The Zach and Eunice We Care Foundation (ZEECFOUNDATION) has participated in a three-day Mental Health Clinic designed for frontline responders handling sexual violence cases in Lagos State.
securitynewsalert.com reports that the clinic, held from February 3 to 5, 2026, focused on improving the psychological, emotional, and physical well-being of professionals working with survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). ZEECFOUNDATION was represented at the programme by its Director of Programs, Aderemi Blessing.
The training, themed “Saving the Souls That Serve,” was organised by the Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAPH) and funded by the African Women Development Fund (AWDF).
The sessions were facilitated by mental health and development experts, including Dr Oluwakemi Akintoyese, Dr Olivia, Ed Bose Ironsi, and Mrs Precious Ebelechukwu.
The programme commenced daily with wellness and physical exercise sessions, highlighting the importance of holistic health for frontline responders. Participants engaged in intensive discussions on the emotional burden associated with providing support services, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma, which experts noted could significantly affect professional performance and personal well-being if not properly managed.
Facilitators explained the effects of trauma on brain functioning and the nervous system, noting that traumatic experiences can trigger survival responses such as fight, flight, or freeze. Participants were trained in practical coping strategies, including grounding techniques, emotional regulation, cognitive restructuring, peer support mechanisms, and structured self-care planning.
The clinic also stressed the importance of psychological safety among responders, emphasising that service providers must prioritise their own well-being to support survivors effectively. Sessions on peer support encouraged shared learning, validation, and strengthened resilience among participants.
Attendees were drawn from multiple sectors, including healthcare providers, civil society organisations, legal practitioners, and personnel from the Nigeria Police Force. Organisers said the multi-sectoral participation enhanced collaboration and strengthened coordinated, survivor-centred responses to SGBV.
Participants also received training on safeguarding principles, including the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, to ensure organisations maintain safe service environments for survivors, staff, and communities.
Speaking on the experience, Blessing described the clinic as both restorative and empowering.
“This clinic was both restorative and empowering. It reinforced the importance of caring for the mental and emotional health of those who serve survivors daily. We are grateful to WRAPH and AWDF for creating this safe and transformative learning space,” she said.
ZEECFOUNDATION expressed appreciation to WRAPH for organising the programme and to AWDF for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening women-led organisations and frontline responders across Africa.
The foundation reiterated its commitment to promoting ethical, professional, and survivor-centred responses to sexual and gender-based violence, while prioritising the well-being and resilience of frontline service providers.
