,” participants explored emotional awareness, self-acceptance, and empathy as tools for strengthening relationships.
June 25 – Resilience: How to Stay Calm in a Changing World
Trainer: Vladyslava Stryzheus
This session focused on recognizing emotional signals and managing stress. Participants created personal “stress maps” and practiced breathing techniques to restore emotional balance.
September 15 – Active Listening Techniques: To Hear and Be Heard
Trainer: Kyryl Sementsov
The training combined theory and practice – participants performed exercises such as “My Island” and “Listen – Reflect – Return” to enhance empathy, mindfulness, and effective communication.
September 16 – Developing Emotional Intelligence: Why It Matters
Trainer: Mariia Shakhova
Through creative and mindfulness-based techniques – including color reflection, breathing, and emotion mapping – participants learned to identify, accept, and express emotions constructively.
September 19 – Developing Emotional Intelligence: Why It Matters
Trainer: Maryna Osiukhina
This meeting focused on emotional responses to stress and conflict, teamwork, and communication. Participants practiced the “Square Breathing” technique to cultivate inner balance.
September 20 – How to Hear and Be Heard: Active Listening Techniques for Effective Communication
Trainer: Anastasiia Rashevska
Participants explored the power of attentive listening through group discussions and role-playing exercises such as “Civilized Debate” and “Listen – Reflect – Return,” aimed at improving mutual understanding.
September 22 – Psychological Relaxation Techniques for Educators
Trainer: Sofiia Solodchenko
This blog café addressed emotional hygiene and burnout prevention among educators. Exercises like “My Mood” and “Emotional Cocktail” helped participants identify their stress triggers and rediscover inner calm.
September 23 – Resilience: How to Stay Calm in a Changing World
Trainer: Vladyslava Stryzheus
The meeting focused on personal stability and mutual support during crises. Participants discussed their “stress signals” and explored relaxation techniques for daily use.
September 26 – Living with Stress: Effective Coping Techniques
Trainer: Kseniia Denysenko
The final session in Sumy centered on mindfulness and concentration recovery practices. Participants shared their experiences with stress management and practiced breathing techniques for emotional regulation.
The series of blog cafés in Sumy demonstrated how mutual support, dialogue, and shared experience help communities recover and grow stronger.
We sincerely thank all trainers, participants, and partners for their openness, trust, and commitment to change.
The project is implemented by the NGO Human Rights Foundation within the “Together We Can” programme with the support of IFA and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.
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