Mental Health & Psychosocial support for Youths

This report summarizes the progress of the Mental Health & Psychosocial support for Youths project during its initial three months. The project aims to provide comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support services to 300 vulnerable youths (aged 15-24) in Kawempe, Uganda. Activities: Individual and Group Counseling: 75 individual counseling sessions and 5 group therapy sessions conducted, addressing anxieties, depression, and trauma-related issues. Psychoeducation Workshops: Three workshops held on topics like stress management, healthy coping mechanisms, and positive self-talk, reaching 80 youths. Community Outreach: Collaborated with local leaders and youth centers to raise awareness about mental health and promote the project's services of which over 295 youth were reached too. Outcomes: Increased Access to Care: 95% of participants reported feeling comfortable accessing mental health services through the project. Improved Mental Well-being: 70% of participants showed reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms based on self-reported assessments. Enhanced Coping Skills: 85% of participants reported feeling more equipped to manage stress and difficult situations after attending workshops. Decreased Stigma: Increased awareness and open discussions about mental health observed in participating communities. Next Steps: Continue providing individual and group counseling alongside psychoeducation and life skills training. Expand outreach to reach more vulnerable youths in Kawempe through partnerships with community organizations. Conduct a formal needs assessment to tailor services to the specific needs of the target population. Develop a monitoring and evaluation plan to track long-term project impact. Case Study: Addressing Trauma and Building Resilience Client: Sarah, a 19-year-old, who experienced domestic violence. Individual counseling sessions focused on trauma processing, coping mechanisms, and building self-confidence. Outcomes: Sarah reported decreased anxiety and flashbacks, improved sleep quality, and increased participation in social activities. She enrolled in a vocational training program and expressed hope for the future.