The BRIDGE Forum has become a pivotal platform for discussing challenges and seeking solutions in humanitarian response, community development, and strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs). Its aim is to create a unified information space, uniting efforts and resources to enhance the ability of local communities to overcome contemporary challenges and develop in crisis conditions.

The Forum focused on assessing the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and exploring ways to address crisis challenges at the regional level.

Experts discussed pressing issues facing communities and mechanisms for overcoming them:

Representatives of the UN, Swiss and Dutch embassies, as well as regional administrations of Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions, examined the challenges faced by communities and approaches to addressing them. Speakers expressed their vision for the future of humanitarian processes and emphasized the need for deeper coordination among all stakeholders.

A new platform, BRIDGE, was also presented. BRIDGE is a comprehensive ecosystem that unites information and analytical tools, organizational profiles, grant opportunities, and a secure communication platform, aimed at supporting coordination, planning, and cooperation between CSOs and international partners.

This day became a platform for open dialogue, exchange of experiences, and building new partnerships.

The second day was dedicated to tools and strategies for strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations.

Participants discussed:

 • Financial sustainability: How to find new sources of funding and maintain financial independence.

 • Partnerships: How to effectively communicate with donors and international organizations, finding new opportunities for cooperation.

 • Identity and mission: Forming a clear positioning of CSOs in the market to increase their recognition and trust.

 • Innovation: Using modern technologies to optimize work and increase the effectiveness of initiatives.

Participants emphasized that strategic planning, coordination between CSOs from different regions, and the pooling of resources are the foundation for the sustainable development of the sector.

The transit center in Pavlohrad, which began functioning on August 30, provides critical support for evacuees from the combat zone in Donetsk Oblast. As of November 10, the center has assisted 4,741 evacuees, including 404 people with limited mobility, 759 children, and 1,326 elderly individuals.

Thanks to collaboration with over 20 organizations, the center provides a wide range of assistance, including:

• organizing evacuations;

• financial, hygiene, and food aid;

• legal and psychological support for adults and children;

• medical assistance;

• distribution of non-food items;

• hot meals.

This center is an essential place for prompt support and comprehensive assistance for evacuees, offering not only necessary resources but also psychological help to ease the process of adaptation and recovery amid new challenges.

Your safety is a top priority. If you or your loved ones need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can overcome any difficulties.

To request evacuation for your relatives, friends, or loved ones from hotspots, please call: 0 800 339 291.

Thank you to everyone who supports our mission!

The project "Support to Kharkiv Regional Coordination Center" is implemented with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project "Ukraine Confidence Building Initiative" (UCBI).

A meeting occurred between employees of the CO Relief Coordination Centre and representatives of the Swiss government, including the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine, Felix Baumann, and members of the SDC fund. This is the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, part of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA), which helps to overcome the consequences of the war in Ukraine.

The first location visited by the delegation was a transit evacuation point (TEP). Here, those present were able to see firsthand the organization and mechanics of the processes; learn about the types of assistance provided - from psychological counseling to closing individual cases, and talk to representatives of non-governmental organizations directly involved on the ground.

Next, the Swiss visited one of the volunteer shelters for people with limited mobility who require care. There, they saw the daily work of volunteers, including representatives of the CF The Way of Ukraine, and international partners of Nonviolent Peaceforce, and heard firsthand about the problems and challenges these people faced.

The next item on the agenda was a visit to one of the strike sites in Saltivka, the consequences of which were still being eliminated a week ago by the Rapid Response Group by sealing windows in apartment buildings. Therefore, representatives of the RRG spoke with foreign guests, and voiced their urgent needs to continue their important activities.

This busy day ended at the Center for the Development of Civil Society. Here, a joint meeting was held between representatives of Switzerland, Nonviolent Peaceforce, and ten following charitable nongovernmental organizations,

•  CO CF Khaustov

•  NGO Free Movement Kharkiv

•  NGO Lookingforce Angel

•  NGO "AID 46"

•  Crisis relief team Germany

•  CO CF The Basis of the Future

•  NGO For Real Kharkiv

•  NGO I Am Saved

•  CO CF Unity And Strength

•  CO CF The Path Of Hope

We are confident that this meeting will allow for more effective coordination of humanitarian aid, attract additional resources, and accelerate the recovery process of the Kharkiv region.

The result of the joint work was a clear understanding of the urgent needs of the region, the development of joint action plans, and the deepening of cooperation between Ukrainian and Swiss partners.