“Access to Services - Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”

On 10 October, we unite globally to recognize that mental health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege.

This year's theme emphasizes the critical need to address mental health in crises. Emergencies such as natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals experiencing a mental health condition. Supporting mental well-being during such crises is not just important it saves lives and helps communities recover and rebuild not only as individuals but as communities. That’s why it is essential for everyone, including government officials, health and social care providers, school staff, and community groups to come together. By working hand in hand, we can ensure the most vulnerable have access to the support they need while protecting the well-being of everyone.

In partnership with Global Support Link and Cambridge E-learning Institute UK, BERUDA is dedicated to integrating mental health support into humanitarian efforts, ensuring that communities affected by crises have access to the care they deserve.

What We Commit To:

* Raise awareness & reduce stigma, so no one feels alone or ashamed.
* Ensure inclusion, so people of all backgrounds, in all circumstances, have access to mental health support.
* Support caregivers, volunteers, and staff — mental health work is emotionally taxing; those who support others also deserve support.
* Advocate for rights and systems, so mental health is embedded in policy, funding, and every health system, not just in times of crisis but always
* Training and Education: using e‑learning modules to equip people in communities with knowledge about mental health, how to recognize distress, and how to support others.

Together, we can ensure that mental health support is available when it is most needed, offering hope and healing for all communities.

We're just back from travels in the Adamawa region of Cameroon working on our latest micro enterprise program, PROMIC 4.

We're thrilled to share the progress of the program, which has been focusing on empowering women-led groups in the Adamawa region. Our team has started creating impact in Magba and Bankim, providing entrepreneurial training and microcredits to internally displaced persons affected by the Anglophone crisis.

These women are now embarking on a journey, equipped with better skills to build sustainable micro enterprises, paving the way for a brighter future.

Huge thanks to our funders, Swisshand, for their support in reducing poverty and promoting economic growth among vulnerable communities.

We're thrilled to share the highlights from our recent beekeeping training program at BERUDA, Bamenda Center.

Our expert trainers, Pah Ngwainmbi Chia Simon and Philemon Komalua, shared their knowledge and experience with participants, covering topics such as:

* The biology and life cycle of honey bees
* Types of beehives and their importance
* Harvesting and processing honey
* Beeswax production and its benefits

The training was a huge success, with participants gaining valuable knowledge and practical experience in beekeeping. We're proud to support the growth of beekeeping in our community! 🌟

Here's what some of our participants had to say:

• "I learned so much about the different types of hives and how to choose the right one for my needs."
  - Thomas 
• "The training was very interactive and informative. I'm excited to apply my new skills!"
  - Bari Lizette
• "We appreciate the trainers for their patience and expertise. This training has been life-changing for us!"
  - Ngokse Blessing 
• "I had been keeping bees, but throwing away the combs. Now I know how to produce wax and make a profit!" 
  

Congratulations to all our participants who received their certificates upon completion of the training! We're excited to see the impact this training will have on your beekeeping endeavors.

At BERUDA we know that investing in women is one of the most powerful investments we can make in building a better future. Programs addressing women’s education and economic empowerment are not only beneficial from a human rights perspective, but they are transformative economically as well. That is why our PROMIC team have been enjoying getting out far and wide recently, to expand the reach of the successful BERUDA programme for women entrepreneurs. 

The PROMIC program provides microcredits and training to enable women to invest in their own personal businesses that when run successfully support family and community incomes. Trainings include financial and loan management, basic business strategies and record keeping.

We know that statistically, women reinvest much more of their incomes into their families to directly benefit their children. So it is women who are driving and equipping the next generation—the generation that can break free from extreme poverty.

These trainings pictured, took place with various women's church groups at Bamentoh, Njinikejem, and Sisia in Bamenda, and at mile5 Nkwen with the Nkwessi Women's group.

Mental health is a growing concern in Cameroon, yet it remains one of the most neglected areas in the country’s health system. Many individuals living with mental health conditions in the region suffer in silence due to limited access to care and widespread social stigma. Recognizing this urgent need, BERUDA is partnering with Global Support Link (GSL) to help improve the quality of mental health care in the communities it serves.

