Category: Notice

"Our association helped to reduce the stigmatization of veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD'

It is with great sorrow and sadness that we inform you that today 30. March 2024. Association of Croatian Veterans Treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder of the Republic of Croatia in order to acquaint Croatian veterans with the process of acquiring rights defined by the Croatian Veterans Act 66 in the year of his life, after a short and serious illness, our professor Allen Bartoš left. Long-time president and one of the founders of the Veteran Sports and Recreation Association 91. Volunteer of the Homeland War, RVI, President of the Society of Medical Radiologists of Croatia, vice president of the UDVDR of the Republic of Zagreb County, President of the Association for Sports and Recreation of Croatian Veterans and Disabled People of the Homeland War of the Republic of Croatia, member of the Organizing Committee of the international scientific conference "Society and Technology", deputy director of the Center for Croatian veterans and their family members of the Republic of Croatia, director of the Center for Croatian veterans and their family members in the City of Zagreb, vice president of the Zagreb Parasports Association and author of many scientific and professional works. His wish was for Croatian veterans to become, in the true sense of the word, addicted to a healthy way of life, as Allen Bartoš used to say – "The future is not what we expect from it, but what we make of it ourselves."
rest in peace, Peace be upon you, Croatia, the country you loved immensely.
The last farewell of the dear deceased will take place on Saturday, 6. 04. 2024 Association of Croatian Veterans Treated for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder of the Republic of Croatia in order to acquaint Croatian veterans with the process of acquiring rights defined by the Croatian Veterans Act 13,20 hours on Markovo polje.

The cycle of workshops on the topic of greater self-sustainability of CSOs, which was carried out by SRZ METROPOLA, continued. The following workshops were held:
1. Strengthening the managerial entrepreneurial and business competencies of social enterprises, part II
2. Training of workers in a disadvantageous position in the DP
We would like to highlight the topics of the workshops
– Funding of entrepreneurial programs of the social cooperative with EU funds, loans and other sources of financing
– Business communication and negotiation in a social cooperative
– it is a presentation of the business concept of Social Enterprises and the advantages and disadvantages of this type of operation

