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PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE: HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

Globally, May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. In alignment with this important cause, Saint John of God Hospitaller Services, one of the leading mental health organizations in Malawi, organized a Mental Health Wellness Workshop. The events took place on May 9th, 2024, in Lilongwe and on May 16th, 2024, in Blantyre, targeting Human Resource practitioners and personnel involved in Corporate Social Responsibility. The aim was to prioritize mental health in the workplace and foster collaboration with various organizations to improve access to mental health services.

Lilongwe Workshop Highlights

The Lilongwe workshop commenced with a presentation by Dr. Mwawi Ng’oma, the Programs Manager of the Lilongwe Service, who outlined the various services offered by Saint John of God Hospitaller Services. This was followed by a General Mental Health talk led by our Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Ndumanene Devlin Silungwe, which constituted the main part of the workshop. Dr. Silungwe emphasized the importance of mental health in the workplace and the need for organizations to develop comprehensive mental health policies. He highlighted the low investment in mental health services in Malawi, which he described as a significant risk to the nation’s development goals, including Vision 2063.

Dr. Silungwe stressed that recent economic, health, and environmental shocks, such as devaluations, COVID-19, and Cyclone Freddy, have exacerbated mental health challenges, directly impacting productivity. He urged stakeholders to increase their investment in mental health services to ensure sustainable production and fruitfulness.

The final presentation in Lilongwe focused on a donation drive, led by Psychologist Ms. Vimbayinashe Chibambo, who shared potential areas for collaboration with organizations as part of their corporate social responsibility in the mental health space. The workshop concluded with a heartfelt thank you to the 73 participants from 40 organizations who contributed to the success of the event.

*Dr Silungwe giving his presentation at the Lilongwe workshop*

Blantyre Workshop highlights

The Blantyre workshop, held at the National Bank Leadership Center (Moneymen), echoed the themes discussed in Lilongwe. Dr. Silungwe reiterated the necessity for the corporate world to develop mental health policies and increase investments in mental health services. He pointed out that inadequate attention to mental health could hinder Malawi’s development.

Dr. Silungwe highlighted the impact of mental health challenges on productivity, noting that mental health issues often lead to decreased worker efficiency as employees are preoccupied with personal and external catastrophes. He advocated for a proactive approach, where companies focus on mental health policies and seek professional help for affected employees rather than resorting to dismissals.

In a separate interview, Mathews Banda, the Human Resource Manager for the Centre for Social Concern, Research, and Environmental Development (CSCRED), praised the workshop as an eye-opener. He observed that mental health challenges at workplaces are frequently overlooked, leading to increased turnover and reduced productivity. Banda emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and support for employees facing mental health issues.

The half-day workshop in Blantyre attracted human resource practitioners, managers, and those responsible for corporate social responsibility from various organizations, reinforcing the message that mental health is a crucial component of a productive and sustainable workforce.

Moving Forward

Saint John of God Hospitaller Services remains committed to leading the charge in mental health and psychosocial support in Malawi. The workshops in Lilongwe and Blantyre were significant steps toward raising awareness and encouraging corporate entities to invest in mental health. We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners and stakeholders to promote mental wellness in the workplace and beyond.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants and organizations involved in these workshops. Together, we can create a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health and enhances overall productivity and well-being.

**Above:** The workshop in Blantyre, during Dr. Silungwe’s presentation

30 Years of Mental Health Services in Malawi

On 3^rd October 2023, Saint John of God Hospitaller Services organized an Open Day aimed at celebrating its 30 years of work in providing mental health services in Malawi. The event had over 50 high-level dignitaries from Government, partner organizations, international organisations, the private sector and the media. The theme of the event was: ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human right.’

The event began with remarks from our CEO, Dr Charles Masulani, followed by presentations from our Programs Manager (Mzuzu Service) Christopher Mhone who highlighted the History, Programs and Projects that Saint John of God Hospitaller Services has done and continues to pursue. Additionally, Dr Mwawi Ng’oma (Programs Manager Lilongwe Service) shared information about what the service is doing in mental health research by presenting maternal mental health interventions. After the two presentations, the dignitaries were given an opportunity to visit the pavilions, which showcased all the programs and projects that Saint John offers.

During the event, we had 12 pavilions displaying all our mental health and psychosocial services, which include our two mental hospitals, outpatient departments, psychosocial services which comprise our stress clinic, employee wells program and others. Furthermore, we also displayed pavilions of our early childhood development programs which include: the Portage project, Elvira Special Needs school, Umoza Children’s project, as well as other services like our College of Health Sciences, Institute of Vocational Training and JOG Enterprises and other projects supported by our partners Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Save the Children and KinderNotHilfe (KNH).

*Our Group CEO Conor McCarthy having a chat with some of our beneficiaries*

*Our CEO Dr Masulani and Guest of Honor Dr George Chinthope Mwale and other dignitaries at one of our pavilions*

The Open Day event was a success, and some of the immediate results were coverage by national media such as the Nation, Zodiak as well as an invitation to showcase our youth-focused programs of Umoza and Institute of Vocational Training at the UN Day. Additionally, there was a provision of basic counselling training at JTI Tobacco Company.

