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 in three project provinces/cities: Quang Tri, Hue, and Da Nang.
Implemented from August to October 2025, the program included two groups in each province/city. The sessions were designed by Dr. Tran Nhu Minh Hang, Head of the Psychiatry Department at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and facilitated by lecturers and nurses specialized in psychology and psychiatry from leading hospitals and medical schools in Central Vietnam.
Each group participated in a series of five half-day sessions with diverse and practical content, including relaxation techniques, stress management, planning skills, life balance, goal setting, and sharing caregiving experiences. These sessions provided participants with opportunities to connect, share, and support one another, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding while helping caregivers find effective ways to improve the quality of care for persons with disabilities.
By the end of the activity, more than 400 participants, including caregivers, persons with disabilities, and local health workers, had joined 30 group sessions across the three locations. Participants highly appreciated the sessions, noting that they felt relaxed, joyful, and re-energized. One caregiver from Kim Tra Ward (Hue) shared:
“I feel so happy to laugh, meet, and share with everyone in the group. I’ve learned new ways to relax and cope better. My mood now is excellent, 10 out of 10!”
The success of these activities was made possible through the close collaboration between RCI, local health staff, and the facilitation team of nurses and lecturers, who helped create a warm, friendly, and positive atmosphere. The sessions not only reduced stress and anxiety but also enhanced emotional well-being and strengthened community connections among families of persons with disabilities.
RCI sincerely thanks all local authorities, partners, health workers, and families of persons with disabilities for their enthusiastic participation and collaboration. Together, they helped make the mental health group sessions a meaningful and impactful activity in the ongoing journey to improve the quality of life and promote inclusion for persons with disabilities and their families.
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