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UA Picnic: Ukrainian karaoke, psychological games and delicious barbecue
A warm and inspiring UA Picnic took place in Marcianise (province of Caserta), combining relaxation, socialising and a focus on mental health. Organised by the Lalla Club women’s club, the event was both fun and meaningful: guests were treated to a presentation, interactive games, open-air karaoke and, of course, delicious shashlik, creating a truly homely atmosphere. A key highlight was the launch of Mindspace, Italy’s first mental fitness club — a space for support and recovery for Ukrainians living far from home. In these challenging times, this place is designed to be a haven where one can pause, take a breath and restore inner balance. The club’s founder is Oleksandr Mesetsko, a member of the CRASA APS association, a CBT consultant and coach. According to UA Service HUB, Mindspace brings together specialists from various fields: adult and child psychologists, family counsellors, coaches, experts in physical and spiritual practices, as well as play therapists. The uniqueness of the space lies in the combination of evidence-based psychology, practical tools and gentle approaches to development without pressure or exhaustion. Picnic guests were able not only to learn about the project but also to experience the atmosphere of a community where self-care, openness and mutual support are paramount. The event’s information partners were the CRASA APS association and UA Service HUB.
UA Service HUB platform presented to Ambassador of Ukraine to Italy during a meeting with the community
During a meeting between the newly appointed Ukrainian Ambassador to Italy, Ihor Brusylo, and the Ukrainian community in Rome, Alona Siwerska, a representative of the CRASA APS association, presented the UA Service HUB platform — a modern online service for Ukrainians in Italy, designed to bring the community together, provide access to services and foster communication. UA Service HUB is a digital platform based on the website work.crasa.team, which brings together specialists, volunteer initiatives, employment opportunities and useful information for Ukrainians in Italy. The project is designed to support the community, simplify integration and foster cooperation between organisations, activists and users. In the context of the development of the Ukrainian diaspora and the strengthening of civil society, such a resource is of particular importance, as it creates a convenient ecosystem for interaction between civil society organisations, specialists, volunteers and people seeking assistance or new opportunities within the Italian environment. This is precisely why UA Service HUB can be seen as a promising platform for the Ukrainian diaspora in Italy, combining informational value, social interaction and digital convenience. In addition to presenting the platform, Alona Siwerska spoke about the activities of CRASA APS and the projects it has implemented. As a symbolic gesture, she presented the Ambassador with a calendar of ‘Ukrainian Women in Italy’ — a charitable initiative aimed at promoting Ukrainian culture in Italy. During the meeting, they also discussed the consolidation of the Ukrainian community, strengthening cooperation with diplomatic bodies and supporting Ukrainians abroad. It should be noted that the meeting took place on 18 April in Rome. Its main objective was to foster an open dialogue between the Ambassador and the Ukrainian community, as well as to discuss current areas of cooperation and the development of initiatives in Italy. The participants focused on coordinating joint projects and strengthening communication between diplomatic institutions and civil society.
Charity Calendar "Ukrainians in Italy" brings results
The Ukrainian-Italian charity project Il Calendario Solidale "Ukrainian Women in Italy" continues to deliver tangible results. The funds raised through the initiative were transferred to the Kharkiv-based “Talon.UA” foundation and used to set up an “underground” sports hall for children. According to UA Service HUB, this is a safe space created amidst the war, where children can engage in physical activity, play and rediscover the feeling of a normal childhood. Recently, the organisers received a video from their partners in Ukraine demonstrating the results of the aid provided. The Il Calendario Solidale “Ukrainian Women in Italy” project was created by the C.R.A.S.A. APS association, founded by Ukrainian women currently living in Italy. The initiative aims not only to raise funds but also to support women’s solidarity, creative expression and personal development. Project team: • Producer and author: Zhanna Zhukova • Executive Director: Liliia Glinka • Art Director: Anastasiia Alikas • Casting manager: Alona Siverska • PR Manager: Nadezhda Bereziuk • Graphic designer: Katerina Kiro The calendar features Ukrainian women living and working in Italy: entrepreneurs, artists, volunteers, translators, managers and professional models. Each of them represents a separate month and her own story of strength, adaptation and growth. The shoot was carried out on a voluntary basis by Ukrainian photographers currently working in Italy, as well as a team of make-up artists and stylists who joined the project. Make-up and hair: Olha Martyniuk, Iryna Tkachova, Katerina Klimenko, Lino De Matteo Photographers: Iryna Levytska, Illia Dymitro, Anastasiia Alikas, Yurii Chartorynskyi, Zhanna Zhukova. The organisers emphasise that this calendar is not only a symbolic gesture of support but also a practical tool for aid — an example of how cultural initiatives can be transformed into concrete action. It should be noted that the Ukrainian dresses for the calendar were provided by the Kyiv-based brand Anna Marchuk.Media support: BusinessWoman magazine.
