Initiative: The Way Out
Location: Mykolaiv, Voznesensk, Mykolaiv Oblast
Year: 2019-2020
Website: http://vyhid.mk.ua/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/NCF.Vykhod/
The Way Out provides social services to people at risk of HIV infection and tuberculosis by working primarily with people hooked on addictive substances. However, so far these services have not been systematically funded. Therefore, the organization has decided to launch a campaign to make the funding for this kind of social work a stable part of the city budgets in Mykolaiv and Voznesensk.
The Way Out, together with other experts in the field, focused mainly on negotiations with politicians, as well as other relevant authorities. In addition, mediators were involved in the negotiations to help reach an understanding with representatives from the city and regional administration. The campaign included the organizing of several professional training sessions, as well as public outreach through a petition to show the level of support for more stable and better funding for work with vulnerable groups.
In Mykolaiv, the campaign was successful – the city budget for 2021 includes funds for financing the services provided by two organizations, while other organizations can apply for funding for their projects.
