ABOUT US
According to to Dr.Brock Chisholm,the first Director General of the World Health Organisation(WHO) in 1954,”Without mental health,there can be no true physical health and Mental health is integral to the overall health.
Mental health affects millions of individuals, impacting their overall well-being, productivity, and quality of life. To address this pervasive condition, it is crucial to develop comprehensive strategies and support systems that enable individuals especially Children, Adolescents & people facing mental health challenges to live fulfilling lives.
For example,in Uganda there are only 5 Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, for more than 20 million children and Adolescents.All this is because of lack of funding and availability of Mental health services for Child & Adolescent Mental health Services (CAMHS), that Access, treat people with emotional behaviour or mental health difficulties.
The common Mental Health disorders in Uganda are Depression and Anxiety in children, Adolescents,kids etc mainly because of family breakups.
The stress levels children and Adolescents go through,contribute to 1in 5 of them suffering from mental health illnesses,lack of treatment access and the treatment not evenly distributed.
This concept paper aims to outline the key components of a program designed to support children, Adolescents & people with Mental health challenges to emphasizing empowerment, awareness, and holistic care.
At Hand up Africa Network (HAN),our target affected population will be the children, Adolescents,Ophans, children and people living with HIV/AIDS by providing social support,care, motivation through community outreach and schools to educate,motivate and provide care to those battling Mental health
OBJECTIVES
A large number of Uganda’s population are children and Adolescents (57% under 15 years of age) grappling with mental health issues, compounded by prevailing poverty with 20% of the population living below the poverty line.
Uganda has had a historic prolonged armed conflict,like in northern Uganda involving The lord’s resistance Army rebels(LRA) and the government of Uganda which lasted 20years resulting in 1.7million becoming orphan.
Orphans are more likely to need emotional care,be insecure and face poverty with their elderly widowed mothers/Caretakers.The lord’s resistance Army conflict didn’t only lead to orphanhood,but also to the abduction of children and Adolescents to be used as child soldiers.
Following this background,Hand up Africa Network(HAN) is intrested in looking into the life of these child soldiers returnees battling or facing mental health as a result of war and also fulfilling the following objective upon winning Fundings or Grants
- Raise awareness
Educate the general public about Mental health especially in children & Adolescents, its symptoms, and its impact on individuals’ lives, aiming to reduce stigmatization and misconceptions surrounding mental health.
- Promote early intervention
Encourage timely identification and intervention for individuals experiencing symptoms of Mental Health through community outreach programs and mental health screenings
- Develop a support network
Establish a network of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists, to provide accessible and affordable counseling services to individuals with Mental health
- Foster peer support
Facilitate the creation of peer support groups where individuals with Mental health can connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support, ultimately reducing isolation and providing a sense of belonging
- Enhance coping mechanisms
Provide resources and workshops that equip individuals with mental health with practical tools and coping strategies to manage their symptoms and build resilience
- Strengthen family and community support
Educate families and communities about Mental health, ensuring they understand how to support their loved ones and create an inclusive environment that fosters empathy and understanding
- Collaborate with employers
Promote mental health initiatives in workplaces, such as employee assistance programs, mental health education, and flexible work arrangements, to support individuals with Mental health in maintaining employment and reducing stigma
EVALUATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Regular monitoring and evaluation of the program’s effectiveness, through surveys and assessments, will provide feedback for continuous improvement. Securing long-term funding from government agencies, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic organizations will ensure the program’s sustainability and expansion to reach a broader audience.
By implementing a comprehensive program that focuses on awareness, early intervention, support networks, coping mechanisms, and community engagement, we can empower individuals with Mental health, reduce stigma, and create a society that fosters mental well-being. It is our collective responsibility to support and uplift those affected by Mental health, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to the betterment of society.
