On June 3rd and July 2nd, Ndungu Nyoro discussed the topic of mental health on a live Facebook event. A number of professionals from St. Martin and survivors of mental illness participated and shared experiences of St. Martin's pilot projet in mental health. This event is part of the activities for the St. Martin CSA's 20th anniversary.
The programme rescues children facing harm as a result of physical, sexual, child marriage, FGM and emotional abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation. Street connected children are also rescued. They are provided with proper care in our rescue centres.
Upon rehabilitation, these children are reintegrated back into the community and provided with education support like school uniforms and fees where need be in order to settle them in schools. The programme also target vulnerable in Nyahururu sub-county who lack access to one or more basic needs and their rights are constantly abused. The programme support such children with schooling needs, resource mobilization from the community as well as advocating for their rights.
People affected by drug abuse and mental illness struggle with various life challenges that puts pressure on the mental wellbeing. This is not limited only to those who are directly affected but also the significant others and other members of the family. The programme therefore adopted a household approach in offering counseling services including family therapy to ensure psychological wellness of the entire family. These services are offered under the auspices of the community counseling centre where the programme mobilizes counselors from the community who in turn offer free services to clients using St. Martin facilities.
Owing to the high number of people already affected by drug abuse and mental illness who cannot access rehabilitation and treatment services. The project identifies the most vulnerable clients for support to access rehabilitation and medical treatment services. The objective of these support services is to restore the dignity and functionality of those people who cannot independently or with the help of relatives access the retreatment and rehabilitation services. This includes partial payment for psychiatric assessment, inpatient psychiatric treatment and residential drug rehabilitation. Furthermore, the programme implements a community based mental health programme where clients shall be offered outpatient addiction counseling, Intensive Outpatient Rehabilitation, peer support groups etc.
Building a Secure Environment for Children to Flourish
The Dumisha Amani project is driven by a crucial objective: to contribute to a secure environment where children can grow and develop. We recognize the profound impact of conflicts on children and young people, both directly and indirectly. In our project area, many children have suffered violations, been forced into perpetuating violence, and experienced the loss of loved ones. They have endured physical harm, displacement, education deprivation, and sexual abuse and exploitation. The consequences of conflict extend beyond the immediate, hindering economic and social development and impeding the holistic growth and development of children. With Dumisha Amani, we strive to create a brighter and safer future for every child.