On October 7th, we had the privilege of hosting a live webinar together with the Vietnamese Psychotherapy Association (VnPA) and Medisetter, titled “Mental Healthcare for Carers: We Support the Supporters!” in honour of World Mental Health Day 10th October 2023.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being among healthcare professionals, normalise mental healthcare needs, and share necessary materials and resources to support them.
The webinar featured esteemed mental health experts, professionals, and organisations that came together to share their knowledge and insights on mental healthcare for carers in Vietnam. The event was a resounding success, with over 500 participants on both Zoom and YouTube platforms, featuring engaging discussions, inspirational speeches, and valuable networking opportunities for all participants.
Keynote Speeches: Shining a Light on Mental Health
Renowned experts in the field of mental health delivered powerful keynote speeches addressing several important aspects of mental healthcare for caregivers, including:
- Emphasising Ho Chi Minh City’s policies on mental health.
- Introducing ‘mindfulness’ as an approach to support mental health and the significance of sharing and supporting networks for healthcare workers.
- Highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare professionals during difficult times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and the crucial role of mental resilience and social support.
- Sharing case studies of how hospitals have set up support systems for the mental health of their staff and carers.
Access speakers’ presentations here.
Discussions: Addressing Challenges and Exploring Strategies
The discussions during the webinar were a highlight, with over 100 questions received in advance and during the live session.
These questions provided a platform for in-depth conversations about the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Vietnam. The discussions focused on strategies and solutions to promote mental well-being among carers. Participants engaged in thought-provoking dialogues, sharing their experiences, and best practices to create a supportive environment for healthcare professionals.
Due to the limited duration of the webinar, not all questions could be answered by the speakers at the time. However, thoughtful answers will be provided later and shared through our website, CONNECT – the network to support healthcare workers, as well as our social media channels. Stay tuned!
Building a Supportive Community
Participants had the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange experiences, and build a dedicated support network. This networking aspect of the webinar fostered collaboration and encouraged participants to continue the conversation beyond the event. 99% of participants expressed their interest in participating in similar events in the future.
During the webinar, we also reintroduced CONNECT, the satellite network and an initiative of OUCRU’s Public and Community Engagement. This platform was created to provide healthcare workers with valuable resources and information on a global, regional, and national level. On CONNECT, you can access webinars, reports, articles, and courses that aim to enhance your skills and provide support for various mental and professional aspects of healthcare professionals.
Honouring World Mental Health Day
This webinar was a testament to our commitment to honour World Mental Health Day and advocate for the mental health rights of healthcare professionals. By coming together as a community, we demonstrated our dedication to ensuring that our healthcare workers receive the care and support they deserve. We acknowledge that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, which aligns with this year’s global theme, ‘Our minds, our rights’. We are committed to continuing our efforts to raise awareness and provide resources to support mental well-being in the healthcare industry.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the speakers, organisations, and participants who contributed to the success of this webinar. Together, we can make a difference and create a healthier and more supportive environment for healthcare professionals.
Let’s continue to prioritise and normalise mental health and work towards a future where mental healthcare is accessible to all.
