How Our Community Health Volunteers are Empowering Communities to Address Mental Health

CHVs undergoing mental health training

The role of community health volunteers in addressing mental health issues is critical, as they play an essential role in ensuring that mental health is valued and accessible to all community members. Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, and people must have access to resources and support to help them manage their mental health. However, many communities, particularly those in underserved areas, face barriers to accessing mental health care. This is where Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) come in. CHVs are passionate about improving health outcomes in their communities and are trained to offer assistance, resources, and knowledge.

This February, HopeCore, dedicated to improving communities' mental health, will be training CHVs in Mwimbi, Muthambi, Chuka, and Igambang’ombe sub-counties. This training aims to equip CHVs with the knowledge and skills to address mental health issues within their communities. The goal is to train 795 CHVs, who will be able to visit over 40,000 households during the three-month campaign.

A Community Health Volunteer demonstrating how they educate using a flipbook provided for free by HopeCore

One of the key benefits of training CHVs in mental health is that they can raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being and the resources available to people in need. Many people in rural communities need to be aware of the services available or understand the importance of mental health. CHVs’ work is also vital in reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

Improving access to care is another crucial aspect of training CHVs in mental health. In our community, access to mental health care is limited, and people struggle to get the help they need. CHVs can help to bridge this gap by identifying individuals in need of care and referring them to available resources. People with mental health conditions can feel isolated and disconnected from their communities. With mental health treatment, people can reconnect with their communities.