Cyclone Freddy

In March last year, Malawi experienced one of its worst disasters in history. According to the UN, over 625,000 families were displaced many being children and women, with a death toll of over 500 and over 500 people still missing. The Department of Disaster Affairs of Malawi (DoDMA) highlighted the need for “Mental Health and Psychosocial services to the affected areas, especially to the survivors, and frontline health workers, as there was no one providing these services. As a leading organisation in the provision of mental health services in Malawi, we answered the call and this led to our first humanitarian project with support from KinderNotHilfe Luxembourg

Cyclone Freddy hit 14 districts in Malawi but Blantyre and Mulanje were two of the worst hit districts and these are the two districts we are implementing our project. In Blantyre, our work is in the area of T/A Kapeni. T/A Kapeni area according to DoDMA reports registered 212 deaths of which 22 were children, 75 people still missing and over 4163 people displaced because of the Cyclone. In Mulanje, our work is in T/A Njema, which was one of the worst hit areas by the cyclone and we still have settlement camps the cyclone survivors. According to DoDMA reports, T/A Njema registered 151 deaths, 217 injuries and 147 still missing and 2095 households were displaced. When you visit these areas, the impact of the cyclone is quite vivid still to this day

*Impact of the cyclone in Blantyre (T/A Kapeni)*

As you can see there was a lot of trauma and pain that, many people experienced from the loss of life, loss of property and a lot more negative things that the cyclone had brought. Our project aims to improve psychological and mental wellness and psychosocial through training lay counsellors. This is to ensure that we empower the survivors and create sustainable support systems for the survivors. We also offered specialized training such as psychosocial first aid, basic counselling skills and Interpersonal therapy for groups.

We are also conducting mental health awareness sessions and advocacy sessions so that the survivors can know when they or people close to them need support, where they can get support but also deal with the stigma and discrimination on mental health.

*Our Project Coordinator having a chat with one of the survivors at Njema camp*

Broken Crayons Mental Health Event At Chipasula Secondary School

Saint John of God Hospitaller Services and Broken Crayons organized a mental health awareness event at Chipasula Secondary School. During the event, we reached over two thousand students on February 16th, 2024, and February 23rd, 2024. The event took place on these days to reach all the students since the school has two shifts, which alternate every week as morning and afternoon shifts.

*A crowd of students during the Mental Health Awareness Concert*

The event was held under the theme: “Regardless of whatever you are going through, you still have purpose and value, just like broken crayons still colour.” The program of the event consisted of mental health talks and music performances. The mental health talks were delivered by our Psychosocial Counsellor Auston Kayala and Nurse Charles Ndawala and the music performances by artists who are part of the Broken Crayons team. Mr Kayala gave a talk on the negative effects of drug and substance abuse and how to manage stress on both days. While Mr Ndawala gave a talk on understanding mental health and mental illnesses on February 16th. On the 23^rd of February, Mr Chikondi Matenda delivered a talk on understanding mental health and mental illnesses.

The main objective of this event was to promote mental health awareness, youth empowerment, and address crucial topics among students. Head Teacher of Chipasula Secondary School Mrs Ireen Kawale said, “She was impressed with the organisation of the event and issues regarding mental health and youth empowerment are very relevant to the students of Chipasula Secondary School.”

*The events organising team with the Headmistress of Chipasula Secondary School.*

Mr Charles Ndawala (left) and Mr Auston Kayala (Right) delivered their talks during the mental health awareness event.

Clients Empowered with Knowledge regarding their rights

The Social Work Department is dedicated to empowering clients and other service users by providing valuable knowledge on human rights and related protection issues. Recently, they conducted an engaging orientation session on child and vulnerable adult protection policy and reporting procedures for 7 service users in the adult psychiatry program. During this interactive activity, clients had the opportunity to understand what constitutes abuse and how to effectively report such cases.

TRAINING ON CHILD AND VULNERABLE ADULT PROTECTION POLICY

Above: Attendees of the Child and Vulnerable Adult protection policy training.

As an organization St John of God the protection of children and vulnerable adult is one of the things we value as we deliver our services. On March 31st, 2023, the department provided comprehensive training on child and vulnerable adult protection policy to 26 staff members (16 females and 9 males) from the Child Development Centre and Umoza Children’s Project. This training not only ensured compliance with the Child Protection Policy (CPP) but also assessed the staff’s knowledge levels. It was discovered that over 90% of the staff had a good general understanding of child protection, but needed further guidance on case management. As a result, focused training was provided to address this knowledge gap. Similarly, 14 child protection focal persons from Umoza, the Child Development Centre, and the Institute of Vocational Training also received the same training during this period.

