Mental Health & Psychosocial support for Youths

1. Project Overview

The Mental Health & Psychosocial Support for Youths project continues to strengthen community-based mental health awareness, provide psychosocial counselling, and support youth and families affected by psychological distress. The project aims to create safe spaces where young people and caregivers can access counselling, referrals, and community reintegration support.

During this reporting period, the project focused on individual counselling, community sensitization, and referral linkages for specialized mental health care.

2. Key Achievements This Quarter

1. Psychosocial Counselling and Support: A total of 25 youth and caregivers received counselling and emotional support sessions. Counselling sessions addressed issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and family conflict.

1. Case Management and Referral: A significant case involved a mother caring for a child with cerebral palsy. Over time, the mother began to show signs of bipolar tendencies, likely triggered by prolonged caregiving stress and emotional strain.

After several psychosocial counselling sessions, the project team conducted a joint assessment and referred the mother for specialized psychiatric evaluation at Butabika National Referral Hospital.

The child continued to receive therapy support, while the mother was linked to a peer-support group for ongoing follow-up.

1. Community Sensitization: Conducted two awareness sessions on mental health stigma, reaching 83 community members. Youth participants shared testimonies on the importance of seeking help early and maintaining emotional wellness.

1. Capacity Building:  Partner staff and volunteers received refresher training on basic psychosocial first aid and referral pathways, improving their confidence in handling sensitive cases.

3. Challenges Faced

• Limited access to specialized services: Referral facilities like Butabika are far and often congested, causing delays in treatment follow-up.
• Stigma and denial: Some families remain reluctant to acknowledge mental health issues or seek professional help.
• Resource constraints: Limited transport and counselling materials hinder regular follow-up of referred clients.

4. Success Story

One of the key highlights this quarter was the case of a mother and child living with special needs. The mother, initially overwhelmed and showing erratic mood changes, benefited from continuous counselling that helped her acknowledge her own mental health struggles. Following referral and treatment at Butabika, her condition has stabilized, and she has begun participating in caregiver support circles organized under the project.

This case demonstrates the transformative impact of early psychosocial intervention, family support, and effective referral systems in community mental health.

5. Planned Activities for next quarter

• Strengthen community follow-up and peer-support structures.
• Conduct group therapy sessions for caregivers and youth living with chronic stress.
• Continue collaboration with health facilities for referral and rehabilitation support.
• Organize a Mental Health Awareness Week targeting schools and youth groups.

6. Conclusion

The quarter recorded meaningful progress in identifying, counselling, and supporting vulnerable youth and caregivers affected by mental health challenges. Through counselling, awareness creation, and effective referral mechanisms, the project continues to restore hope and resilience in families and communities.

Introduction

This quarter, our project provided mental health and psychosocial support to one of the most vulnerable yet overlooked groups in urban Uganda—teenage mothers living in the slums of Kawempe. These young women are often isolated, traumatized, and denied access to services due to stigma, poverty, and early parenthood.

Our interventions this quarter focused on restoring dignity, rebuilding emotional resilience, and creating pathways for hope. Through structured counseling, psychoeducation, and skills development, we equipped these young mothers with the tools they need to reclaim their mental health, care for their children, and re-engage meaningfully with their communities.

Key Activities This Quarter

• Trauma Counseling: Provided 20 teenage mothers with one-on-one trauma-informed counseling.

• Group Therapy Sessions: Conducted 3 peer support groups focused on healing, resilience, and trust.

• Psychoeducation Workshops: Held 2 workshops covering self-esteem, parenting, stress management & SRH.

• Skills & Livelihood Training: Trained 2 cohorts in savings groups (VSLA), and crafts.

• Community Dialogue: Engaged local leaders, parents, and faith groups to reduce stigma and promote referrals.

• Creative Healing Activities: Facilitated art therapy, journaling, and storytelling in safe group settings.

Outcomes and Impact

1. Improved Mental Well-being:Over 70% of participants reported reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms.

2. Peer Support Networks Built :3 ongoing peer-led support groups now function independently in the community.

3. Skills for Economic Independence: 9 teenage mothers enrolled in business and crafts programs.

4. Reduced Isolation and Stigma: Participants expressed feeling “seen,” “heard,” and “respected”—a key shift in their self-perception.

5. Strengthened Referral Pathways: Community champions and VHTs actively refer vulnerable youth to the program.

Voices from the Ground

"Before this, I felt alone. I used to cry in silence. But now I have people who understand me. I want to start a business and take care of my baby with pride."
— Aisha, 17, program participant

Why This Matters

Teenage mothers in slum communities are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges and are often excluded from formal support systems. This project is not just about mental health—it is about restoration, equity, and justice. By giving these young women a safe space to heal and grow, we are transforming lives, families, and entire communities.

Conclusion

This quarter’s success demonstrates the transformative power of community-based mental health care. Our teenage mothers are not victims—they are survivors with potential. Your continued partnership can amplify this impact and help us build a future where no youth is left behind.