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Announcing the Call for Media Professionals Covering the War to Join Spring Retreats in the Carpathians

For three years in a row, the Lviv Media Forum team, together with its partners, has been implementing the Psychological Support Programme for the media. During this time, we have helped more than 320 media men and women to recuperate during a week-long residency in the Carpathians. The good news is that we do not plan to stop there and are now accepting applications for two residencies that will take place this spring.  

Who Can Participate

In 2025, participants of the retreats can be Ukrainian media professionals — either staff members of media outlets or freelancers — or fixers (local producers) who:

  • Create content for international media;
  • Have consistently or regularly worked in frontline areas, combat zones, or covered the consequences of Russian attacks during the past year (2024);
  • Can provide links to publications that confirm their work in frontline areas and/or combat zones;
  • Have not participated in retreats organized by the Lviv Media Forum or other organizations in 2024.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to travel to the Carpathians with a pet, child, partner, or editor — anyone dear and important to them.

What Awaits Participants

The retreats are designed for rest, rejuvenation, and sharing experiences with colleagues. The program includes:

  • Group transportation to and from Lviv;
  • Accommodation in the Carpathians;
  • Three meals a day;
  • A cultural program that includes excursions, mountain walks, lectures, discussion clubs, and other networking events.

Each retreat lasts 8 days. Participants will receive the full program after the selection process is completed.

“Retreats are essential for taking a break from the endless stream of news and stories that weave the fabric of every journalist’s days — and often nights,” says Natalia Kulakevych, editor of the website Slidstvo.Info and a participant of the 2023 retreat.

How to Join

To participate in the retreat, please fill out the application form. Deadline: February 4, 2025 (11:59 PM). We will send a response to the email address you provide in the form.

The number of spots is limited. We reserve the right not to disclose the reasons for approval or rejection of applications.

We also recommend reading an article by Rubryka about Lviv Media Forum retreats: “Stop, exhale, and inhale the Carpathian air: how and why retreats for Ukrainian journalists work.” You can also get inspired by the atmosphere of previous retreats here.

If you have additional questions, feel free to email:perevertailo@lvivmediaforum.com

Retreats in the Carpathians by Lviv Media Forum is implemented within the framework of the Voices of Ukraine support program. The program, led by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, is part of the Hannah-Arendt-Initiative and is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.