Useful information for those working as caregivers in Italy.
Work in the domestic sector is regulated by INPS rules and the national collective agreement. 🧾 What is included in the work. Care for: • elderly people, • people with disabilities, • children 📄 Contract: what is important to know It is recommended to definitely conclude a written contract, even if it is not a strict legal requirement. It must include: • employer and employee details • start date of work • place of work • schedule • salary • condition of cohabitation (if any) 👉 A probationary period is also provided ⏰ Working conditions • Maximum: 54 hours per week (for those living in the family) • Mandatory: • daily rest • 1 day off per week (usually Sunday) 💶 Salary and payments • The minimum salary is set by the collective agreement • For cohabitants, it includes: • accommodation • meals 💡 Additionally paid: • night shifts • additional duties 📆 Vacation • 26 working days per year • Accumulation: ≈ 2.17 days per month 🎁 Additional payments You are entitled to: • 13th salary • TFR (payment upon dismissal) • final settlement upon completion of work 🧾 Contributions and registration The employer is obliged to: • notify INPS 24 hours before the start of work • pay contributions quarterly 📊 Distribution of contributions: • ~75–80% — employer • ~20–25% — employee (withheld from salary) 🏠 RESIDENCE (residenza) — very important If you live with the employer: ✔️ You have the right to register your residence at this address ✔️ A rental agreement is NOT required ✔️ This must be stated in the employment contract ❗ Why this is important. Knowing your rights: • protects against abuse • gives confidence in work • helps to defend your interests 📌 Ignorance of the rules often works against the employee.
Italian paper identity cards become invalid
Italian paper identity cards will no longer be valid as a form of identification. According to UA Service Hub, this measure will come into effect from 3 August 2026, regardless of the expiry date stated on them. In light of this, the Municipality of Naples has organised special extended opening hours for the issuance of electronic identity cards (CIE). These will run from Tuesday 7 April to Saturday 1 August 2026 according to the following schedule: • every Tuesday from 15:00 to 18:00; • one ‘open day’ per month on a Saturday from 8.30 am to 2.00 pm. This initiative is available exclusively to residents of Naples who hold a paper identity card. At the same time, standard booking methods remain available: • via the City of Naples’ online platform; • via the freephone number 800.776565 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00). Residents with paper documents can also book a standard appointment without needing to attend the additional open hours. It is expected that each office will operate with two workstations. Taking into account the average time taken to process one CIE (around 20 minutes): • on Tuesdays, up to 18 documents can be issued per location; • on Saturday ‘open days’ — up to 32 documents per location.
Smokers in Italy started to pay for medicines to get rid of the habit
Italy has approved reimbursement through the national health service for a citisine-based medication – this is the first smoking cessation treatment now officially funded by the state. The medication is called *Recigar*, the course lasts 25 days, and its aim is to reduce nicotine cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. In Italy, it is recommended for people aged 18 to 65. It should be noted that smoking remains a problem in Italy: it is estimated that tobacco is linked to more than 90,000 deaths a year, whilst the direct and indirect costs to the healthcare system and the economy exceed €26 billion annually.