Psychosocial Skills Training while Improving Community Livelihoods.

The specific problem we are working to solve revolves around the inadequate access to mental health resources, the stigma associated with mental health issues, and the lack of community support for individuals facing mental health challenges. This problem manifests in several ways, including high rates of mental health disorders, low levels of seeking and receiving appropriate care, and societal barriers that prevent effective treatment and support.

Global Scale:
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 1 in 4 people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Yet, two-thirds of those with a known mental disorder never seek professional help (WHO, 2001).

Stigma, discrimination, and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders worldwide.

 According to WHO, each year an estimated 700,000 people take their own lives – compared to 619,000 people killed by malaria.

Scale of the Problem in Local Communities:
A ministry of Health report in the New Visions (13th /May/2022) presents an alarming figure among the Ugandan populace that there are 14 million Ugandans with mental disorders.

In many communities, including our target community of Mukono, mental health services are underfunded and scarce, leaving a significant portion of the population without access to the care they need. 

Stigma and misinformation about mental health issues further exacerbate the
problem, discouraging individuals from seeking help. These challenges are compounded by socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and lack of education, which limit access to healthcare services and contribute to the prevalence of mental health issues.

Factors Contributing to the Problem;
Lack of Accessibility: Many individuals do not have easy access to mental health services due to financial and societal barriers.
Stigma and Discrimination: Cultural and societal stigmas around mental health discourage individuals from seeking help and can lead to discrimination.
Lack of Awareness and Education: This factor prevents people from recognizing symptoms and seeking assistance.
Insufficient Funding: Many mental health programs suffer from a lack of funding, which limits their reach and effectiveness.

SHARN HOME's initiatives are designed to tackle these problems by:

Increasing Accessibility: Providing free or low-cost mental health services and creating mobile units to reach underserved areas.

Fighting Stigma: Launching awareness campaigns to educate the public and normalize around mental health.

Educating the Community: Offering workshops and resources to help individuals understand mental health issues and the importance of seeking help.

Advocacy for Better Funding: Working with policymakers to advocate for increased funding for mental health services.

We seek to make mental health care accessible, reduce stigma, and empower individuals with knowledge and support.

In simple terms, it is an all - round program that combines direct services, education, and advocacy to improve mental well-being in the community.

-Direct Services: We offer counselling, therapy, and support groups both in-person and through digital platforms. This ensures that individuals can access help regardless of their location or financial situation.

Education and Awareness: Through workshops, online resources, and community events, we educate the public about mental health issues, signs of mental distress, and the importance of seeking help. This initiative aims to demystify mental health challenges and promote a more understanding and supportive community environment.

Advocacy and Policy Work: We work with policymakers to advocate for better mental health resources and funding, aiming to improve the overall infrastructure supporting mental health care.

How It Works:
Counseling and Therapy Services: Trained professionals provide individual and group sessions, employing evidence-based practices to address a wide range of mental health issues.
Technology such as tele - therapy platforms enables remote access to these services, ensuring wider reach.

Workshops and Online Resources: Using webinars, interactive websites, and social media, we deliver educational content and practical advice on managing mental health, effectively using technology to engage and inform the community.

Advocacy: Through partnerships with other organizations and engagement with the media, we raise awareness about the need for improved mental health services and policies, leveraging technology to amplify our message and gather support.

Technology Used:

-Digital Platforms for Teletherapy: These platforms enable remote counseling and therapy, making mental health support accessible from home.

-Educational Websites and Social Media: with our website and you tube channels and other social media platforms to disseminate information and engage with the community.
Leveraging on their broad reach and interactive capabilities.

-Data Analytics: To understand community needs and measure the impact of our programs, we employ data analytics tools. This helps in tailoring our services and advocacy efforts more effectively.

The target population SHARN HOME aims to support encompasses individuals and communities who are most vulnerable and underserved in terms of mental health resources.

This group includes, but is not limited to:

-Low-Income Individuals and Families:

Economic constraints significantly limit access to mental health services due to the high costs of therapy and lack of insurance coverage. These
individuals often live in areas where mental health services are scarce or non-existent.

-Youth and Adolescents: 

Young people face unique mental health challenges, including
bullying, academic pressure, and identity issues. Yet, schools and communities often lack the resources to provide adequate support.

-Minority and Marginalized Communities:

Stigma, cultural barriers, and discrimination can prevent these groups from seeking mental health support.

As SHARN HOME, our doors are open to all Ugandans regardless of sexual orientation, religious beliefs and political affiliation.

Language barriers and a lack of culturally sensitive services further exacerbate the issue.

-Individuals in Remote or Rural Areas:

Geographical isolation limits access to mental health professionals and services, leaving those in remote areas particularly underserved.

How They Are Currently Underserved:

-Lack of Accessibility: Financial, geographical, and cultural barriers prevent access to services.
-Insufficient Support Systems: There is a lack of integrated support systems that address the holistic needs of individuals.
-Stigma and Misinformation: Stigma surrounding mental health issues discourages people from seeking help, while misinformation can lead to misunderstanding and neglect of mental health conditions.

