Cape Coast,– Ghanaians have been urged to treat Caregivers of Persons with Disability (PWDs) including persons with mental health conditions with respect and love to make them feel part of society.
Psykforum, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), committed to eradicating discrimination and stigma against PWDs and Persons with mental health conditions, said that would help achieve a Ghanaian society free of stigma.
Ms Vivian Ama Aubyn, Board Member of the NGO, said PWDs were vulnerable groups who needed love from society as well as their caregivers, who needed motivation and support to work with happiness.
She said this at a capacity building workshop for caregivers, organised by the NGO under the Social and Behavior Change Communication and Stigma Reduction for Mental Health and Disability Inclusion (SBCC) Project.
The SBCC is also under the Ghana Somubi Dwumadzi project sponsored by the UKAID with Hope For Future Generation (HFFG) as its implementing partner.
Ms Aubyn, a Psychologist, said caregivers were overly discriminated against and stigmatised making them ashamed of the kind of services they provided to PWDs.
“It is not supposed to be so, they have to feel proud of what they do just like any other person working in any institution,” she said.
“The society is all they have, their support, love, and every other positive thing is really important to help caregivers to do their work with all diligence,” she said.
She urged the caregivers to also take care of themselves in their quest to care extensively for PWDs or persons with mental health conditions and endeavor to manage the emotional and physical stress they went through to avoid depression.
“Do not think of giving up, you are doing a great work which would attract good heavenly rewards, we are solidly behind you, pay no heed to negative comments and discrimination,” she added.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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