Activity Report
Location: Other
Activity Date: 12.07.2024
Start Time: 8:30 AM End Time: 12:00 PM
Facilitators: Thomas Ogalo, Catharina Bent, Jule Schlagatter, Jake Burton, Vivian Anyango
Number of Participants: 28
Male: 19 Female: 9
Activity Purpose/ Summary:
The wellness session held by the Better Me team on Friday, 12 July 2024, at the Kisumu fire station aimed to create a supportive and positive working environment for firefighters. This session was designed to help the firefighters stay grounded and effectively process the traumatic experiences they encounter in their line of duty.
Personnel Input:
The session began with a yoga practice led by Catharina Bent, highlighting the link between physical and mental health. The yoga session was a great way to release negative energy and showed how physical activities can improve mental well-being. After the yoga session, Thomas Ogalo led a workshop on the wheel of life, a tool for reflecting on different areas of life such as career, family and friends, spirituality, partnership and love, personal development, health and fitness, and fun and recreation. This part of the session gave the firefighters a framework to assess and think about various aspects of their lives.
Achievements:
The session was well-received by the participants, who engaged actively and positively. A particularly poignant moment occurred when one firefighter became emotional upon realizing their low scores in several areas of their life. This moment highlighted the profound impact of the session, as it brought to light the personal struggles and challenges faced by the firefighters. The Better Me team offered support and encouraged the firefighters to stay committed to their work, promising to provide follow-up sessions to ensure their psychological well-being is continually addressed.
Unanticipated Achievements:
An unexpected achievement of the session was the deep emotional response from the participants, highlighting the need for ongoing mental health support. The firefighters’ openness and vulnerability during the session marked a significant step towards recognizing and addressing their mental health needs.
Supporting Partners:
Kisumu Fire Station
County Government of Kisumu
