Psychiatric Survivors Association of Fiji (PSA)
Persons with Disabilities represent a sizeable number in the Pacific, with an estimated 1.7million of almost the 10 million people in the region. Meaningful engagement and empowerment of persons with psychosocial disabilities is key to advance development for persons with psychosocial disabilities and organisations for Persons with psychosocial Disabilities and therefore accessibility, inclusiveness, safety and practical measures is a vital pillar to successfully achieving the goal of the organisation in providing support during a pandemic and improving the lives of persons with psychosocial disability. Accessibility, Inclusiveness and understanding the nature of the disability is fundamental to persons with disabilities, to be able to access services, for meaningful engagement and participation and to be able to live a life of dignity within our community and society.
The Psychiatric Survivors Association of Fiji (PSA) is the oldest user survivor organization in the Pacific Islands. It is a national organization of people with psychosocial disabilities that aims to provide individual support to its members and promote human rights through friendship, peer support, advocacy, mental health promotion, community education, campaigning and policy work. Since its establishment in 2004 it is run by a small group of people who had spent time in Fiji’s only inpatient facility (St. Giles Hospital). PSA has now grown with around 350 members throughout the Fiji Islands.
PSA carried out a comprehensive SITAN study, which highlighted the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on livelihood and employment. The findings of this research are instrumental in reinforcing the advocacy work for an all-encompassing standard that ensures no one is left behind. Additionally, the study identifies the specific requirements of individuals with psychosocial disabilities, which could serve as valuable insights for relevant ministries, stakeholders, national leaders, policymakers, OPDs, and CSOs. This data sheds light on the challenges faced by this demographic and can guide policy-making and resource allocation for a more inclusive and supportive society..
Project Timeframe: November 2021 – January 2022
Project Name: MIASA Hope
Thematics: Building Community Support Systems &Employment & Livelihood Opportunities
Target Individuals/group: 140
Country: Malaysia
Indonesian Mental Health Association (IMHA)
The data of the real numbers of persons with psychosocial disability cannot be well-obtained in Indonesia. This group is considered as undercounted. There are some factors involved, including the hesitation of the family of persons with psychosocial disabilities to declare that their family member is person with psychosocial disabilities. In most cases they tend to hide the psychosocial disabilities of their family member due to stigma and discrimination on them.
In addition, there are various Indonesian-specific barriers that greatly hinder the participation of persons with psychosocial disabilities in Indonesia in the work force. Just like with other disabilities, there are no definite figures for the number of persons with psychosocial disabilities who work in Indonesia. However, from conversations with IMHA networks and social media groups, most of them do not work, particularly in. Although, almost all completed high school education and some finish up to higher education level.
The Perhimpunan Jiwa Sehat, also known as the Indonesian Mental Health Association (IMHA), is the solitary national group representing individuals with psychosocial disabilities in Indonesia. IMHA aims to transform the mindset of both the government and the community by transitioning from a medical or institution-based approach towards a human rights-based and community-focused model that aligns with the UN CRPD. IMHA is a pioneering and significant force in advancing the rights of this particular group. They actively advocate for inclusion in various developmental fields, such as housing, social protection, political participation, education, and employment.
IMHA’s main objective was to develop policy instruments focusing on “The Barriers to the Right to Work for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities in Indonesia.” This involved conducting a literature review, developing and testing in-depth interviews and survey instruments, as well as drafting regional regulations on disability in DKI Jakarta and DI.
To gain insight into the barriers experienced by persons with psychosocial disabilities and reasonable accommodations required by employers, the government, and the community, IMHA conducted focus group discussions and an online survey. The results of the survey were used to shape the discussions during the focus group meetings. In order to create an effective policy paper, IMHA organized a meeting to discuss the policy paper outline. The outline was then used to conduct in-depth interviews with stakeholders.
IMHA collaborated with the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute on three advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with psychosocial disabilities. Additionally, IMHA is actively working on drafting the Jakarta regional regulations and an action plan for Persons with Disabilities for the 2023-2026 period.
Project Timeframe: October 2021-March 2022
Project Name: The Situation Analysis: The Barriers to the Right to Work for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities in Indonesia
Thematics: (6) Employment and Livelihood Opportunities
Target Individuals/group: 81
Country: Indonesia
Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA)
The pandemic and the lockdown measures undertaken have worsened the psychosocial health of many. People going through isolation for a long period of time or confined in small spaces due to overcrowding face many psychosocial health challenges, domestic abuse and violence have increased and many are not sure where to reach out for help. In addition to that, many have lost their jobs, experienced reduction in income resulting in hardship and difficulty to get assistance especially the vulnerable demographics such as the Bottom 40 (B40) groups and those that belong to the M40 prior to the pandemic and those with Psychosocial disability and the other disability groups. This puts people with psychosocial disabilities in a more dire position, many of whom have experienced reoccurrence of episodes and relapses.
Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA), or Persatuan Kesedaran Dan Sokongan Penyakit Mental – is a Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support NGO based in Selangor. It was founded in September 2017.
MIASA aims to increase understanding of the significance of mental health and to dispel any misunderstandings surrounding Psychosocial health conditions. It provides a range of programs and support initiatives to assist both peers and caregivers. As a peer-initiated organization, MIASA has a solid foundation and clear purpose. It takes a comprehensive approach that goes beyond medical considerations and includes spirituality as a vital component. The recovery model that MIASA emphasizes focuses on empowerment, autonomy, and a right-based approach, underscoring the importance of a holistic solution.
