Mental Health Zimbabwe Project #77369

Provide Psychosocial Support for Vulnerable Youth

by REGIONAL PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT INITIATIVE

Summary

This project will operationalise a Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Centre for youth that will serve as a walk in Drug and Substance Abuse Recovery Centre as well as to support children at risk of abuse, women and girls who are survivors of all forms of violence including sexual violence in Zimbabwe. It will provide free counselling, psychotherapy, adherence support, peer support, skills training, and community outreach to help young people overcome substance abuse and rebuild their lives

$30,000
total goal

$29,950
remaining

1
donor

0
monthly donors

1
month

Challenge

Zimbabwean youth aged 12-35 face a growing substance abuse crisis, with prevalence rising from 43% in 2017 to 57% in 2019 and contributing to over half of psychiatric admissions. Limited funding leaves many families unable to access rehabilitation services. The impact of, economic hardship, unemployment, and funding cuts has worsened the situation, turning youths to negative coping. Without psychosocial support, many young people remain trapped in cycles of addiction and poor MH outcomes.

Solution

REPSSI Zimbabwe will operationalize the MHPSS Centre offering free screening, counselling, peer support, home visits, life skills training, play therapy and community reintegration for young people and families. The center will serve as a referral hub for schools, health facilities and government departments, while community outreach and youth champions will lead prevention campaigns, build resilience & life-skills and support youth that will be recovering from substance abuse and VAWG.

Long-Term Impact

Operationalising this centre will reduce drug related psychiatric admissions, improve mental health outcomes for survivors of violence against women and girls including sexual violence, and strengthen community resilience. Youth will regain hope, return to school or work, and become advocates for prevention. Families will be supported to cope with addiction challenges, while communities will be empowered to take action. The centre will build sustainable systems that protect future generations.