Sphia during a team building activity facilitated by MIDRIFT HURINET

"When I was deployed as a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), I had no training in Psychological First Aid (PFA).

Thanks to MIDRIFT HURINET training, I can now address the Community's needs and refer them for further interventions.

I am now fairly conversant about matters of Mental Health and share links to available referral networks.

As a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), I am the heartbeat of grassroots healthcare, bridging the gap between medical services and underserved populations.

I move with purpose through my community, offering vital health education on sanitation, nutrition, and disease prevention, ensuring families understand the importance of healthy practices.

CHEWs are the first responders to medical needs, conducting basic health assessments, administering immunizations, and treating minor ailments, often in remote areas where hospitals are a distant dream.

They advocate for maternal and child health, supporting expectant mothers with prenatal advice and newborn care.

With empathy as their compass, they connect individuals to essential services, track outbreaks, and champion mental health awareness.

Their presence transforms villages into healthier, more resilient communities, one compassionate interaction at a time.

My duties as a CHEW correlate with Mental Health, a nexus where compassion meets action.

As trusted members of the Community, CHEWs are often the first to notice the subtle signs of mental health struggles, whether it's the withdrawn mother battling postpartum depression, the farmer overwhelmed by economic hardships, or the adolescent grappling with anxiety and stigma.

My role extends beyond physical health.

I offer a listening ear and create safe spaces for individuals to share their burdens without fear of judgment.

By raising awareness about mental well-being and breaking down cultural taboos, CHEWs help communities recognize that mental health is vital to physical health.

They guide individuals toward coping mechanisms, offer referrals to specialized care, and ensure follow-ups that reinforce recovery.

Through my grassroots presence, I embody a lifeline, seamlessly integrating mental health support into the broader mission of promoting holistic wellness.

Rhonda's intervention area where I serve is a semi-urban area.

I use various strategies to sensitize the Community to Mental Health. These include Community dialogues, digital platforms, outreach programs, leveraging Chief Barazas, leveraging Community Health Promoters' households' visits, and other community events.

In a semi-urban area, where tradition meets modernity, having diverse strategies to tackle mental health challenges is like weaving a vibrant tapestry of hope and resilience.

Each strategy becomes a thread, addressing unique challenges and opportunities within the Community.

Psychoeducation campaigns dispel myths and stigma, creating a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength rather than a weakness. Outreach programs bring mental

health support to doorsteps, ensuring accessibility for those unable to navigate formal systems.

Digital platforms connect the tech-savvy youth with resources, while in-person support groups foster a sense of belonging for the elderly and others craving human connection.

Collaboration with local leaders bridges trust gaps while integrating mental health into primary healthcare, which normalizes its importance.

Together, these strategies ensure no one falls through the cracks, empowering individuals to reclaim their well-being and contributing to a healthier, more unified community.

I have seen changes through these strategies, and the collaborative effort has been impactful.

Some people we network with to address Mental Health issues include Chiefs Nyumba Kumi, the facility in charge, especially Rhonda Dispensary a link facility, Police Officers, and like-minded NGOs such as MIDRIFT HURINET.

Community members, especially women, are reporting GBV cases and are willing to record statements at the Police Stations and follow through, which wasn't happening before.

Normalized Stereotyping that perpetrators were using to advance GBV has also drastically reduced.

I plan to continue with the conversation in the Community by adopting a multifaceted approach, blending education with empathy.

I will integrate mental health topics into everyday conversations during home visits, market gatherings, or village meetings, using relatable examples to normalize discussions.

Collaborating with local influencers, schools, and faith leaders, I will continue creating platforms for open dialogue, ensuring mental health remains a shared priority.

Workshops and support groups become safe havens for ongoing engagement, offering practical coping tools and fostering peer support. By revisiting families and following up on earlier conversations,

I will build trust and sustain momentum, reinforcing that mental health is a journey, not a one-time discussion.

With my consistent presence and dedication, I am committed to transforming mental health awareness into a deeply rooted part of our community’s culture.

This commitment ensures the sustainability of our initiatives, providing a sense of security and confidence about the future of mental health in our community.”

As narrated by Sophia Waweru

By.:Jacob Karani