CBM supports people with psychosocial disabilities in Indonesia

Stories | September 30, 2021

It’s been almost two years since the first COVID-19 case was reported. In that time, families have been kept separate, children have missed out on creating memories with friends, jobs have been lost, and funerals have taken place in the absence of family and friends. And all this has been happening while the world has kept turning – wars have continued to be fought, disaster events have continued to devastate lives and livelihoods, and disease and poverty has continued to impact those most vulnerable. It’s fair to say that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health.  

Most of you, whether you are aware of it or not, know someone with a mental health condition. Mental health conditions can take many forms, from depression and anxiety, to psychoses, dementia, and developmental disorders. While everyone has mental health issues, not everyone is equal in their ability to cope with daily stressors, and those with mental health conditions will often find simple daily tasks, such as work, school, shopping or interacting with family and friends, challenging.

This year, on October 10th, please help CBM Australia celebrate World Mental Health Day.

CBM recognises that good mental health is essential to the wellbeing of individuals and their families. The evidence shows that apart from the personal impact of social exclusion, there is an enormous loss to communities if people with mental health issues are not able to participate in the economy and broader society.

CBM have been supporting partners in Indonesia to enhance the quality of life for people with severe mental health issues in Yogyakarta. To achieve this, the CBM project has been organising people with severe mental health issues, their families and community volunteers into Self-Help Groups; training caregivers and community volunteers in mental health, and providing group therapy activities and start-up kits for livelihood activities to caregivers and people with mental health issues.

One person to benefit from this project was Budiono, a young man with severe mental health issues who received a female goat as part of his livelihoods start-up kit. Having already learnt about animal farming, Budiono, with support from his family, not only looked after the female goat, but decided to expand his herd by breeding her. During her breeding season, the goat gave birth to five kids. After successfully raising all the kids, Budiono and his family decided to sell all six goats to buy a cow. 

Not long after, Budiono sold his goats and bought a calf. His family continues to support his farming, encouraging him to succeed and not let his mental health issues get in the way. The support provided by his family has not only strengthened the family relationship but has also improved his own mental health. 

You can help support people like Budiono, by purchasing a gift of livelihoods or making a donation today

CBM acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

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