In the face of contemporary challenges, building social resilience is becoming a priority. The “Można Inaczej” (It Can Be Done Differently) Association for Children and Family Support in Ustroń has launched a project aimed at integrating the local community around the concept of safety and crisis preparedness.
The project, titled “Safe Ustroń: Workshops with Voluntary Fire Brigades (OSP), Crisis Education, and Psychological Support,” is being implemented as part of the 5th edition of the POP Fund grant competition. Its main objective is to increase the level of preparedness among residents of the Cieszyn Silesia region for potential crisis situations while strengthening intergenerational ties.
Education Through Practice
A key element of the initiative is a series of practical workshops conducted in collaboration with the Voluntary Fire Brigades. Participants have the opportunity to learn the basics of first aid, fire safety, and how to behave during extreme weather events.
“We believe that safety is a shared responsibility. By engaging both the youngest and oldest residents, we create a network of mutual support that is invaluable during a crisis,” says a representative of the “Można Inaczej” Association.
Psychological Support and Mental Resilience
Building resilience is not just about technical skills; it is also about mental health. The project offers psychological support focused on managing stress and anxiety related to contemporary threats. Workshops for parents and educators help them talk to children about difficult topics in a way that builds a sense of security rather than fear.
Parallel to this, youth participate in information security classes. The organization teaches them how to recognize manipulation and fake news, which can trigger unnecessary panic in times of crisis. A tool supporting this process is the original “Resilience Passports,” which help verify sources of knowledge and maintain sound judgment online.
Seniors: Accessibility and Psychological Support
The association places great emphasis on the inclusion of seniors, who are often the most vulnerable to the effects of crises and manipulation (both informational and those targeting their property). To eliminate barriers, the organization has implemented specific accommodations:
- Large Print Materials: all instructions and educational materials are fully legible and adapted to the needs of the elderly.
- Logistical Support: the organisation provides transportation for people with limited mobility, guaranteeing their active participation in the classes.
A key element for this group is Psychological First Aid (PFA) and meetings with police officers, who teach how to respond to domestic threats and attempted scams. The workshops teach seniors how to stay calm and how to support their neighbors in the face of stress, which directly translates into the stability of the local community.
A Common Goal: A Resilient Community in Ustroń and Surrounding Areas
The initiative by the “Można Inaczej” Association not only teaches rescue techniques but, above all, strengthens interpersonal bonds and trust in uniformed services.
- 112 Simulations: Joint exercises in calling for help allow both children and seniors to develop automatic responses, which reduces paralyzing fear during a real crisis.
- Local Integration: The presence of OSP firefighters and police officers at the workshops closes the gap between residents and rescuers, building a sense of shared security.
- Generational Exchange: Meetings centered around the topic of resilience foster mutual understanding – the young learn composure from the elderly, while seniors learn modern methods of information verification from the youth.
The project is funded thanks to the PKO Bank Polski Foundation and the ORLEN Foundation
