Ministry Launches Support Groups for Caregivers of Differently-Abled Individuals in Hulhumalé Phase 2

The Ministry of Social and Family Development has launched Support Groups under the Haalu Kihineh? programme in Hulhumalé Phase 2, aimed at individuals with disabilities seeking psychological support and parenting guidance.

Developed in collaboration with Moms Aid, the programme is focused on differently-abled individuals residing in the Hiyaa area who are interested in joining a support network. The initiative encourages participants to share their personal experiences, explore ways to stay motivated while handling childcare responsibilities, and identify opportunities to practise self-care and maintain a healthy balance in their daily lives.

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The support group sessions will also provide practical methods and relevant information to assist caregivers in developing coping strategies and enhancing their overall mental well-being.

މި ވުޒާރާއިން ހުޅުމާލޭ ފޭސް 2 ގައި ކުރިއަށް ގެންދިޔަ 'ޙާލު ކިހިނެއް؟' ޕްރޮގްރާމުގެ ތެރެއިން ދެނެގަނެވުނު ނުކުޅެދުންތެރިކަން ހުންނަ ފަރާތްތަކުގެ ބެލެނިވެރިންގެ ތެރެއިން ނަފްސާނީ އެހީތެރިކަމާއި، ބެލެނިވެރިކަމުގެ ހުނަރުތައް ދެނެގަންނަން ބޭނުންވާ ފަރާތްތަކަށް ޚާއްޞަކޮށްގެން 'ސަޕޯޓް… pic.twitter.com/vnyVfrlMHK— Ministry of Social and Family Development (@MSFDmv) May 13, 2025

Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham met with the participants of the first group to personally observe the programme’s progress. In her address, the minister acknowledged the considerable amount of time and energy these individuals dedicate to caring for their children, often within the confines of their homes. She noted that through home visits and direct conversations, many parents had expressed the need for someone to simply listen and engage with them.

“By engaging in conversation with these parents, we recognised that they were desperately seeking assistance from someone who could listen and communicate with them. It was noted that expressing such feelings and sharing experiences with another person can not only fulfil parents’ needs but also positively influence their mental well-being,” Dr Shiham said.

She added that the support groups will equip caregivers with the skills necessary to improve their emotional resilience and lead fulfilling lives. The minister also underlined the importance of these collective efforts, stating that the stories shared by parents reflect a strong sense of courage and contribute significantly to fostering self-pride and solidarity.

As part of the broader Haalu Kihineh? initiative, the ministry also plans to establish a structured support system to assist in the care of children while enabling parents to organise their daily responsibilities more effectively.