Published on: 2026-10-10
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In Moscow, participants of the special military operation (SMO) and their family members receive comprehensive city support. Non-profit organizations (NPOs) in the capital also work in this area. In particular, they create spaces for recreation and creativity and engage specialists to provide psychological assistance. We tell about some of these initiatives.
“Hope Workshop: Family Inspiration”: how families of participants in the special military operation prepare and create together
On weekends in the capital, families of SVO veterans can attend events of the “Workshop of Hope: family inspiration” project International Union for Patient Assistance and Support. They are held at the venue of the Unified Support Center for participants of the special military operation (SMO) and their families.
One of the project’s most popular activities is culinary meetings. Under the guidance of a professional chef, participants prepare desserts, hot and cold appetizers, first and second courses. The menu has already included hunter’s salad, lavash roll, sweet potato toasts, and cheesecake. Some sessions are held outdoors. Burgers, for example, were made in the fresh air.
Another option for leisure is art master classes, which help express emotions through creativity and relieve tension. In one of the sessions, participants learned about the properties of stones and made bracelets from them. On other days, they painted summer landscapes with watercolors and created prints on T-shirts using stencils with animal silhouettes.
And in the music lounge, the participants listen to the works of great composers. For example, one of the meetings took place outdoors. Music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky was played.
A psychologist also works with families. The specialist helps to cope with anxiety, improve relationships with loved ones, and find support in each other. Consultations take place both individually and in groups.
“We created the ‘Workshop of Hope’ so that the families of participants in the special military operation could spend time together. Here they don’t just learn cooking or painting — they learn to listen to each other, support one another, and find joy in simple moments,” says Olga Vostrikova, chairwoman of the International Union for Assistance and Support of Patients.
As part of the project, 18 culinary master classes, 16 art sessions, and six meetings within the framework of the music lounge have already taken place. Participants included 526 beneficiaries — families (526 people) of participants in the Special Military Operation. The project received support in the Moscow Mayor’s grant competition. The initiative will continue until the end of the year.
“SVOi Women”: creativity for mothers, wives, and daughters of heroes
Center specialists “Lisena Art” we are confident that support is needed not only for those on the front lines but also for those waiting for them at home. This is how the project “SVO and Women” appeared. It was initiated by Arina Tikhonova. Observing the condition of the mother, the wife of a combat officer, she decided to create a space where women could find support and assistance.
The project started as a creative workshop. Participants gathered on Fridays to paint, crochet, practice neurography, sculpt with clay, and sew items for the soldiers of the special military operation and hospitals. Gradually, this expanded to include designing their own outfits with designer Margarita and exclusive jewelry under the guidance of Lyubov Kuzyasheva. Over a year and a half, two collections were created: “Lisena Art” and the patriotic “SVO and Women”, made for Flag Day in the colors of the Russian tricolor.
“I myself am the wife of a combat officer and I know how important it is for women in such a situation to feel support and have a space where they can engage in creativity and be themselves. Our project is not just a workshop. Here, women find strength and faith in themselves. We see how they transform, how their eyes light up, and that is the most important thing,” admits Olga Tikhonova, head of the “Lisena Art” center.
The participants not only sew and create jewelry but also master the principles of catwalk modeling and study the art of oratory. Together with stylists, they develop healthy habits and find inner support in challenging life circumstances.
One of the highlight events was held at the coworking center for non-profit organizations (NPOs) at VDNH. Wives, mothers, and children of the participants in the Special Military Operation (SMO) took to the stage to present their clothing collection. The audience supported the participants with applause. For many, this was their first appearance on a big stage. The event became not only a creative debut but also an important step in the development of the project: new participants joined the fashion theater. The women noted that they felt confident and received a powerful boost of inspiration. For some participants, the hobby turned into a new profession.
Zhuravli Center: assistance to soldiers and residents of border regions
Volunteers of the Center for Public Initiatives “Cranes” They help fighters on the front line and residents of border regions. They purchase digital radios and antennas for artillery reconnaissance, send humanitarian cargoes, and open spaces for rehabilitation. Since 2022, the center has delivered more than 450 tons of humanitarian aid.
Everything that helps accomplish tasks is important on the front line, emphasizes Anna Gerasimova, a member of the Moscow Public Chamber and head of the public-cultural center for youth development and volunteering “Cranes.”
The name of the center was born not by chance. The white crane is a symbol of bright memory and the inseparable connection of generations. In nature, cranes fly in a wedge and never abandon their own in trouble: if someone is exhausted, two will definitely descend to support them. The volunteer team of the center lives by the same principle: always lending a shoulder to those in need.
The logistics of humanitarian convoys are fine-tuned to the smallest detail. Routes are strictly coordinated with the relevant agencies and the military. From Moscow, they send food, warm clothing, hygiene products, and household goods. Volunteers also remember important little things: school supplies for children and pet food.
Work with the residents of the Kursk region began with requests from city dwellers, local authorities, and military unit commanders. Recently, volunteers collected and sent two UAZ pickups to the region for the military. They deliver medical supplies and cargo on them.
At the Veterans Hospital No. 3, the center has opened a barbershop where not only haircuts are given, but also barber profession training is provided. By mastering the profession, the fighters gain a sought-after specialty that will help them stand confidently on their own feet after rehabilitation.
The team consists of about 50 volunteers and employees of partner organizations. New participants are immediately involved in specific tasks.
A family art picnic was held at the Unified Support Center for SVO participantsIn Moscow, book club meetings are being held for veterans of the special military operation and their familiesParticipants of the special military operation and their family members can now receive consultations about support measures via video communication
You can find out how the capital has changed over the past years, what initiatives aimed at making city residents’ lives even more comfortable are currently being implemented, and what awaits Moscow and its inhabitants in the near future in a large-scale special project on the mos.ru portal, dedicated to the development of key sectors of Moscow. Among them are transport, industry, healthcare, education, sports, and construction.
On the project page “Social support and employment of the population” you can learn about opportunities for citizens in need of support. The capital provides comprehensive assistance to families in difficult life situations, as well as to people with disabilities and participants in the special military operation. In Moscow longevity centers Regular exercise sessions and yoga, lectures, and other events are held. In addition, at the city’s employment service, one can undergo retraining and acquire a new in-demand profession.
Quickly get the latest news on the official channels of the city of Moscow in messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.