Introduction

The Peer-Led Health Counseling and Support Sessions were designed to provide a safe space for students, youth, and women to discuss their health concerns and receive support from trained peers. This initiative aimed to address the stigma around mental health and SRH issues and to empower participants to seek help and support each other.

Session Details

The sessions were conducted regularly in the 9 schools, 3 community peer groups, and 1 women’s group. Trained peer counselors facilitated these sessions, focusing on mental health, SRH, substance abuse, and other critical health issues.

  • Schools: Peer counselors were selected from students who had undergone extensive training in counseling skills and health education. Sessions were held weekly, with individual and group counseling available.
  • Community Peer Groups: Sessions were tailored to the specific needs of each group, with a focus on substance abuse prevention and mental health.
  • Women’s Group: Counseling sessions addressed maternal health, family planning, and mental wellness, offering both group discussions and individual support.

Outcomes

  • Increased Support Seeking: There was a 40% increase in participants seeking counseling services, indicating a reduction in the stigma associated with mental health and SRH.
  • Peer Connection: Participants reported feeling more connected to their peers, with 85% stating that they felt supported and understood during the sessions.
  • Behavioral Change: The sessions led to positive behavioral changes, including a 30% increase in the adoption of healthy practices related to mental health and SRH.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Challenge: Ensuring confidentiality and trust within peer counseling sessions.
  • Solution: Clear guidelines were established to maintain confidentiality, and peer counselors received additional training on handling sensitive information.
  • Challenge: Limited capacity to handle complex cases beyond peer counseling.
  • Solution: A referral system was developed to connect participants with professional health services when necessary, ensuring they receive the care they need.

Recommendations

  • For Schools: Integrate peer-led counseling into the school’s mental health support services and provide ongoing training for peer counselors.
  • For Community Groups: Expand the counseling sessions to include more frequent meetings and explore partnerships with local mental health professionals to enhance support.
  • For Women’s Group: Strengthen the support network by creating peer counseling sub-groups focused on specific issues, such as maternal health or family planning.

Conclusion

The Peer-Led Health Counseling and Support Sessions have proven to be an effective tool for reducing stigma, encouraging healthy behaviors, and fostering a supportive community. Continued support and expansion of these sessions are recommended to sustain and build on these positive outcomes.