Mental health assist extended to children IDPs
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By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, Nov 2 : In response to the growing mental health concerns among internally displaced children affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR), in collaboration with UNICEF, conducted a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Clinic at the picturesque premises of Joysana Retreat at Oinam.
A total of 18 displaced children from various relief camps in Imphal West district participated in the clinic.
The session included one-on-one counselling and psychological screening conducted by mental health professionals from the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry, RIMS, led by Dr Mona Nongmeikapam, Assistant Professor.
Earlier, similar clinics had been held across six conflict-affected districts viz Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Kakching, covering 223 children, of whom 63 were identified for follow-up treatment and care.
Speaking during the interaction programme, Keisham Pradipkumar, Chairperson of MCPCR, highlighted that over the past three months, MCPCR and UNICEF have assessed 3,817 children residing in IDP camps across seven affected districts in both the valley and the hills.
The significance of these child-friendly mental health clinics lies in establishing a sustained and structured ‘Manipur Module’ to address the psychosocial well-being of children impacted by the prolonged conflict that has fractured community protection mechanisms, he said.
Without convergence of healthcare services and coordinated efforts among DCPUs, CWCs, and SCPCR, sporadic counselling and treatment camps will not bring lasting results, he added.
Yumnam Joykumar, retired Chief Engineer and Managing Director of Joysana Retreat, extended his support by announcing free entry for displaced children and expressing readiness to collaborate in future welfare initiatives for displaced children.
During her session, Dr Mona Nongmeikapam encouraged the children to maintain a positive and resilient outlook, reminding them that “even the darkest phase is temporary, and emotional wounds can heal with care and hope.”
Some eight children who exhibited severe mental health issues were identified and recommended for follow up treatment.
Officials from CWC Imphal West and DCPU Imphal West assisted in organizing and facilitating the event, ensuring smooth coordination and participation.
Imphal, Nov 2 : In response to the growing mental health concerns among internally displaced children affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR), in collaboration with UNICEF, conducted a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Clinic at the picturesque premises of Joysana Retreat at Oinam.
A total of 18 displaced children from various relief camps in Imphal West district participated in the clinic.
The session included one-on-one counselling and psychological screening conducted by mental health professionals from the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry, RIMS, led by Dr Mona Nongmeikapam, Assistant Professor.
Earlier, similar clinics had been held across six conflict-affected districts viz Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Kakching, covering 223 children, of whom 63 were identified for follow-up treatment and care.
Speaking during the interaction programme, Keisham Pradipkumar, Chairperson of MCPCR, highlighted that over the past three months, MCPCR and UNICEF have assessed 3,817 children residing in IDP camps across seven affected districts in both the valley and the hills.
The significance of these child-friendly mental health clinics lies in establishing a sustained and structured ‘Manipur Module’ to address the psychosocial well-being of children impacted by the prolonged conflict that has fractured community protection mechanisms, he said.
Without convergence of healthcare services and coordinated efforts among DCPUs, CWCs, and SCPCR, sporadic counselling and treatment camps will not bring lasting results, he added.
Yumnam Joykumar, retired Chief Engineer and Managing Director of Joysana Retreat, extended his support by announcing free entry for displaced children and expressing readiness to collaborate in future welfare initiatives for displaced children.
During her session, Dr Mona Nongmeikapam encouraged the children to maintain a positive and resilient outlook, reminding them that “even the darkest phase is temporary, and emotional wounds can heal with care and hope.”
Some eight children who exhibited severe mental health issues were identified and recommended for follow up treatment.
Officials from CWC Imphal West and DCPU Imphal West assisted in organizing and facilitating the event, ensuring smooth coordination and participation.