In a bid to strengthen mental health support for families, the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) has trained 17 parents and caregivers of children with special needs in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on emotional resilience and coping strategies.
The event, hosted at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, is part of CALMHAF’s Support for Caregivers Initiative (SCGI), which provides psychosocial support for parents raising children with disabilities.
Speaking at the programme, Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, Executive Director of CALMHAF and a Child Psychologist, explained that the initiative helps caregivers overcome stigma, stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, and social isolation.
“This training gives parents the tools to manage their emotions, embrace acceptance, and build resilience while caring for their children,” he said.
He further noted that participants were screened for anxiety and depression, granting them access to free counseling services and a support group.
The Co-founder of the foundation, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, an Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, added that the initiative not only improves awareness of mental health but also empowers parents to become advocates for their children. She emphasized that CALMHAF will continue to hold similar programmes periodically across Ebonyi State.
Resource persons at the training included Dr. Ekenechukwu Odoh, a Pediatric Physiotherapist at AEFUTHA, who spoke on the challenges of cerebral palsy, and Dr. Chinelo Igbelina, a Child Health Specialist, who guided parents on emotional management and self-care.
Participants described the training as life-changing. Mrs. Doris Egbuke, a mother, said she now feels more confident about social outings with her child despite public stigma. Similarly, Mrs. Rosemary Idika, mother of Isioma—a cerebral palsy patient known for painting with her mouth and running a YouTube channel (@AdaureIdika)—urged caregivers to discover and nurture the hidden talents in their children.
Through this programme, CALMHAF continues to champion mental health awareness in Ebonyi State, building a stronger support system for parents of special needs children while promoting acceptance, resilience, and self-care.
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