How SHARN HOME's solution Addresses their needs:

-Accessibility: By providing free and low-cost services, including teletherapy offered by well trained professional online therapists.

 SHARN HOME makes mental health support accessible to those with financial constraints. 

Mobile units and community-based services reach individuals in remote areas.

-Inclusive Programs: Offering services that are culturally sensitive and available in multiple languages ensures that minority and marginalized communities feel welcomed and understood.

-Youth Engagement: Tailored programs for youth and adolescents, such as school-based workshops and youth counseling services, address their specific needs and challenges, ensuring they have the support necessary to navigate mental health issues.

-Community Education and Stigma Reduction: Through community workshops, campaigns, and online resources, SHARN HOME educates the public about mental health, reduces stigma, and fosters a more supportive environment for everyone to seek help.

The organization is comprising of well qualified mental health experts and social workers.

Further, our team at SHARN HOME are uniquely positioned to deliver this solution due to our deep connection and commitment to the communities we serve. 

Our team's composition and operational approach are centered around the principle of being community-led and community-focused, ensuring our solutions are relevant, effective, and respectful of the needs and cultures of those we aim to support.

Community Representation:
Many team members are from the very communities we aim to serve or have lived experiences that mirror those of our target populations. This direct experience provides invaluable insight into the challenges these communities face, enabling us to design solutions that are truly impactful.

Our team includes individuals who have navigated the mental health system as clients, giving us firsthand understanding of the barriers to accessing support and the types of interventions that can make a real difference.

Community-Guided Design and Implementation:
We prioritize community engagement in every phase of our work, from conception to execution. This involves regular consultations with community members, leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure our programs are aligned with the actual needs and preferences of the community.

We have established advisory groups comprised of community members who provide ongoing feedback and guidance on our programs. This ensures that our initiatives are not only informed  but led by the community's input, ideas, and agendas.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
Recognizing the diverse backgrounds within the communities we serve, our team is committed to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. We undertake continuous training in cultural competence and employ a multicultural workforce to ensure our services are accessible and welcoming to all.

Our programs are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for customization to meet the specific cultural and linguistic needs of different community groups.

Collaboration and Partnership:
We actively seek out partnerships with local organizations, leaders, and service providers to strengthen our programs and extend our reach. These partnerships are based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to improving community well-being.

By collaborating with local entities, we ensure our solutions are integrated into the existing social and support networks within the communities enhancing the sustainability and impact of our efforts.

-Increased recognition and trust;

SHARN HOME has built a solid reputation for the quality and impact of its mental health services including counselling services and psychosocial skills training leading to increased trust among communities, partners and funders.

-Evidence of impact;

Through its initial operations, SHARN HOME has gathered data and stories that demonstrate its positive impact on individuals' mental well-being and overall community well-being.

-Strengthened Capacity;

SHARN HOME has expanded its team, bringing in skilled professionals like counselors, social workers while consequently enhancing its organizational structure to support larger-scale operations.

-Strategic Partnerships;

 Forming strategic partnerships with other NGOs, government agencies and private sector entities to provide additional resources, expertise and channels to expand SHARN HOME's reach and impact.

-Innovation in Service Delivery;

The incorporation of innovative approaches such as digital mental health platforms, community engagement strategies and evidence-based interventions which can drive organizational growth by improving services effectiveness and efficiency

-Financial Management and Diversification;

Effective financial management and efforts to diversify funding sources, including grants , donations and service fees, contribute to organizational stability and growth potential.

-Feedback and Continuous Improvement;

A commitment to monitoring, evaluation and incorporating feedback measures so that SHARN HOME continuously improves its services.

The primary motivation for tackling this issue is rooted in a deep understanding of the profound impact that mental health has on every aspect of individual lives, families, and communities at large.

 Mental well-being is the cornerstone of quality of life, affecting educational achievement, employment, relationships, and overall societal progress. Despite its importance, mental health often remains underfunded, misunderstood, and stigmatized, leaving many without the help they need.

Here are key reasons why we are committed to solving this problem:

-Widespread Impact: Mental health issues do not discriminate; they can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or background. 

The widespread nature of these challenges calls for a broad-based and inclusive response.

-Gap in Services: There's a significant gap between the need for mental health services and psychosocial skills education and the availability and accessibility of such services, especially in underserved and marginalized
communities.

By stepping in to fill this gap, we can make a direct impact on the lives of individuals who are often overlooked by the mainstream healthcare system.

Stigma and Misunderstanding: Mental health still carries a significant stigma in many cultures and communities, leading to a lack of support and understanding for those who struggle with these issues. 

Combating this stigma is crucial for creating a more compassionate society where individuals feel supported in seeking help.

Empowerment through Education: There's a powerful opportunity to transform lives through education and awareness, empowering individuals to understand and take charge of their mental well-being, and supporting others to do the same.

Personal Connections: For many on our team, the drive to address mental health challenges is also personal. Having experienced or witnessed the impact of mental health issues firsthand, there's a deep, personal commitment to ensuring others have access to the support and resources they need.