BLESS Foundation NGO

About the just ended workshop on "Strengthening Community Response Through Integrated Approaches to MHPSS, SRHR, and GBV"

This workshop was held on 30th April 2026 at the IYEC Office, New Town Limbe, with participation from diverse stakeholders including teachers, healthcare professionals, media practitioners, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development actors. The session was attended by our organization’s M&E Officer.

The workshop aimed to reinforce SRHR advocacy, establish a new collaborative team, strengthen understanding of integrated case management systems, and promote intersectional approaches linking Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Participants engaged in group presentations and discussions. MHPSS was explored as a critical component of humanitarian and development work, emphasizing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The Intervention Pyramid guided discussions on layered support systems, from basic services to specialized care. Practical skills in Psychological First Aid (PFA) were also introduced.

The workshop further demonstrated how integration enhances community response, highlighting strong referral pathways and coordinated service delivery. Case management principles, confidentiality, informed consent, survivor-centered approach, and “do no harm” were emphasized, alongside key steps such as intake, assessment, referral, and follow-up.

The workshop strengthened participants’ capacity to deliver holistic, ethical, and coordinated support, particularly to vulnerable groups including children and GBV survivors, while promoting self-care among frontline workers. Skills acquired would go a long way to enhance our child protection project's activities in the mile 14 and Muea communities.