These are exactly the kinds of spaces created by the AFEW-Ukraine team and the “Return to Life” Charitable Foundation within the project “Emergency support of HIV and SRHR services for adolescents who use drugs in war and post-war times in Ukraine.” These initiatives not only provide knowledge about health, rights, and safety, but also offer support, friendship, and even help young people find their voice.

Leon first came to one of these spaces with a friend. It became his first truly safe environment — a place where he was able to rebuild trust in adults and realize that support is not a myth. He gradually started attending group sessions, learned about the prevention of psychoactive substances (PAS), HIV, STIs, sexual and reproductive health, emotional well-being, and how to recognize and resist stigma.

Over time, Leon became one of the most active participants. He completed training and joined the mini-project “Peer-to-Peer Support” with the support of the Alliance for Public Health. This initiative was a natural continuation of the “Beyond Trauma” project — engaging teenagers themselves in supporting their peers, expanding the reach of prevention services, and building trust in the community.

Since March, Leon has been working on outreach routes as the youngest peer consultant. He provides consultations on PAS, SRH, and HIV prevention, talks to teens in schools and on the streets, invites them to events, helps organize activities, and brings others into the project.

He’s not just spreading knowledge — he’s building trust. And what’s more — he truly understands the struggles of those he supports, because he’s been in their shoes.

Leon is an active participant in city events and helps lead educational sessions in schools and at the center. Starting in September, school officers plan to work with him as a full-fledged consultant — his knowledge of health issues is impressive even to adults.

And there’s something else that makes Leon special — his amazing homemade pastries! His cakes, sweet breads, and Easter loaves have already become a local legend. Everyone looks forward to the days when Leon brings something freshly baked.

In a conversation, Leon shared how he discovered the center, why he decided to become a leader, and how the experience is changing him.

— What’s your name?
— Leon.

— What do you like to do in your free time?
— I love cooking — I do it often.

— What do you dream about?
— I can’t say I have one big dream. I have short-term goals — what I want in a month, a year, or three. For example, in three years I want to have my own house. And I’d love to study abroad.

— Do you already know what you’d like to study?
— Not yet. I don’t have any clear ideas for now.

— How do you understand what it means to be a leader among teens?
— A leader is someone who can organize a group, guide it, and offer help.

— How did you first hear about this space?
— My friend invited me. She’s sitting over there.

— Did you know what you were getting into? Were you scared?
— I had a rough idea. No, I wasn’t scared — lots of my friends already went there.

— What motivated you to come?
— I just wanted to be with my friends and take part in group activities. Everyone was going — so I joined too. I was curious to see what it was like. The atmosphere was friendly, and that really pulled me in. And the certificate* was a nice bonus — it felt good to know that your involvement mattered and was appreciated.

*For completing certain indicators in the mini-project, leaders receive certificates for purchases at the “Faino Market” — a form of recognition for their time and effort.

— What activities do you enjoy the most?
— Picnics, art therapy, hikes, games, things like that.

— Are there any events you especially look forward to?
— I’d really like to attend summer camps organized by the center together with other leaders.

— Is there something that hasn’t happened in the center yet but you’d like to see?
— A film club. We’ve tried to set one up a few times, but it didn’t work out — the sound and visuals weren’t good. Technical issues.

— As a leader, how do you interact with teens who have experience with substance use?
— I do outreach — talk to teens in the streets, in schools. I explain what the space is and what we do here. I invite them to events. After that, I fill out reports — how many people I spoke with, what we talked about, what questions came up. Sometimes I help organize activities at the space or help facilitate discussions.

— What challenges do you face as a leader?
— I often have to explain the basics to peers: about consent and respect in relationships, contraception methods, HIV — how it’s transmitted, how to protect yourself, what myths still exist. Also, how to recognize stigma and learn to resist it while supporting others and yourself. People just don’t know this stuff, because society doesn’t talk about it.

— What other topics cause confusion?
— For example, stigma. At school, people get bullied for their looks or belonging to certain groups. I explain that this is not okay — everyone deserves equal rights.

— Have you personally experienced bullying?
— Yes. I walk down the street and someone shouts “dyed hair!” But I don’t judge. Everyone has the right to look the way they want. And we don’t always choose how we look.

— How do you cope with these situations?
— I honestly don’t care — it doesn’t bother me. I’ve gotten used to the fact that people are different — everyone has their own fears, upbringing, and beliefs. Some just repeat what they’ve heard from others. But that doesn’t mean something’s wrong with us. I know who I am, and I’m not going to change just to please someone else. I believe everyone has the right to be themselves — and that’s what I try to show others: by example, by conversation, by action.

— How comfortable are you in the new space?
— It’s better than before. It used to be really cramped when lots of people came.

— How many people are usually in a group?
— From 5 to 10, depending on the day.

— How often do you visit the space?
— Twice a week: on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tuesdays are for sessions, Fridays are game days, art therapy, and leader discussions.

— What kinds of topics do you discuss with other leaders?
— For example, how to properly fill out reports after outreach — we record how many people we talked to, what we discussed, and their reactions. We also talk about the most common questions teens ask when we invite them to events. Then we plan upcoming activities — who’s doing what, who’s responsible for what. Sometimes we prep for events together: decide on the topic, prepare materials, or plan interactive elements.

Leon’s story is a powerful example of how a safe space and support can spark transformation. Today, he is not just a service user, but part of the team. His journey shows how trust, knowledge, and comprehensive support can shape experiences and drive personal growth.

In the space, teens receive more than emotional support — they gain access to primary HIV prevention services, testing, humanitarian aid, crisis consultations, group sessions with psychologists, and trainings on consent, rights, health, and self-protection. The Kropyvnytskyi space isn’t just about leisure — it’s about safety, knowledge, and a community that can change lives.

Leadership isn’t a status — it’s a choice to stand beside others. And that’s the choice Leon makes every day in Kropyvnytskyi, showing teens that they are not alone.