Barefoot counselling service to improve mental wellbeing of unpaid family carers in Nepal

Background

Family members of individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or old age often provide essential care. These carers, predominantly women and girls, deliver care often at the expense of their education, employment, and personal development. Economic instability, social isolation, and inadequate access to healthcare are pervasive issues among these carers, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. The burden to carers is increasing globally and moresoever in low and middle income countries. Under this pretext, Carers Worldwide has been a significant force in advocating for and supporting unpaid family carers in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

In the Bagmati Rural Municipality of Makawanpur district, carers face acute challenges due to geographical barriers, poverty, gender inequality, lack of formal support systems, migration and limited access to essential services. These difficulties are compounded by cultural norms and stigma that further isolate carers and prevent them from seeking help. Despite these challenges, carers play a pivotal role in the well-being of their families and contribute significantly to community functioning and economic prosperity.

TPO Nepal, in collaboration with Carers Worldwide, local NGOs and government agencies, aims to address these multifaceted challenges through a comprehensive support program. This initiative will empower carers with the necessary skills, resources, and advocacy support to improve their quality of life and enhance their caregiving capacity. By targeting the most vulnerable carers, the program seeks to create a sustainable and equitable environment where carers are valued and supported.

Objective

This is a one-year pilot project funded by Carers Worldwide. The primary objective of this program is to improve the well-being and quality of life of unpaid family carers in Bagmati Rural Municipality of Makawanpur by providing them with comprehensive support and resources. This will be achieved through targeted interventions that address economic, health, educational, and social challenges, while also promoting gender equality and advocating for carers’ rights.  Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) will be trained to understand and offer support to people with mental health issues related to their carers. They will also refer individuals to the existing health facilities for the health support.

Specific Objectives

– Enhance Economic Stability: Provide financial assistance, income-generating opportunities, and vocational training to economically vulnerable carers, improving their employment prospects and reducing financial strain.

– Improve Health and Well-being: Facilitate access to healthcare services and offer psychosocial counseling to address the physical and emotional challenges faced by carers.

– Support Education and Empowerment: Assist young carers in balancing education with caregiving, provide educational resources, and implement gender-specific programs to promote equality and empower women and girl carers.

– Strengthen Advocacy and Social Support: Advocate for carers’ inclusion in welfare schemes, promote a carers’ allowance, establish support networks, and conduct community awareness campaigns to reduce isolation and challenge cultural stigmas.

Time frame: June 2024 – May 2025

Supported by: Carers Wordwide