In organization 9. Knowledge Center for Social Development on Friday 15. December 2023. A conference entitled "Croatian veterans and victims of the Homeland War - Experiences from the past in the service of the present and future" was held in the Academia Hotel in Zagreb, which covered three thematic areas. The coordinator opened the conference and presented its goals 9. Center of knowledge Sandra Rapčak Škomrlj. At the conference, along with representatives of veterans' and victims' associations involved in 9. Knowledge centers were also attended by representatives of the Ministry of Croatian Veterans, Zagreb, Croatian Red Cross and 8. knowledge center. Through several presentations and presentations from the perspective of veterans' and victims' associations, then the institution and through quality discussions, experiences are included, the results, challenges and reflections on the role of defenders ,victims and institutions in the past, of the present but also of the future through the creation of institutional and non-institutional frameworks in the area of ​​exercising rights, resocialization, strengthening the quality of life of Croatian veterans and victims and their contribution to society as a whole in various areas. Through presentations and discussions in the first part of the conference, the link between the experiences and challenges of Croatian veterans was highlighted, victims of the Homeland War and the institutions of the Republic of Croatia in the field of care and resocialization with the current situation related to Ukraine and the assistance that the Republic of Croatia provides to Ukrainian veterans and victims through the institutions and programs of associations. Experiences and observations from the perspective of veterans' and victims' associations were presented by Ljiljana Alvir, deputy coordinator 9. knowledge center, and they are active in through examples, views and experiences were included by the president of ZUV HGP Siniša Troha, Valentino Rajković from HVIDR and other representatives of veterans' and victims' associations. Marijana Tkalec, the head of the Department for the care of Croatian veterans from the Homeland War and the preservation of the values ​​of the Homeland War presented the activities and programs implemented by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans within the legal framework, veterans centers, project financing, programs and activities of associations, veterans' cooperatives and other forms of active action in the area of ​​strengthening the quality of life of Croatian veterans and victims of the Homeland War, but also active support for victims from Ukraine who reside in the Republic of Croatia. Vesna Krivošić, the head of the National Tracing Service of the Croatian Red Cross presented the mandate to the conference participants, role, involvement and achievements and challenges of the Croatian Red Cross as well as the International Red Cross and Crescent, in active participation in solving humanitarian issues related to the Homeland War and after it, as well as through the context of wars and humanitarian crises in other areas. Martina Gusić and Milena Suknaić gave support to the conference and the activities carried out by veterans' and victims' associations in front of the office responsible for veterans of the City of Zagreb.. In the second part of the conference focused on the multi-program connection of Knowledge Centers, Ratmir Džanić presented his work, impact, experiences and challenges faced 8. Center of knowledge in its field of activity with special emphasis on inclusive transport of people with disabilities, which is also relevant for victims of the Homeland War. He also presented digital solutions for people with disabilities. Through the third part of the conference, which was dedicated to the discussion on the inclusion and contribution of organized civil society in the creation of inclusive and solidarity, digital and green and sustainable Croatia, the Analysis of the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia was presented 2030. The, and which is in the name 9. Knowledge Center presented by Danijela Perić. Presentations and short films "Resocialization of war veterans and exchange of experiences" prepared by the Defense Cooperative for Adventure Tourism "Patriot" attracted special attention at the conference., and presented by Sandra Rapčak Škomrlj; The "Boranka" project, which was presented by Dan Špicer from the Croatian Scout Association as a partner of the Association of Croatian Homeland War Volunteers, and a video work by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans on rehabilitation in veteran centers. The participants showed great interest in the presentation of Nenad Andrašek from UHDDR entitled Digital transformation "Application of the POM-PRO software solution" and expressed a desire to connect and cooperate on the development of similar programs. Through the aforementioned presentation, the program in the area of ​​digitization applied by the aforementioned association was presented, and which other civil society organizations could also apply in their work.
Through the presentations and discussions, the conclusions of the conference emerged:
By participating in the defense against aggression against the Republic of Croatia and the liberation of the occupied territories in the Homeland War, Croatian veterans are the foundation of a free, of the independent and sovereign Republic of Croatia, its institutions and legislative frameworks that enabled the free operation and development of civil society in the Republic of Croatia.
Croatian veterans and victims of the Homeland War, in addition to a great contribution to solving the consequences of the aggression against the Republic of Croatia, made and continue to make an immeasurable contribution to solving the consequences of floods, shakes, pandemic and other challenges faced by the entire Croatian society and thus showed solidarity towards the social community in which they live and work. Croatian veterans and victims of the Homeland War, through involvement in all segments of society, make a great contribution to the stability and development of the Republic of Croatia, its prosperity and reputation in the environment in which it is located as well as in the associations in which it is involved, with an emphasis on EU membership. Despite the challenges they face and the still unresolved issues that are the result of participation and suffering in the Homeland War,  veterans and victims of the Homeland War gained experience, apply knowledge and skills for the benefit of the wider community and transfer the same within the Republic of Croatia, but also beyond its borders, as a professional, solidarity and responsible attitude towards others. Croatian veterans and victims of the Homeland War, through organized activities within civil society, contribute to the development and strengthening of the role of civil society in the area of ​​strengthening the quality of life, resocialization, monitoring and strengthening of public policies, inclusive and solidarity development, digital and green and sustainable Croatia through the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030. The. Croatian veterans and victims of the Homeland War will through the strengthening of cooperation and partnership relations within the framework of organized civil society, with an emphasis on the area in which civil society organizations that gather users also operate, continue to contribute to institutional and non-institutional solutions to challenges related to the consequences of the Homeland War and actively participate in green development, digital, solidary and sustainable Republic of Croatia and creating assumptions for systematic inclusion and applying and transferring the acquired experience, knowledge and skills for the benefit of the entire community, but also outside the framework of the Republic of Croatia. The conference was held with the financial support of the National Foundation for the Development of Civil Society through the Development Cooperation Agreement in the area of ​​Knowledge Centers for Social Development.

