Under the framework of the project “Improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in provinces sprayed with Agent Orange”, funded by the United States Government, the Alliance of All for Inclusion (AAI), led by the Research Center for Inclusion (RCI), implemented a series of group psychological support sessions for family members of persons with disabilities.
📍 Time and Location
The half-day sessions took place from August to October 2025 across three project provinces in Central Vietnam:
- Quảng Trị Province: Hải Lăng and Vĩnh Định communes
- Huế City: Hương Trà and Kim Trà wards
- Đà Nẵng City: Phú Ninh and Chiên Đàn communes
👥 Participants
- Family members or primary caregivers of persons with disabilities
- Persons with disabilities living in project communes/wards
- Health station staff from local communes/wards
🎯 Objectives
The group sessions aimed to help caregivers:
- Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental health, and enhance the quality of care for persons with disabilities;
- Share challenges in caregiving and daily life to receive psychological support and find suitable coping strategies.
For local health staff, the sessions provided opportunities to:
- Listen to and understand the thoughts and challenges of caregivers;
- Identify difficulties and propose timely, practical support based on actual needs.
For persons with disabilities, participation aimed to:
- Foster community connection, reduce isolation, and promote social interaction;
- Encourage self-expression and confidence, contributing to greater social inclusion.
📘 Session Content
The materials and curriculum were developed by Dr. Trần Như Minh Hằng, Head of the Psychiatry Department, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy.
Sessions were facilitated by lecturers and nurses specializing in psychiatry and psychology from leading hospitals and medical universities in Quảng Trị, Huế, and Đà Nẵng.
Key topics included:
- Planning and balancing between enjoyable activities and responsibilities;
- Diversifying life experiences and overcoming caregiving challenges;
- Setting goals and building support networks;
- Developing positive self-image and personal strengths;
- Problem-solving skills and practicing “the circle of control” and “worry time” to manage stress;
- The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique and deep breathing exercises.
👥 Results
More than 400 participants attended the sessions, including health staff, caregivers, and persons with disabilities.
Participants highly appreciated the value of the sessions, noting that they helped them relax, connect with others, and gain new coping and self-care skills.
“I feel very happy being able to laugh, meet, share, and interact with everyone in the group. The facilitators taught us enjoyable activities and useful techniques to apply in life. I’d rate my mood now as excellent — 10 out of 10.”
(A caregiver from Kim Trà Ward, Huế City)
“I have attended several sessions and am deeply grateful to the project for organizing these activities for families of persons with disabilities. They help make life easier for us and are truly suitable for our community. Thank you very much!”
(A person with disability from Phú Ninh Commune, Đà Nẵng City)
✨ Acknowledgements
The success of the sessions was made possible through the thorough preparation and strong coordination among RCI, local health staff, and session facilitators.
Local authorities and health workers enthusiastically supported the activities, creating a warm, engaging, and uplifting atmosphere.
Many caregivers and persons with disabilities actively shared their experiences and spread positivity and optimism within their communities.
RCI extends its sincere gratitude to all local officials and health staff for their dedicated collaboration, contributing to the success and meaningful impact of these group psychological support sessions — an important step toward improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families.
For more information about the project, please access our website at this link:
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