ESLF COMMENCES IMPLEMENTATION OF VSF PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR IDPS AT ANYIIN CAMP.

In furtherance of its commitment to ameliorating the plight of vulnerable persons, Eunice Spring of Life Foundation (ESLF), supported by Victims Support Fund (VSF), has commenced implementation of a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programme at the Anyiin Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.

The programme, aimed at helping IDPs cope better and build better resilience against the trauma of displacement from their ancestral homes due to crises and its attendant challenges, was kick-started with a visit to the camp and a meeting with concerned persons.

Among other activities, the Psychosocial Support (PSS) programme will involve PSS experts facilitating Psychological First Aid (PFA) trainings for Community Stakeholders including teachers, camp administrators, community health workers and volunteers on how to identify sever psychological/emotional issues and administer first line of action.

Also, the team will conduct community/camp monitoring and provision of PSS activities through trained volunteers who would provide counselling, physical activities such music and dancing, as well as life skill and trauma healing sessions for the IDPs.

In addition, PSS experts on our team will be making free specialist consultations for PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cases diagnosed at the camp during the period and giving the literacy and numeracy skills.

At the parley with the IDPs were Donald Chagu, PSS Support Staff from the Sustainable Development Goals Benue Office, Erdoo Yankyaa, a Psychologist and Coordinating Officer for the programme, Mercy Ingyer, a Clinical Psychologist and James Ngutswen, Mental Health Expert and ESLF Programme Manager, Tine Agernor among other PSS support staff.

The ESLF-implemented Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for IDPs is part of the VSF Benue State Support Program targeted at assisting vulnerable persons in the State.