In cooperation with the Croatian Association for Suicide Prevention (WHOOPS), and thanks to the support of the Ministry of Croatian Veterans and the National Foundation for the Development of Civil Society, a cycle of a total of 7 workshop providing psychological support to Croatian veterans treated for PTSD and their family members. The workshops were held in Čačinci, Virovitici, Garešnica and Zagreb, and the topics of the workshops were as follows:
– Overcoming stigma and discrimination
– Posttraumatic growth
– The importance of maintaining mental health
– There is no health without mental health
– Support for families - How to provide support for people struggling with mental disorders
– Stres i PTSP
– The importance of socialization in dealing with PTSD
We are glad that it was possible to continue cooperation with dr. Koić and we look forward to further joint work for the benefit of all Croatian veterans and their family members, and especially those treated for PTSD.

At the beginning of November, as part of the project Psychological empowerment of veterans treated for PTSD and their family members, a spiritual renewal of members of the Community was held. A pilgrimage to Medjugorje was organized and we are glad that the turnout of the participants was already traditionally high and that a place higher up on the bus was once again sought after.. This is an indication that Croatian veterans and their family members are very eager for such activities.

In the period from 06. do 08. November 2023. In 2008, the Sports Competition of the Association of Associations of Croatian Veterans Treated for PTSD of the Republic of Croatia was held. As always, the competition took place in chess disciplines, table tennis, archery and darts. This year, a member of the UHBL PTSP Sisak-Moslavina County was a surprise, which almost managed to take over the portable cup for many years overall winners of UHBL PTSP Zagreb County. 
The order of the competition is as follows:
CHESS: 1. UHBL PTSD of Sisak-Moslavina County; 2. UHBL PTSD Zagreb County; 3. UHBL PTSD of Koprivnica - Križevci County "St. Marko Križevčanin "
The best chess player - Ilija Josipović - UHBL PTSP Sisak - Moslavina County
Table tennis: 1. UHBL PTSD Zagreb County; 2. UHBL PTSD Vukovar - Srijem; 3. UHBL PTSD of Koprivnica - Križevci County "St. Marko Križevčanin "
The best table tennis player - Zlatko Janković UHBL PTSP Vukovar - Srijem County
SHOOTING: 1. UHBL PTSD of Sisak-Moslavina County; 2. UHBL PTSD Vukovar - Srijem; 3. UHBL PTSD of Međimurje County
Best scorer – Tihomir Ilijević UHBL PTSP Sisak-Moslavina County
DART: 1. UHBL PTSD Zagreb County; 2. UHBL PTSD of Koprivnica - Križevci County "St. Marko Križevčanin "; 3. UHBL PTSD Vukovar - Srijem
The best darts player – Tihomir Ptičar – UHBL PTSP Zagreb County
Thank you to all the competitors and we are already looking forward to the next 20th Sports Competition ZUHBL PTSP RH
More photos coming soon…

The employee of the Community participated in the training organized by the National Foundation for the Development of Civil Society, and as part of Systematic Support to CSOs. The training lasted two days (27. i 28. 09) and included important topics for CSO project activities such as
– types and acceptability of costs incurred in ESF+ projects and the method of proving them
– criteria and the process of assessing the acceptability of project proposals
– the legal effects of the contract on the allocation of funds in the ESF+
This is the beginning of the training as part of the Systematic Support of the National Foundation for the Development of Civil Society, and more are planned 22 workshops on project business and work, and all with the aim of better efficiency in the field of project applications, providing support when registering projects and transferring knowledge and experience to members of the Community.

