Sustainable Health and Mental Health in Tsunami-Affected and Post-Long-Standing Conflict Region in Aceh, Indonesia.
The purpose of this project is to address the mental health challenges faced by the people of Aceh, Indonesia, who have been affected by both the devastating tsunami of 2004 and the prolonged post-conflict period. Despite the significant impact of these events on the mental well-being of individuals in the region, inadequate professional support and a lack of awareness among the general population have made it difficult for affected individuals to receive the understanding and assistance they need. This project aims to enhance community understanding, build professional capacity, and promote empathy and support for those with mental health issues in Aceh.
Project Objectives:
-
Increase Public Awareness:
-
Develop an informative and culturally sensitive public awareness campaign to educate the general population about the mental health challenges faced by individuals in Aceh.
-
Collaborate with local media outlets to disseminate information through television, radio, and online platforms.
-
Organise community events, such as workshops and seminars, to promote dialogue and understanding.
-
-
Professional Development and Training:
-
Provide training sessions and workshops for mental health professionals, psychologists, and counsellors in Aceh to enhance their knowledge and skills in dealing with trauma, grief, and long-standing post-conflict mental health issues.
-
Facilitate partnerships with universities and international organisations to offer specialised training programs and resources.
-
Establish a support network and regular peer supervision sessions for mental health professionals to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.
-
-
Community Support Programs and Collaboration with Universities and Research Institutes:
-
Establish community-based support groups for individuals affected by the tsunami and post-conflict trauma.
-
Train community leaders and volunteers to provide basic mental health first aid and support services.
-
Collaborate with local NGOs and religious institutions to integrate mental health awareness into existing community programs.
-
-
Capacity Building in Health and Mental Health Services:
-
Advocate for increased government investment in mental health services and facilities in Aceh.
-
Collaborate with local health authorities to develop and implement a comprehensive mental health care plan for the region.
-
Strengthen partnerships with international organisations and agencies to secure resources for mental health infrastructure development.
-
-
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Policy Advocacy in Central Government:
-
Develop a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to measure the project's impact on mental health awareness, professional development, and community support.
-
Conduct regular assessments and surveys to gauge changes in public attitudes and perceptions regarding mental health in Aceh.
-
Share project findings and best practices with stakeholders and the broader mental health community through conferences, publications, and online platforms.
-
Actively engaging in the central government for the formulation of policies that fit both national development and provincial development.
-
By implementing this project, we aim to create a supportive environment that encourages empathy, understanding, and appropriate health and mental health care for the people of Aceh for integration into Indonesian society.