Activity
On September 6, 2026, at the Thuong My Village Hall, Gio Linh Commune, Quang Tri Province, the Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC) organized an exchange activity among psychological support groups for persons with disabilities and family members under the theme “Connect – Share – Accompany.” The activity was organized as part of the project “Independent Living and Social Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities in Quang Tri, Vietnam,” funded by Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH), with the aim of creating a friendly space where members could meet, share experiences, and continue practicing mental health care skills in their daily lives.
The activity brought together nearly 40 participants, including persons with disabilities, family members, and health workers. It provided an opportunity for members participating in psychological support groups in different localities to meet, interact, and share their experiences after a period of learning and practicing mental health care skills together. The participation of health workers also helped create a bridge between the community and the grassroots healthcare system in accompanying and supporting persons with disabilities and their families.
Participants discuss and analyze situations together, developing a more balanced perspective in mental health care activities
The program was designed with a variety of interactive, engaging activities suitable for the participants’ abilities. Before and after the program, participants were invited to identify their moods using an emotion chart. This was not only an opening activity but also gave participants an opportunity to observe their own emotions before and after the program.
One of the most lively activities was the competition and exchange among the groups. Participants were divided into three teams and took part in three challenge rounds: “Quick Questions – Quick Answers,” “One Team – One Mind,” and “Talent.” While the “Quick Questions – Quick Answers” round helped participants review their knowledge of mental health, “One Team – One Mind” provided an opportunity for members to discuss, coordinate, and develop solutions to situations related to mental health. In particular, the “Talent” round created a joyful, open, and connected atmosphere. Members worked together to perform short self-created plays and musical performances, encouraging the participation of many members and providing opportunities for each person to demonstrate their abilities. Throughout the exchange, health workers accompanied the teams, supporting coordination and creating conditions for members to participate in ways appropriate to their abilities.
Participants experience the “Be Your Own Good Friend” activity corner, practicing greater self-understanding
In addition to the exchange activities, participants were able to choose experiences at different mental health care corners. At the “Be Your Own Good Friend” corner, each person practiced looking at themselves with greater understanding and less judgment, while choosing a reminder or a kinder way to treat themselves when facing difficulties. At the “Lucky Wheel” corner, participants answered questions and completed short challenges related to mental health. The activity created a joyful atmosphere while helping members interact with one another and review knowledge shared during previous group activities. Meanwhile, at the “Small Commitments” corner, each person was encouraged to choose a simple, practical, and personally appropriate action to undertake in the coming period, either to care for their mental health or maintain positive aspects of their lives. These small commitments provided a way for participants to continue applying the skills they had practiced to their daily lives.
Participants interact and take part in the “Talent” round, helping create a joyful, open, and engaging atmosphere among members
Ms. N.T.H. from Trieu Phong Commune shared: “I am very happy to have the opportunity to interact and learn with the other teams. The activity not only helped me review the knowledge I had learned but also gave me an opportunity to meet and share with groups from other communes. After the program, I feel much more relaxed, happy, and excited.”
The activity was not merely an exchange event but also an opportunity for persons with disabilities, family members, and health workers to reflect together on what they had learned, share ways of coping with difficulties, and continue building mental health care habits. In doing so, the activity contributed to maintaining connections among members, encouraging each person to take a proactive interest in their own mental health, and jointly creating a more supportive, friendly, and inclusive environment within the community.
Translator: Nguyen Dac Thanh
