info@usikimye.org
Emergency helpline
0800000999
Uzima Mental Health Program
Nurturing Mental Well-being and Healing
At Usikimye, we recognize that healing from gender-based violence encompasses not only physical safety but also profound emotional and mental well-being. Our Uzima program is dedicated to bridging the gap in access to mental health support for women who often face significant barriers to these crucial services. Uzima operates through two interconnected prongs:
Usinyamaze Helpline:
Your Confidential Lifeline (0800000999)
Usinyamaze” (Silence No More) is our national toll-free helpline, providing immediate and confidential support to survivors of gender-based violence across Kenya.
THIS VITAL SERVICE OFFERS
- Tele-counseling: Providing a safe and accessible space for survivors to speak with trained counselors.
- Psychological First Aid (PFA): Offering immediate emotional support and practical assistance in the aftermath of a traumatic experience.
- Immediate Help & Safety Information: Connecting survivors with resources and guidance to ensure their immediate safety.
Furthermore, the Usinyamaze helpline serves as a confidential gateway for survivors to book therapy sessions with qualified mental health professionals, ensuring they can access longer-term support on their healing journey.
Cascading Mental Health
Healing in Your Language
Understanding the importance of culturally sensitive and accessible mental health support, the second prong of Uzima focuses on “cascading” mental health knowledge and support within communities in languages they understand.
THIS INVOLVES
- Community-Based Mental Health Education: Training community members to recognize signs of trauma and mental distress, and to provide basic emotional support and referrals.
- Culturally Relevant Approaches: Adapting mental health information and techniques to resonate with local languages, customs, and beliefs, reducing stigma and increasing engagement.
- Creating Peer Support Networks: Fostering safe spaces within communities where women can connect, share their experiences, and offer mutual support in a culturally appropriate manner.
Through Uzima, Usikimye is committed to ensuring that mental health support is not a privilege but an accessible right for all survivors, empowering them on their path to healing and well-being within their own communities and in a language that truly resonates.
