By Sian Ward-Edwards | Partnerships Manager
In recent months, Jaya Mental Health successfully delivered training for 43 Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), reaching every health post across Mustang, a region high up in the Himalayas, in Nepal. This initiative aimed to equip volunteers with essential mental health care skills, directly benefiting all districts in Mustang and supporting the wellbeing of the region’s approximately 15,000 residents.
Prior to these training sessions, most FCHVs had only a limited understanding of mental health, often viewing it through the lens of stigma—seeing those affected as unable to make decisions, participate in daily life, or as a danger to family and society. These misconceptions resulted in isolation and exclusion for individuals living with mental health challenges.
Through the recent training, these perspectives have begun to shift. Participants now recognise that good mental health is central to overall wellbeing, and have learned to identify signs such as withdrawal, reduced communication, and behavioural changes as indicators of possible mental health needs. The volunteers are now better equipped to break down stereotypes and approach mental health issues with empathy and support, rather than judgement.
Special attention was given to maternal mental health—a crucial area in Mustang, where a lack of awareness can contribute to neglect and even loss of life. By empowering local health workers with practical knowledge and skills, this initiative encourages FCHVs to act as champions for mental health, supporting individuals to seek help and fostering resilience within their communities.
Quote from Female Community Health Volunteer and Women’s Group President, Dhiki Chemjong Gurung:
“I am truly grateful to be part of this training. I have learned how important it is to avoid using harsh words, to recognize individuals by the way they walk and speak, and to understand how we can support them. A person living with mental health issues needs love and care, as these conditions can be both prevented and healed. As an FCHV and women’s group president, I am committed to sharing this knowledge with others to help break the stereotypes around mental health.”
Thank you for your support!
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
