A psychosocial program supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children after the natural disasters of 15 January is being carried out by the Talitha Project in Nuku'alofa.

Founder Vanessa Heleta, said today that this mental health-wellbeing awareness for youth and children is part of their recovery outreach following the natural disasters on 15 January.

The ongoing program started in February and will run until next year for young people and children.

“We saw the importance to address our mental health and wellbeing, something we don't always consider important before and after any disasters,” she said.

“Particularly children are more vulnerable because their minds and bodies are still developing. The children we have worked with have experienced traumatic natural events on 15 January and have lost their homes and personal space, changing schools and changing environments.”

On 13 August, the session was held with the youth and children of Mango Island.

The Talitha team are also going to ‘Eua this Saturday to run the same program and give out assistance. They were also in 'Atata last month running the same  program, as well as in Ha'apai.

Apart from this wellness program, Talitha also distributed hygiene kits, tarpaulins, brochures and run weekly radio programs to affected communities.

The project's tsunami/volcano eruption emergency response and recovery is funded by USAID/BHA, Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF), Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) and US Private donors through their partnership with CARE Australia, Pacific Women Lead and Australian Aid.