The First National PULSE Consortium

The First National PULSE Consortium (Protection, Unity, Leadership, Support, Empowerment) is a community of civil society organisations that have joined forces and pooled their unique expertise to protect and assist the war-affected population.

In the context of protracted war and a large-scale humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, it is critically important not only to provide assistance but also to build an effective humanitarian protection system. PULSE is an example of the successful implementation of localisation principles in Ukraine. Its creation demonstrates that bringing together national civil society organisations in partnership:

  • strengthens the role of Ukrainian organisations in the humanitarian response;
  • ensures more efficient use of resources;
  • promotes long-term sustainable support for those affected by the war;
  • increases the influence and voice of local actors in dialogue with international donors and partners.

Localisation in the humanitarian sector means transferring leadership, resources, and responsibility to local organisations that work directly in communities and best understand their needs. This involves both funding and recognising the expertise of local actors as equal partners in planning, decision-making, and the implementation of humanitarian programmes.

Daria Chekalova

PULSE Consortium Coordinator

Ukrainian CSOs have a profound understanding of the social, cultural, security, and legal local context. We work in the field every day, so we are well acquainted with the needs and problems on the ground. We know how the situation in hromadas (local communities) is changing, which groups are most vulnerable, where gaps in assistance exist, and which approaches work in practice. This allows us to respond quickly, adapt programmes to changing conditions, and provide timely and necessary help. During wartime, this closeness to hromadas becomes crucial.

Local organisations remain close to people throughout the crisis, are responsible for the long-term impact of their work, and are trusted by residents. Therefore, localisation is a strategic approach to building an effective, sustainable and equitable humanitarian protection system in Ukraine, in which national actors play a leading role.

Approach

PULSE is the first national consortium in Ukraine that brings together the experience and resources of leading humanitarian organisations to create a comprehensive and effective approach to aid. Each organisation strengthens the other, providing broad support to those affected, while local leadership enables a deeper understanding of hromada needs and a rapid response. A joint coordination system ensures continuous, safe, and convenient access to all types of assistance.

Action

Plans for the next three years include:

  • direct assistance (from mental health support, cash and legal aid to evacuation, healthcare support, and other services);
  • hromadas support and development;
  • systemic assistance to local organisations (through sub-grants and mentoring);
  • systemic changes in legislation in the field of social services, child protection, and prevention of gender-based violence.

Member Organisations

Right to Protection Charitable Fund (coordinator)

A leading organisation in the protection of internally displaced persons, the war-affected population, veterans, refugees, and stateless people. The Fund strives to rehabilitate and integrate the people it helps. The team protects human rights and works to make laws and decisions in Ukraine and around the world more equitable.

Caritas Ukraine

A network of charitable organisations that has been creating systematic and sustainable solutions in the humanitarian and social spheres for over 30 years, helping the most vulnerable people to overcome crises and live with dignity. It promotes hromada development and shapes an effective system of social, medical, and educational services in Ukraine.

NGO Girls

An all-Ukrainian public organisation that has been supporting women and children in Ukraine for six years. One of its main priorities is combating gender-based violence through multifaceted educational projects for children and young people, advocating for the introduction of comprehensive sex education in schools, and providing comprehensive support to survivors of all forms of violence.

Voices of Children Charitable Foundation

The largest Ukrainian foundation providing comprehensive psychological support to the war-affected children and parents. For almost ten years, the Foundation has provided comprehensive support to children and families, worked with hromadas and children’s institutions across the country, and advocated for children’s rights. During this time, over 150,000 kids and parents have received psychological, psychosocial, and humanitarian assistance from the Foundation.

Proliska Humanitarian Mission

Assistance to those who find themselves in the most difficult circumstances by providing resources, support and necessary services such as evacuation, psychological support, equipment and non-food items, as well as setting up temporary accommodation for internally displaced persons.

League of the Strong

A platform for organisations of people with disabilities that creates conditions for equal rights, accessibility, and a dignified life. The union advocates for the rights and needs of people with disabilities, changes society’s perception of disability, and conducts research and analysis on legislation in this field. In addition, it advises and trains hromadas to implement barrier-free solutions locally.

Helping to Leave

A charitable project with extensive experience in providing systematic support to people from temporarily occupied, frontline and de-occupied territories of Ukraine — from assistance with departure to adaptation in a new place. The project pays special attention to people from the most vulnerable groups of the population. Helping to Leave also advocates for the rights of displaced persons and residents of high-risk areas at the regional, national, and international levels.

The Halo Trust Ukraine

The Ukrainian programme of the world's largest humanitarian demining organisation, which has been clearing mines and explosive remnants of war in more than 30 countries over the past 36 years. It has been operating in Ukraine since 2015 in civilian areas that have been de-occupied or have become the site of active hostilities in the east, south, and north of the country. Its main activities include manual and mechanical demining, innovation development, training of deminers and public education on mine hazards.

Together, we are PULSE!

The pulse of help. The pulse of change. The pulse of cooperation.

We are open to partnerships to coordinate efforts and share expertise.

For all questions regarding cooperation, please contact:

Daria Chekalova,
PULSE Consortium Coordinator
Email: [email protected]

Contacts

Click the logo to open contacts page on the official site.

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