Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

On 21 November, Mykolaiv celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, a safe space for women and girls created as part of the DCA Ukraine integrated programme. During the year of its operation, the centre has become a place of support, training and recovery for more than 1,500 visitors.

A correspondent of NikVesti spent the anniversary of the centre together with the visitors and the team of the space.

Celebrating the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

During the celebrations, the centre's team recalled how a year ago the premises were just being prepared for work, and now they are constantly hosting meetings, trainings and events.

«Today I see familiar faces — those with whom we have lived this year side by side. This anniversary is not only ours, it is also yours. Each of you has made efforts to make this space what it is,» said the centre's coordinator in her opening remarks.

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

According to her, «Growth Point» was created to support vulnerable women, develop skills, creativity and a sense of security.

«We wanted it to be a place where you can breathe and be heard,» she added.

Celebration of the one-year anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVestiVisitors emphasise that the centre always offers attention and care.

«As soon as you approach the doors, they open. They say: «We saw you». Guests are always welcome here,» shared her impressions Tatiana, one of the participants of the events.

Celebrating the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

A representative of the Mykolaiv Regional Universal Scientific Library added that the centre has helped many women feel alive again.

«We started smiling. We became freer, more joyful. Thanks to your support, we remembered who we are,» she said.

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the centre «Growth Point», 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

DCA Ukraine's protection manager said that the centre is part of a programme aimed at providing multi-level support to women in difficult times.

«It is a place of strength where women can find resources. Next year, we plan to involve women veterans in the activities of the space — this is a new direction that we are starting to develop,» she said.

Celebrating the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

The international director of DCA, the Norwegian Church Aid, also spoke at the event. He stressed the importance of supporting women in the region.

«It's nice to see how a community has formed here in a year. This place unites, and it is very valuable to hear the stories you share,» he said.

Celebration of the one-year anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

The support centre for women and girls «Growth Point» was opened in Mykolaiv on 20 November 2024. This is a safe space created with the support of the international humanitarian organisation DCA/NCA, which provides psychosocial support, group and individual counselling, art therapy and yoga classes. The centre employs qualified psychologists and has case managers who help with legal issues if necessary.

Photo report

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the centre «Growth Point», 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the centre «Growth Point», 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

Celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the «Growth Point» centre, 20 November 2025. Photo: NikVesti

As a reminder, a new enrolment to the GIDNA project programme, which provides psychological support to women whose relatives are missing or in captivity, has started in Mykolaiv and the region.