Foundation Trains Abakaliki Parents on Emotional Resilience

No fewer than 17 parents and caregivers of special needs children in Abakaliki were trained and empowered on emotional resilience by the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF).
At Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, on Sunday, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, explained the training was part of CALMHAF’s Support for Caregivers Initiative (SCGI).
Nwachukwu, a trained Child Psychologist, said the initiative aimed to provide vital mental health support, reduce stigma, alleviate stress, and help parents feel heard, supported, and truly seen in their struggles.
He said that the initiative, a psychosocial engagement programme, equipped parents with tools to manage depression, anxiety, burnout, social isolation, guilt, shame, stress, and other stressors faced uniquely by caregivers of special needs children.
“The programme addresses parents living in denial or shame, encouraging acceptance through practical knowledge, coping strategies, and emotional support to improve their mental health and caregiving capacity.
“Interactive sessions, personal storytelling, and group discussions fostered resilience, promoted self-care, and created a supportive environment where parents shared experiences and gained encouragement during the event.
“Parents were assessed for anxiety and depression, enabling immediate access to free counseling services and a community support group to enhance their mental well-being and caregiving effectiveness,” he said.
Co-Founder, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, said the programme increased mental health awareness, enhanced coping skills, built community support, and empowered parents to advocate for their children with renewed hope.
As an Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, Mrs Nwachukwu emphasised the foundation’s commitment to ongoing education and interventions, planning to make such engagements regular for continued caregiver support.
Pediatrics Physiotherapist at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Dr Ekenechukwu Odoh, provided an educational overview focusing on children with cerebral palsy and their specific health needs during the training.
A Volunteer Child Health Specialist, Dr Chinelo Igbelina, lectured on emotional management and self-care, equipping parents with skills to manage their own mental health while caring for special needs children.
A parent participant, Mrs Doris Egbuke, thanked CALMHAF and shared insights on stigma and shame, emphasising how the programme helped her understood and managed those emotional challenges.
Egbuke resolved to embrace social outings and encouraged her child’s interaction with others, applying knowledge gained to reduce isolation and promote healthy social development.
Mrs Rosemary Idika, mother of Isioma, a cerebral palsy patient who paints with her mouth, urged caregivers to discover and nurture their special children’s innate talents for growth and confidence.
Idika, whose daughter had a YouTube Channel (@AdaureIdika), encouraged parents to take pride in their children’s unique abilities and prioritised consistent medical care to enhance their quality of life.