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September 25, 2026
Viktoriia Murashko has been working as a social worker at Right to Protection in Chernihiv for a year, providing the home care service within the First National PULSE Consortium. She says she has come to the profession with a simple desire — to do work that allows her to be useful to others.
social worker
“At first, I didn’t really know what to expect, but over time I realised that I enjoy communicating with people and helping them with things that may seem simple at first glance”
Now, there are five older people under her care. Over time, she has come to know their personalities and habits, and the kind of support each of them needs. For someone, it means buying groceries or medication; for others, helping with utility bills or everyday household tasks. And sometimes, what matters most is usual communication.
One of the people under Viktoriia’s care is 88-year-old Svitlana Ivanivna from Chernihiv. Just a few years ago, she would go to the market, and take care of everyday household tasks on her own. The market was more than just a place to shop but a part of her routine — a reason to leave the house, and an opportunity to meet people and socialise.
Her life changed after she fell in a trolleybus and injured her leg. She lost the ability to move around the city independently and has barely left her apartment for almost two years. Her daughter and grandchildren live abroad, so she has no close relatives nearby who can help her on a daily basis.
Viktoriia buys groceries and medication for Svitlana Ivanivna, and helps her pay utility bills and solve everyday household matters. She also regularly visits the market and brings fresh fruit, vegetables and greenery.
Thanks to Viktoriia’s help, Svitlana Ivanivna also learned how to make video calls using messaging apps. Now she can not only hear her daughter and grandchildren but also see them.
“I am very grateful that I can now see my family”, — Svitlana Ivanivna says.
For Viktoriia, exactly such moments are the answer to the question of why she chose this work.
social worker
“The gratitude of my older women gives me a lot of strength. It is very pleasant, when you arrive, and they are happy to see you, tell something, and have been waiting for you. Sometimes you realise that for you it is just a usual working day, but for that person, your visit is an important event”
Of course, there are tiring days too. But Viktoriia says that when she sees that her help is truly needed, she finds the strength to keep going. And the support in this work is often mutual.
Exactly such everyday encounters, professional support, and care for one another compose PULSE — partnership of people who help others not face their difficulties alone.
This project was funded with UK aid from the UK Government within the National PULSE Consortium, coordinated by Right to Protection. UK Government support to this project in Ukraine is provided through the SHARP element of its Humanitarian Assistance, Recovery and Protection Programme.
