BOGOR, WEST JAVA — Dompet Dhuafa Community Service Agency (LPM) continues to be committed to helping solve social problems, including disability issues, through innovative programs that have real impact. One of them is the Independent Disability Program, which aims to empower people with disabilities and improve their welfare.
In commemoration of International Disability Day 2024, LPM Dompet Dhuafa together with volunteers of the Embracing Community held a workshop and group counseling entitled “Well Being in Mental for Disabilities Caregiver”. This event was held on Thursday (28/11/2024), at the UPT Social Welfare Center, Jalan Baru Puspanegara, Citeureup District, Bogor Regency, as a form of concrete support for the mental well-being of caregivers.
Disability is not a limitation, but part of human diversity that requires support and attention. Behind the struggles of individuals with disabilities, there are caregivers– unsung heroes – who sincerely provide love, time, and energy to accompany them. These caregivers often face significant physical and mental challenges. Thus, they need a space to share, learn and get support to maintain their well-being.
This activity is designed to fulfill the emotional and mental needs of caregivers in caring for children with special needs. In this forum, they can express their concerns and emotional needs that have rarely received attention. This activity is a space that not only listens, but also provides support that they have not felt so far.
Kamaludin as Head of LPM Dompet Dhuafa said that this activity is a hope for disabilities and caregivers to be more enthusiastic and independent again.
“LPM has a program called Disability Independent. Independent here is not only based on economic welfare, we here support disabilities to be empowered like society in general. Thisworkshop also provides motivation for caregivers to be enthusiastic about accompanying their children who have special needs,” said Kamaludin.
The focus of this activity includes advocacy efforts and encouraging the welfare of disability caregivers. Especially for the underprivileged in Bogor City, who are vulnerable to stress and depression while accompanying their children. Such as community intimidation, mental and physical exhaustion, financial problems, and limited education from experts.
The series of events began with remarks from Dompet Dhuafa’s Director of Social, Humanitarian and Dakwah Programs, Ahmad Shonhaji; Head of LPM Dompet Dhuafa, Kamaludin; and Head of the Social Rehabilitation Team for Persons with Disabilities of the Bogor Regency Social Service, Welly. After that, the event continued with a passionate and colorful dance performance performed by children with disabilities, adding enthusiasm and a more cheerful atmosphere.
The series of events were divided into two activities, namely activities for children with special needs and caregivers. The children’s agenda was guided by MCs and volunteers from Komunitas Merangkul, namely Neni Anjani and Vio Alvionita.
Children with disabilities enthusiastically participated in painting workshop activities on canvas bags, followed by story telling and story reading from the Merangkul Community volunteer team in the Caregiver Seminar organized by LPM Dompet Dhuafa, Thursday (28/11/2024) in Citeureup, Bogor Regency.
While the series of events for caregivers began with a session with Ayuna Eprilisanti, M.Psi, Psychologist, SAP-K, who presented material on mental health support with the theme “Acceptance of Parents of Children with Special Needs”. In her presentation, Ayuna not only provided education about the importance of maintaining mental health, but also equipped participants with mindfulness techniques and simple ways to deal with stress that can be applied at home.
In addition, the event also featured group counseling sessions guided by volunteer counselors from Komunitas Merangkul. In this session, caregivers were encouraged to share their experiences, strengthen and support each other through their stories and feelings.
The counseling session ended with Butterfly Hug Therapy guided by Siti Fatimah Syah, Lead Counselor from Merangkul Community. This therapy aims to help participants do a deep emotional release. A solemn and intimate atmosphere enveloped this session, where many participants were carried away by emotions until they shed tears of emotion.
After the event ended, the atmosphere was even more festive with a social gathering session. The participants looked happy and enthusiastic, enlivening the atmosphere by dancing and singing together. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Anndini Dwi Putri, Stefanie
Editor: Ronna