SAHEE Mental Health Emergency Intervention Project Restores Hope

 ​Mental Health Support Project Summary - Post US Aid Withdrawal in Eswatini

Following the January US development aid suspension, a mental health initiative was implemented,funded by SAHEE, to support affected individuals and organizations. The project delivered three key services:

1. Individual Counseling Services
- 48 counseling sessions provided to 21 individuals (12 female, 9 male)
- Services delivered both in-person and via phone
- Participants from multiple local NGOs experienced severe mental distress

2. Group Counseling for Community Workers
- 86 community cadres reached through five sessions across three regions
- Sessions conducted April-May 2025
- Topics covered: Mental health foundations, trauma, stress management, suicide prevention
- Focus on coping strategies and emotional support for those who lost their primary income

3. Leadership Support Program
- Outdoor debrief session held at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (June 2025)
- 21 NGO directors participated in small-group format
- Addressed VUCA challenges (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) post-funding cuts
- Included therapeutic activities combining nature walks with emotional processing exercises

The program successfully provided mental health support to individuals directly impacted by the aid suspension, from front-line workers to organizational leadership.