Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)

between individuals, communities and the state. In its target geographies,

Resilient Populations project aims to catalyse socio-economic participation, inclusive and quality service delivery and civil participation for vulnerable groups, helping them to overcome obstacles and access opportunities, thereby enhancing horizontal and vertical cooperation between individuals, communities and the state. In its target geographies, it seeks to lower entry barriers and to strengthen the formal and informal support networks that can facilitate individuals’ healing, inclusion and sense of belonging in Ukrainian society.

The project’s goal is to strengthen social cohesion, therefore contributing most substantially to PFRU-2 Outcome 3: “Horizontal and vertical cohesion are maintained and strengthened, providing societal resilience against Russian aggression, and reinforcing societal unity”.

The project works through three interconnected “social inclusion pathways”:

Preparedness
helping local systems get ready to receive and include vulnerable groups by improving access, planning, coordination and service capacity.
Shared public space
developing inclusive physical and social spaces where different groups can meet, access services and participate in community life.
Transition
supporting individuals to move from isolation and exclusion to mainstream services, employment and education.

To deliver this, Resilient Populations focuses on three main workstreams:

Barrier-Free and Inclusive Environment
Barrier-Free and Inclusive Environment – adapting public infrastructure, services and workplaces so that they are accessible to all.
Social Services Pathways (including mental health and psychosoacial support)
improving the quality and accessibility of key social and mental-health services at hromada level.
Community Engagement and Civic Cohesion
supporting community spaces and civic participation that connect people and strengthen local identity.

Across all three, the project works with local authorities (hromadas), service providers and civil society organisations, maintaining a strong feedback loop to national institutions and other PFRU projects.

Key Activities

Barrier-Free and Inclusive Environment

Supporting hromadas to improve the physical accessibility of public infrastructure (for example, improving access routes to social, educational and cultural facilities; small-scale works; adaptive equipment and vehicles).
Raising awareness of barrier-free culture and the benefits of inclusive environments for communities and local economies.

Providing technical assistance and training to local authorities, architects, service providers and businesses on universal design, accessible communication and service provision, inclusive employment practices.

Social Services Pathways (incl. mental health and psychosocial support)

Supporting hromadas to improve the physical accessibility of public infrastructure (for example, improving access routes to social, educational and cultural facilities; small-scale works; adaptive equipment and vehicles).
Raising awareness of barrier-free culture and the benefits of inclusive environments for communities and local economies.

Providing technical assistance and training to local authorities, architects, service providers and businesses on universal design, accessible communication and service provision, inclusive employment practices.

Community Engagement and Civic Cohesion

Supporting hromadas to improve the physical accessibility of public infrastructure (for example, improving access routes to social, educational and cultural facilities; small-scale works; adaptive equipment and vehicles).
Raising awareness of barrier-free culture and the benefits of inclusive environments for communities and local economies.

Providing technical assistance and training to local authorities, architects, service providers and businesses on universal design, accessible communication and service provision, inclusive employment practices.

Results / Progress

Over the life of the project, Resilient Populations aims to achieve:

More accessible and inclusive environments
in target hromadas – including improved access to public buildings, services and workplaces for people with disabilities, older people, IDPs and veterans.

Better organised and more responsive local social and mental-health services,
with clearer local procedures, referral pathways and case-management systems, and a better-skilled workforce.

Stronger, more inclusive public and community spaces –
both physical and social – where people from different backgrounds can meet, access services, participate in community life and feel part of the Ukrainian polity.

Improved participation of target groups
in local decision-making.

Evidence and learning for national policy,
generated from practical implementation in hromadas and shared with central authorities and other strategic projects to inform future reforms.