Above: The team during the awareness meeting in Masasa

CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

In an effort to raise awareness and promote the rights and protection of children, particularly those with disabilities, the Social Work Department organized a community mobilization campaign. This campaign aimed to emphasize the early detection of disabilities and possible causes of disability in children within the project catchment area. From March 29th to 31st, the department utilized a mobile van to reach out to 10 communities, including Chiputula, Zolozolo, Masasa, Hilltop, Geisha, Mchengautuba, Sonda, Kavibale, Chibavi, and Chibanja.

THE DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH MANEPO TRAINS FOR THE ELDERLY

Collaborating with MANEPO, the department facilitated a training session on the National Older Persons Policy for 10 members of the Older Persons Association on January 24th, 2023. This training focused on empowering older individuals and ensuring their rights are protected. The session included 6 male and 4 female participants, equipping them with valuable knowledge on the policy and its implications.

STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS TO BRING ABOUT CHILD PROTECTION

As a way of strengthening collaborative efforts towards child protection both within the organisation and in the surrounding communities, the social work department facilitated a one-day orientation training on child protection and child abuse issues to 40 stakeholders which included community, civic, religious leaders, traditional healers, Victim Support Unit of the Malawi police, one stop center, health workers, teachers, ward councillors and District social welfare. Major issues were discussed which centered on the increased number of cases relating to child abuse, challenges in reporting cases of abuse and also the way forward on roles for each stakeholder to ensure the creation of a safe environment for children’s growth.

Above: Social Welfare representative sharing on the current policies and other key documents on child protection

A Joyful Celebration of 60 Years: Honoring Brother Ronan and Brother Finnian’s Legacy

On 12^th May 2023, a heartwarming celebration unfolded as St John of God brothers for St Augustine, St Richard Pampuri, and the Western European Provinces joined forces with devoted co-workers. Together they gathered to listen, share and commemorate the remarkable 60 year anniversary of Brother Ronan and Brother Finnian.

The festivities commenced at 9:00 am, with a morning filled with soul-touching stories. The Brothers and some colleagues from St John of God had the privilege to listen and appreciate the profound personal life experiences which were shared by these inspiring figures.

Among the presentations, Dr Charles Masulani, the Chief Executive Officer of St John of God Services Malawi, eloquently delved into and shared the history of St John of God in Malawi. Mr Christopher Mhone the Programs Manager of St John of God Services in Mzuzu, shed light on the invaluable role played by the Brothers in the Hospitaller Services. Furthermore, Fr Austin Ndowera, the Director of Social Services for the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, shared a captivating presentation on the future of the Brothers within the local church.

The second part of the celebrations began with a beautiful moment of prayer, where the Brothers, staff from St John of God, and the invited dignitaries came together. Under the guidance of Fr. Robert Moore of the order of St John of God, the congregation immersed themselves in the joyous celebration of the Eucharist.

Following the uplifting Holy mass, the festivities continued with a shared meal at Katoto Community House. Bishop John Ryan of Mzuzu Diocese, along with everyone present sat together and cherished the bonds formed and the lasting impact of the legacy of Brother Ronan and Finnian. This momentous occasion served as a joyful testament to the profound impact that Brother Ronan and Brother Finnian have had on the lives of many. Their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the mission of St John of God continues to inspire and uplift all of us.

Empowering Lives of the Youth with Disability by Equipping them with Vocational Skills

St John of God as an institution is dedicated to empowering youth with disabilities by providing them with relevant and comprehensive vocational skills training. In the current quarter, we have actively engaged the youth by enhancing the vocational knowledge and capabilities of 155 (123 males and 32 females) youth across three districts. These trainings were done through informal vocational training programs.

Picture above: Showcasing some of the youth receiving training in Bricklaying

Specifically, as an institution we focusing on the provision of vocational training in the following three trades: Bricklaying, Carpentry and Tailoring. The current program has 24 trainees in Bricklaying, 91 in Carpentry and 40 in Tailoring. The participants have already acquired basic and advanced skills in their trades and are set to graduate in June 2023.

Through the provision of these trainings, we aim to uplift the socioeconomic status and well-being of the trainees. Our strategy involves continuous monitoring and support, ensuring that the trainees receive the necessary tools and resources to enable them to kick-start their careers immediately after graduation. Moreover, as St John of God Malawi, we are actively reaching out to more vulnerable youth to ensure they can participate in our vocational training programs.

These programs foster independence by creating sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable youth as well as those with disabilities thus bringing about lasting transformations in their lives.

CBM Project – Lilongwe District

Graduation and Handover of startup tools to youths with disabilities and vulnerable others in TA Chitukula

The project implemented a tailoring community-based training to the youth with disabilities vulnerable others in TA Chitukula to empower them with skills to promote their livelihood through self-employment and entrepreneurship. A total of thirty-nine youths with disabilities and vulnerable others completed a three months training in Tailoring and designing. Six self-help and entrepreneurship groups have been created among the graduated youths where start up tools were also handed over to initiate their tailoring business in groups. Six sewing machine and fabrics have been handed over and each has received one sewing machine and fabrics to help them initiate their businesses.