June 11, 2025, Dhangadhi – As part of the EWPN and GBVPR-II intervention supported by UNFPA, Saathi successfully conducted 3-day training on “Care for Caregiver” from 9–11 June 2025 in Dhangadhi, Kailali. The training was designed for staff from Safe Houses and Shelter Homes, with the objective of enhancing their mental and emotional well-being, recognizing the high levels of stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout often experienced in caregiving roles supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
In the opening session, Ms. Parbati Bhandari, representing Saathi, emphasized the critical importance of protecting the mental health of staff working closely with GBV survivors. She highlighted that caregiving is emotionally demanding, and without proper self-care, staff are at risk of burnout, which could in turn affect the quality of support provided to survivors.
The training was facilitated by Ms. Parbati Subedi, a psychosocial counsellor, and covered a wide range of topics:
- Assessment of participants’ levels of stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue
- Understanding and managing vicarious trauma
- Identifying different types of stress and their impacts
- Practical stress/tension release exercises, including mindfulness and meditation
For many participants, this was their first formal training on self-care. They described the experience as transformative, equipping them with essential “life skills” to manage their mental and emotional health. Participants shared how body relaxation and mindfulness techniques helped them feel emotionally lighter and more conscious of their own well-being—something they had often neglected.
The sessions encouraged integrating self-care practices into their daily routines, an especially crucial strategy for those working in high-stress, trauma-exposed environments. The training proved to be a vital intervention, providing practical tools for sustainable well-being and reinforcing the idea that caring for oneself is integral to caring for others.
The training was attended by 10 staff members from Safe Houses and Shelter Homes across Doti, Bajura, Bajhang, Baitadi, Achham, Kailali, and Kanchanpur.