In the premises of the Association of War Veterans 84. guard battalion "Termites" (Ulica hrvatsko sabora b.b) in Zadar, 10. March 2023. The, the sixth and also the last presentation of the proposal for guidelines for the creation of public policies on the topic "Health care of Croatian veterans" was held as part of the project "Analysis of social factors affecting the quality of life of the veteran population - guidelines for the future", co-financed by the European Union from the European Social Fund. The mentioned event was organized by the project manager, The Association of Associations of Veterans of Croatian Guards in cooperation with the project partner - the Association of War Veterans 84. guard battalion "Termites".
The guidelines were created on the basis of expert research and field experience that was conducted in September 2021. year on the sample of 300 of the respondents, and members of the target population – Croatian veterans, they were presented by the adviser of the thematic network for health, Stanko Šincek, mag. with. techn.
The importance of systematic monitoring of health status through the organization of systematic examinations by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans contracted with a health institution is indicated, as well as the importance of responding to the same, as well as the importance of improving the possibility of continuous monitoring of psychosocial status through expanding the tasks of county centers for psychosocial assistance that would take care of the target population. Furthermore, the necessity of developing an institutional and non-institutional support network by strengthening cooperation between institutions that deal with the mentioned issue and the civil sector that helps the mentioned population is stated, through the employment of professionals and the organization of the appropriate space. Sensitization of society for the veteran population is also necessary: introducing the public to the problems and difficulties of the veteran population by means of public forums and seminars, in order to enable a better understanding and integration of veterans into the social community and thereby speed up their recovery. At the end of the presentation, preventive measures and several tips and recommendations for a healthier and better quality life are listed.
The aim and desire of the organizers is to include the aforementioned guidelines in the legislative framework in order to improve the quality of life of Croatian veterans, other victims of the Homeland War and their families, and thus the creation of a happier and more prosperous society as a whole.
Project UP.04.2.1.06.0004 "Analysis of social factors affecting the quality of life of the veteran population - guidelines for the future" co-financed by the European Union from the European Social Fund. The implementation period is 28. 10. 2020. – 28. 10. 2023., and the total value of the project and the amount of EU co-financing 476.577,83 euros. The holder of the project is the Association of Veterans of the Croatian Guards, which, together with partners from civil society and the scientific community, implements a project with the purpose of contributing to the quality of life of Croatian veterans and victims of the Homeland War.

In the premises of the Association of Veterans 4. guard brigade in Split, 3. March 2023. The, the sixth and last presentation of the proposal for guidelines in the development of public policies on the topic "Work activity of Croatian veterans and involvement in social entrepreneurship" was held as part of the project "Analysis of social factors affecting the quality of life of the veteran population - guidelines for the future", reported as part of the call for submission of project proposals "Thematic Networks for Socio-Economic Development", co-financed by the European Union from the European Social Fund. The mentioned event was organized by the project manager, The Association of Associations of Veterans of Croatian Guards in cooperation with the project partner - the Association of Veterans 4. Guards Brigade. The guidelines were created on the basis of expert research as part of the project, and they were presented to those present by an external associate for social entrepreneurship, Alen Halilović.
Members of the target population - Croatian veterans - were familiar with many advantages and some disadvantages of social entrepreneurship and the differences between a social and a private profit-making enterprise. It is a new way of doing business that represents a combination of entrepreneurial practices and values ​​closely related to social responsibility and the principles of environmental protection, and is also one of the relatively new concepts in the economy and rests on goals completely opposite to those on which the dominant market economy rests. The aim of social entrepreneurship is not solely to increase profits, so neither is the distribution of profits, but the fulfillment of social tasks, helping those groups in society who are at risk of social exclusion.
Strategy for the development of social entrepreneurship in the Republic of Croatia for the period from 2015. do 2020. social entrepreneurship is defined as business based on social principles, environmental and economic sustainability, where the generated profit/surplus income is fully or largely invested for the benefit of the community.