BasicNeeds trains stakeholders on mental health

By Albert Futukpor, GNA

The training formed part of the “Strengthening Community Mental Health Services to improve Gender, Youth and Women Mental Health in Ghana” project being implemented by BasicNeeds-Ghana, a non-governmental organisation, with funding from the Department for International Development.

Mr Dokurugu Adam Yahaya, Programmes Manager of BasicNeeds-Ghana, said guidance and counselling coordinators and special education unit coordinators were essential in supporting students, who experienced mental health challenges, hence the training.

Mr Dokurugu said the training would therefore equip the participants, who worked at basic and senior high schools, with “knowledge on common disorders, how they manifest, and signs and symptoms” to effectively carry out their duties.

He said the training for special education unit coordinators would promote inclusive education to help pupils and students to realise their potentials regardless of their conditions as well as improve care and support for children, who might be experiencing mental disorders in school.

Touching on the recent cases of suicides involving some students, Mr Dokurugu, said such cases could be attributed to the failure by authorities to notice challenges facing students.

He therefore called on guidance and counselling coordinators and other authorities to consciously monitor signs and symptoms that students might exhibit and provide the necessary support to them to help reduce suicide incidence.

Madam Felicia Owusu, Coordinator in-charge of Special Education, Northern Regional Directorate of Education, urged participants to educate teachers and parents to help their children cope and overcome common mental disorders.

GNA

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