Barefoot Counsellor Training Programme

The Health Promotion Trust, headed by Fr Rocky Banz, hosted a three-day Training and Formation Programme at Salvation Seva Kendra, Dadar in collaboration with the Catholic Mental Health Ministry, which operates under the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India Office for Healthcare.

The initiative aimed to prepare laity and parish volunteers to serve as Barefoot Counsellors, offering psycho-social and spiritual support to individuals facing mental health challenges, as well as their families and caregivers.

Participants explored a wide range of themes: basic mental health literacy and substance use disorders, reducing stigma through compassion, building referral networks, and deepening their understanding of the Catholic Church's teachings on mental illness and suicide. Sessions also highlighted the witness of saints who endured psychological struggles and emphasised the pastoral call to accompaniment—listening and presence, collaborating with existing ministries within our parishes, and maintaining healthy boundaries through self-care.

The training held from October 30 to November 1 was led by Sr Usha Gaikawad, Fr Isaac D'souza and Mr Edwin Walker, whose insights inspired the 33 participants. Interactive methods such as group discussions, case studies, and Q&A ensured that the learning was both practical and engaging.

Edwin Walker