16/12/2025
Horizon NGO and Partners Empower Communities of Bajaur & Buner with Psychological First Aid Training
In a significant move to combat the growing mental health crisis in underserved regions, Horizon NGO, in collaboration with the Community Volunteer Network (CVN), the Pakistan Psychiatric Research Center (PPRC), and Ibadat Hospital, successfully conducted a one-day training session on Psychological First Aid (PFA) at Ibadat Hospital, Peshawar.
The vital training was specifically designed for participants hailing from the remote tribal areas of Bajaur and Buner, communities facing severe mental health challenges compounded by extremely low mental health awareness.
Focus on Vulnerable Communities
The training directly addressed the urgent need for psychosocial support, particularly for women who are disproportionately affected by mental distress yet often face social and cultural restraints that limit their access to care and participation in public life.
The session successfully brought together a diverse group of community members, including Madrasa teachers, school teachers, youth, women, and representatives from civil society organizations, fostering a truly inclusive approach to mental wellness advocacy.
"The silence around mental health in areas like Bajaur and Buner is a crisis we must break. By empowering local community leaders and especially women with PFA skills, we are planting seeds of resilience. This collaboration represents a critical step in decentralizing mental healthcare and ensuring that support is available right within the community," said Prof Dr Khalod Mifti of Horizon NGO.
The intensive and interactive training featured expert sessions on core principles of counselling and Psychological First Aid. The highly acclaimed sessions were delivered by leading mental health professionals Madam Mumlikat, Prof Dr Khalid M***i, and Prof Dr Ali Ahsan M***i.
The curriculum focused on practical, actionable techniques for providing compassionate support and helping individuals stabilize following distress. A highly engaging Question and Answer session allowed participants to discuss specific community scenarios and receive expert guidance.
The training concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants, formally recognizing them as grassroots mental health responders. This initiative marks a powerful effort by the collaborating organizations to build local capacity and create a sustainable network of PFA providers in regions where specialist services are scarce.
The collaboration between Horizon NGO, CVN, PPRC, and Ibadat Hospital exemplifies a multi-sectoral approach to humanitarian and public health challenges, aiming to transform cultural attitudes and improve the overall mental well-being of the people of Bajaur.