The Mental Health Challenge in Cameroon
Mental health issues—ranging from depression and anxiety to more severe psychiatric conditions—are on the rise across Cameroon. Despite this, most people with mental illness remain undiagnosed and untreated. A lack of trained professionals, limited funding, and deep-rooted stigma have all contributed to the isolation and marginalization of those in need of support.

A New Collaborative Approach
To address these challenges, BERUDA and GSL are launching a comprehensive initiative focused on strengthening mental health care and community reintegration.
In partnership with the  Cambridge e-Learning Institute, GSL will deliver a 6-month training programme designed to equip local medical professionals with essential knowledge and skills in mental health care, including counselling. The programme will be offered through a blend of remote and in-person learning, making it accessible for practitioners across the region.

Supporting Local Leaders and Influencers
Changing attitudes around mental health is just as important as clinical training. That’s why the initiative also includes a dedicated course for local leaders, community influencers, and faith-based groups. This course aims to challenge harmful misconceptions, promote awareness, and foster a culture of understanding and inclusion.

Reintegration and Long-Term Impact
Ultimately, this project seeks to integrate individuals with mental health conditions back into their communities with dignity and support. By improving care standards, training healthcare workers, and reshaping social attitudes, BERUDA and Global Support Link hope to build a more compassionate, resilient, and mentally healthy future for the region.

Join Us in Making a Difference
This initiative is a vital step toward better mental health care in Cameroon—and it needs the support of communities, professionals, and advocates. Together, we can break the silence, overcome stigma, and ensure that no one is left behind.

Beginning this week we're excited to host a group of student interns from St. Austin International University's Agriculture Departure for the month of June. The students will spend two days each week with us to gain practical skills in a range of agricultural activities. We held a welcome and induction session with our Director and staff at the Njinikijem Centre, and students and BERUDA staff alike are looking forward to learning and sharing with each other.

Over the last quarter, the BERUDA Mobile Eye Clinic has seen, diagnosed and treated over 120 individuals from remote communities, across the North West Region. These are mostly older women and widows who benefit from having health services visit them in their own homes, but who don't normally receive even basic health services due to their remote locations.

BERUDA is fortunate to have on staff its own trained eye specialist, Mr. Nkain Isaac, who provides the eye screenings, corrective lenses, and a range of treatments for these patients. There are, unfortunately, many patients who also require eye surgeries that are beyond our current capabilities, and available resources, but despite this, we do the best we can to offer essential screenings and treatments in the hope of preventing further vision loss.

"The work of our Mobile Eye Clinic is especially vital in these challenging times, as many of our patients face barriers such as limited access to healthcare, transportation challenges, and the ongoing socio-political unrest. We are extremely grateful for the donations that enable this service to role out this vital work, and we see the extraordinary difference saving and restoring sight makes to the capabilities and self resilience of the people of the North West Region everyday. "
- Director of BERUDA, Ngwainmbi Simon.

This year, we plan to extend our outreach to Mentang, Anyajua, Wum, and Njinikom, as part of our ongoing mission to promote healthy vision and improve the quality of life for rural populations.

“Yesterday, I was in the field in Belo with the PROMIC Coordinator from BERUDA to support four women’s groups through our ongoing microcredit initiative. PROMIC, which stands for Promoting Micro Enterprises, is a BERUDA project sponsored by Swisshand, aimed at empowering economically disadvantaged local women.

Through this program, women receive business training in entrepreneurship, followed by access to micro loans to either launch or boost their small businesses. We also provide continuous follow-up to ensure they apply best practices for business growth and sustainability.

Last month we focused on equipping participants with the necessary skills through training. This month, we are moving into the loan disbursement phase to help them put those skills into action and grow their businesses.

What has been great is that we've been able to address some of the problems the women were encountering in paying back loans and we've made some changes such as longer loan terms and scheduling post-harvest re-payments dates. This along with the refresher training on the terms and conditions of the loans has given the women a much more positive outlook on the program and they're energized about their businesses."

- Blessing Shelle is the assistant to the Director of BERUDA.