With focus on community support and employment of persons with psychosocial disabilities, MIASA initiated a research project by conducting strategy meetings and recruiting volunteers through various channels. Preparatory work was done for about a month before the first Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), during which the project timeline was established, volunteers were trained, promotional materials were designed, and contacts were made with NGO and business partners. Administrative infrastructure was also built during this time, including designing registration forms, systematizing processes, and finalizing record-keeping structures. IT infrastructure was also designed for virtual interviews. Data collection began in December with fixed FGD dates for two themes and continuous Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). The project also conducted three seminars in March and April on mental health advocacy for different audiences, each with a specific focus and presentation slides with discussion questions. Outreach was conducted throughout the project period.
Project Timeframe: November 2021 – January 2022
Project Name: MIASA Hope
Thematics: Building Community Support Systems &Employment & Livelihood Opportunities
Target Individuals/group: 140
Country: Malaysia
Living Association, Thailand
Thailand has been affected by COVID 19 since December 2020. However, in April 2021, the third wave of clusters of people contacted the virus quickly spread and the number of new cases has increased exponentially with Delta variant. Each day the new cases skyrocket to 20,000 plus, in spite of the attempt to vaccinate the mass and partial lockdown. A great number of people lost their job or business and are affected by depression, which may also due to the prolonged confining living condition as well. At the same time the social protection measures by the government lessened as the condition continues. No new measures have been instated and most resource is channeled to care of the overwhelming number of patients. The hospitals and their staff are overloaded. long waiting list of the sick caused the necessity of home isolation and community isolation.
Living Association is an organization that caters to individuals with psychosocial disabilities, their caregivers, and supporters by providing various forms of assistance. This includes aiding in recovery, skill development, work opportunities, and community inclusion. The organization places great importance on the well-being and vitality of its members, viewing them as necessary components for a happy and fulfilling life. Its most notable program, the Living Recovery Center, is a modified clubhouse with services run by peers, prioritizing holistic wellness, encompassing physical, emotional, intellectual, social, financial, environmental, occupational, and spiritual aspects.
During the SITAN project timeline, LAT undertook a series of activities aimed at promoting recovery and wellness development for individuals with mental challenges, their caregivers, and professionals. One of the major activities was a comprehensive training program designed to promote recovery and inclusion. The training covered a range of topics, including Art Therapy, Illness Management and Recovery, Life Skills, Human Rights and Citizenship, and Communication for better relationships. The training involved a range of interactive activities, including group discussions, experience sharing, lectures, workshops, and exercises, as well as homework assignments. Participants were evaluated both before and after the training to assess its effectiveness in meeting its objectives. In addition to the training, LAT also organized a webinar on Work for Inclusion, which focused on exploring employment opportunities for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. The webinar aimed to promote greater inclusion of individuals with mental challenges in the workforce and help them overcome the barriers they face when seeking employment. Furthermore, LAT formed a focus group, which played a critical role in the development of the SITAN paper. The group provided valuable insights and feedback that helped shape the paper’s recommendations and contributed to its overall effectiveness. Through these activities, LAT demonstrated its commitment to promoting recovery and inclusion for individuals with mental challenges. By providing targeted training and resources, as well as advocating for greater inclusion in the workforce, LAT is helping to build a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
Project Timeframe: November 2021-March 2022
Project Name: Living for Recovery: In time of COVID 19
Thematics: (2) Building Community Support Systems
Target Individuals/group: 81
Country: Thailand
Rights for Disability Development Foundation (RDDF)
The COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges for people with psychosocial disabilities and because of these challenges’, life of an average Ugandan was stalled. Consequently, the life of persons with psychosocial disabilities has become worse. This is because persons with psycho-social disabilities were totally excluded from any developments happening in the country related to COVID 19. In Uganda the community has a very medical approach to psychosocial disabilities and due to which they face number of barriers to partcipate in the community fully and equally on the basis of others.
RDDF was founded in 2013 and the focus of Rights for Disability Development Foundation (RDDF) is to safeguard and advance the human rights of individuals with disabilities in Uganda, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborating with various stakeholders, they promote research in disability studies, heighten awareness, advocate for policy reform, and take strategic action in targeted fields to promote the long-term well-being of individuals with disabilities.
Their goal is to foster a society that values and protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of disabled persons, allowing them to live healthy and productive lives.
The RDDF team undertook the project aimed at promoting advocacy and engaging decision-makers in government and civil society to include persons with psychosocial disabilities in key development programs. The team conducted two workshops, each consisting of two FGDs groups, to work on the SITAN. Additionally, the Service Delivery theme was used by RDDF to sensitize and train the community, sharpening their awareness and garnering support towards persons with psychosocial disabilities. Through the SITAN approach, RDDF collected data and statistics to support their lobbying and advocacy efforts with community, district, and national leaders in promoting the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities. RDDF recognizes that this group is a minority and often unknown within communities and at the national level. RDDF has mainly focused its efforts in Namayumba Sub-county and plans to leverage its experience in this area to advocate for persons with psychosocial disabilities in Wakiso district and other parts of Uganda.
Project Timeframe: October 2021 – March 2022
Project Name: Increasing the visibility of persons with Psycho-social challenges in Wakiso during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Thematics: (5) COVID 19 & DRR
Target Individuals/group: 71
Country: Uganda