EMPOWER 1000+ CAREGIVERS ON MENTAL HEALTH

Caring for children begins with caring for the people who care for them. Recognizing that caregiver's mental well-being directly influences the safety, development, and happiness of children, Amenuveve organization organized a Mental Health Training and Assessment for 326 caregivers (304 Females and 22 Males) across the Adaklu communities.

The training equipped caregivers with practical knowledge on mental health, helping them understand stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional well-being. Through interactive discussions, role plays, and practical exercises, participants learned healthy coping strategies, self-care practices, and ways to create supportive home environments where children feel safe, loved, and understood.

A key focus of the training was helping caregivers recognize how their emotional well-being affects their parenting. Participants reflected on the importance of managing stress, communicating calmly, and seeking support when facing emotional challenges. These skills enable caregivers to respond more patiently to their children, strengthen family relationships, and provide the emotional security children need to thrive.

The sessions also emphasized the importance of listening to children, particularly as they navigate adolescence. Caregivers were encouraged to create trusting relationships where children feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues such as menstruation, puberty, and adolescent reproductive health. When caregivers are emotionally healthy and approachable, they are better able to guide their children through these life changes with understanding, reassurance, and accurate information.

As part of the activity, trained Mental Health Officers from the Adaklu District and a Clinical Psychologist conducted mental health assessments to identify caregivers requiring additional counselling or psychosocial support. Those needing further care received counselling on-site or were referred to nearby health facilities for continued support, ensuring that vulnerable caregivers were not left to cope alone.

To sustain the impact of this trainings, continued support is needed to provide transportation for caregivers to attend mental health sessions, training materials and educational resources, regular counselling and follow-up visits, and periodic refresher trainings to reinforce positive coping skills. These investments will help caregivers maintain good mental health, strengthen their parenting abilities, and create nurturing environments where children can grow, learn, and confidently discuss challenges affecting their well-being. Also The mental health assessments also identified several caregivers with significant health conditions requiring follow-up support and referral to appropriate health facilities for further assessment, treatment, and care.

Your support will help us continue equipping caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and professional support they need to raise healthy, resilient, and protected children while building stronger families and communities.