Family Mental Health

The Society for Pre and Post Natal Services (SPANS) has been a steadfast advocate for the well-being of mothers, children, and families in Mashonaland East and other parts of Zimbabwe. Our commitment extends beyond physical health to encompass the critical, yet often overlooked, domain of perinatal mental health. We have initiated several vital programs aimed at strengthening mental health support within communities such as the process of establishing a wellness centre, training of family therapists in addition to our ongoing intiatives such as mental health literacy, the International Conference on Maternal Mental Health in Africa (ICAMMHA) and individual/family therapy. However, the progress of these crucial activities is significantly hampered by a severe lack of funding, jeopardizing our ability to meet the escalating mental health needs of the region. This report details the current state of our mental health initiatives, highlighting the profound impact of insufficient financial resources and underscoring the urgent need for philanthropic support to unlock a pathway to wellness for the people of Mashonaland East.

The mental health landscape in Zimbabwe, and particularly in Mashonaland East, presents significant challenges. A 2022 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that mental health services in low-income countries often receive inadequate funding, leading to substantial treatment gaps. This reality is acutely felt within our operations, where the demand for mental health support far outstrips the available resources.

Establishment and Service Fee for a Toll-Free Line

SPANS has been working on attaining its own  toll-free mental health helpline offering an immediate, confidential, and accessible avenue for individuals experiencing psychological distress to seek support. This service is particularly vital in a region where access to physical mental health facilities is limited and for our clients who have to travel a long distance to access services. The establishment and ongoing service fee for a toll-free mental health line are currently beyond our financial capabilities.  This means that a critical lifeline for individuals in crisis remains unavailable. The absence of such a service leaves many feeling isolated and without immediate recourse during moments of acute distress, potentially leading to tragic outcomes. The cost of setting up and maintaining such a line, including telecommunications infrastructure and trained operators, is a significant barrier that only external funding can overcome.

Unlocking a Pathway to Wellness: Opening a Wellness Centre

The ultimate goal of SPANS is to establish a comprehensive wellness center in Mashonaland East, a dedicated space offering a range of mental health services, including counseling, group therapy, psychoeducation, and recreational activities. This center would serve as a beacon of hope, providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals on their journey to recovery. The dream of unlocking a pathway to wellness through the opening of a dedicated wellness center remains unrealized due to the substantial capital investment required for property acquisition, renovation, equipment, and initial operational costs.  This ambitious yet essential project is currently stalled, leaving a significant gap in the provision of holistic mental health care in the region. A wellness center would not only provide direct services but also serve as a hub for community engagement, research, and advocacy, fostering a culture of mental well-being.

Mental health literacy

In its ongoing efforts,

SPANS has provided vital mental health education and support services to a target population of over 2000 mothers. Enhancing access to mental health services during the pre and postnatal periods is crucial for several reasons.Maternal mental health is essential to the well-being of both mothers and their children. During the perinatal period, women are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis. If left untreated, these conditions can have severe consequences for the mother's ability to care for herself and her child, potentially affecting the child's development and long-term health outcomes. Furthermore, research indicates that maternal mental health issues can have intergenerational effects, influencing the mental health and well-being of children and other family members. By increasing access to mental health services during the pre and postnatal periods, SPANS can identify and address potential issues early, thereby reducing the risk of long-term consequences.

Conclusion and Call for Funding

The activities outlined above are not merely aspirations; they are critical interventions that directly address the pressing mental health needs of Mashonaland East and the rest of Zimbabwe. The current slow pace of progress is a direct consequence of insufficient funding, hindering our ability to make a tangible and lasting impact. SPANS urgently appeals to philanthropic organizations, international donors, and compassionate individuals to partner with us in this vital mission. Your financial support will directly enable us to:

• Train and deploy a robust cadre of community mental health therapists.

• Disseminate comprehensive mental health education and literacy programs across the region.

• Strengthen early identification mechanisms for psychological distress within communities.

• Expand our reach through increased home visits and streamlined referral pathways to clinical services.

• Establish and sustain a life-saving toll-free mental health helpline.

• Realize the vision of a dedicated wellness center, a sanctuary for healing and recovery.

By investing in SPANS, you are not just providing financial aid; you are investing in the mental well-being of an entire community, fostering resilience, reducing suffering, and unlocking a pathway to wellness for countless individuals and families in Zimbabwe. We believe that with adequate resources, we can transform the mental health landscape of the region, creating a healthier, more resilient, and thriving society.

• SOCIETY_FOR_PRE_AND_POST_NATAL_SERVICES_SPANS_Report_2025.pdf (PDF)
  

As we reflect on the year 2024 at the Society for Pre and Post Natal Services (SPANS), we are proud to share our achievements and on-going commitment to improving maternal mental health in our communities. Founded with the mission to support women during the critical perinatal period, SPANS has made significant strides in addressing the mental health needs of mothers and their families. SPANS’s mission is to become a household name in providing effective clinical practice of family therapy/counselling, training, psychological support, research and education, not only to save lives, but to improve mental health- care utilization and improve quality of life in communities- locally, nationally, regionally and globally. We do so by: Mental health education-prevention is better than cure so we educating women about the importance of sound mental health; Training the next generation of family therapists: SPANS initiated a diploma in Systematic Family Therapy and Developmental Counselling in Maternal, Paternal and Child Mental Health course to close Zimbabwe’s human resource gap; Individual and Family Therapy Sessions: SPANS uses the systemic thinking in addressing mental health problems that affect families coupled with subsequent sessions using the booking system for those women who come for the routine antenatal and post-natal care visits and Community Awareness Raising: We are the organisers of the “International Conference on Maternal Mental Health in Africa” Page 5 of 21 (ICAMMHA) the biggest Afrocentric conference focused on promoting maternal, paternal, and child mental health which is an important day to the African continent. Over the past year, we have expanded our outreach efforts, reaching more women than ever before. Our programs provide vital mental health support through family therapy sessions, referral, screening, continued support coupled with subsequent sessions, peer support groups, and strengthening health education with a particular interest in mental health, educational workshops, all designed to empower mothers and promote their well-being. Through strong partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations, we have enhanced our referral systems and increased awareness of the importance of perinatal mental health. This report highlights our key initiatives, the impact of our services, and the voices of the women we serve. We have seen remarkable improvements in mental health outcomes, demonstrating the effectiveness of our integrated approach. Our dedicated team of professionals, many of whom have lived experiences related to maternal mental health, remains committed to providing compassionate care and fostering a supportive environment for all. As we look ahead, we are excited to build on our successes, adapt to emerging challenges, and expand our services to meet the growing needs of our community. Together, we can continue to create a brighter future for mothers and their children. Thank you for your support in this vital mission. Strengthening mental health education Mental health education is a cornerstone of effective community health initiatives, particularly in addressing the unique challenges faced by mothers during the perinatal period. At the SPANS, we recognize that empowering individuals, families and couples with knowledge is essential for fostering a supportive environment where mental health is prioritized and stigma is reduced. Raising Awareness One of our primary goals is to raise awareness about perinatal mental health issues. Through workshops, community seminars, and informational campaigns, we educate families about the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions such as postpartum depression and anxiety. By providing clear, accessible information, we help individuals recognize when to seek help, ultimately leading to earlier intervention and better outcomes. In line with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between SPANS and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the organization pushes to deliver these mental health education sessions every weekday reaching approximately 40 women a day, amounting to approximately more or less than 280 women per week amounting to roughly 13440 women annually. Mental Health education has been emphasized for a long time and our duty is to strengthen it. Therefore, mental health education programs aim to increase understanding, informed consent, awareness, recognition, self-efficacy which can effectively promote sound mental health. By equipping individuals and families with critical thinking skills, mental health education can empower them to make sound health decisions. Page 6 of 21 Mental Health education fosters a sense of empowerment and autonomy among individuals and families. We conduct regular community workshops that focus on various aspects of mental health, including stress management, coping strategies, and self-care techniques. These sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing participants to share their experiences and learn from one another. By creating a safe space for open dialogue, we foster a sense of community and support among attendees Partnering with, healthcare providers, and community organizations such as the National Aids Council (NAC), Chiedza Chenyika and SMILES Zimbabwe amplifies our reach. Collaborative efforts allow us to integrate mental health education into existing programs, ensuring that information is disseminated through trusted channels. For example, training healthcare providers such as our trained family therapists to recognize mental health issues during routine check-ups helps create a more holistic approach to maternal care. To assess the effectiveness of our educational initiatives, we regularly gather feedback from participants and track changes in awareness and attitudes toward mental health. This data informs our programs, helping us refine our approach and better serve the community’s needs. Family therapy for social issues At the SPPNS we recognize that social issues significantly impact mental health, particularly during the perinatal period. Our family therapy services are designed to address these social challenges, providing support to mothers as they navigate the complexities of their lives. Addressing Social Determinants of Health Social determinants such as economic stability, education, social support, and access to healthcare play a crucial role in mental health outcomes. Our family therapists are trained to screen, provide family therapy sessions coupled with sequent sessions, early referral, continued on-going supportive family therapy identify and address these factors, helping clients understand how their social environments influence their well-being. By offering tailored family therapy sessions, we empower mothers and their families to develop coping strategies and navigate the challenges they face. In addition to mental health support, our program recognizes the importance of family therapy for social issues that arise within the perinatal period and for women of reproductive age. SPANS uses the systemic thinking in addressing mental health problems that affect families coupled with subsequent sessions using the booking system for those women who come for the routine antenatal and post-natal care visits as well as the rest of the community that need the service. Many mothers face social challenges such as domestic violence, financial instability, and lack of support systems. Our trained family therapists provide a safe space for these mothers to discuss their concerns, facilitating access to resources and support networks that can significantly improve their well-being. As an organization we have also adapted the use of the PHQ-9 as a mental health screening tool as Page 7 of 21 it has made our sessions easier. Follow-up surveys indicate that 75% of participants report reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression after six months. By addressing both the psychological and social aspects of perinatal health, we have made substantial strides in improving the overall wellbeing of women during this critical life stage Individual and family therapy session We provide both individual and family therapy sessions aimed at addressing specific social issues. Individual therapy allows for personalized support, enabling clients to explore their unique circumstances, such as relationship struggles, financial stress, or isolation. Group therapy fosters a sense of community, allowing participants to share experiences and support one another in a safe environment. This peer interaction can be incredibly validating and helps reduce feelings of loneliness and stigma. Many mothers face challenges related to their relationships, whether with partners, family members, or friends. Our Family therapy services focus on improving communication skills, resolving conflicts, and building healthy relationships. By helping clients navigate these dynamics, we aim to strengthen their support systems, which are essential for mental well-being. Providing therapy for social issues is a critical component of our mission at SPANS. By addressing the social determinants that impact mental health, we support mothers in overcoming obstacles and achieving better mental health outcomes. Our comprehensive approach, which combines therapy, case management, resource navigation, and education, empowers women to build stronger, healthier lives for themselves and their families. Through these efforts, we aim to create a supportive community where every mother has the tools to thrive.

• 2024_SPANS_Annual_Report.pdf (PDF)