Effective mental health interventions for marginalized populations thrive on the active engagement of community-based organizations (CBOs). Serving as the frontline support, their deep localized understanding, dedication, and trust-based relationships are indispensable in bringing services closer to individuals: creating safe, respectful spaces where everyone is heard and connected to the right care.

Within the framework of the DREAMH project currently being implemented by SCDI, community-based organizations continue to play a central role. To prepare for the next phase of implementation, the project team recently met with 24 community-based groups and social enterprises working with people living with and affected by HIV to introduce the project in detail.

Photo: A meeting with a community-based group in Nghe An

These meetings also created space for open discussion around each organization’s current technical capacity, areas for further strengthening, and professional development needs. Through this process, the project team and participating organizations were able to better understand existing challenges and identify the support needed for groups to engage in project activities effectively. Following these consultations, 22 out of the 24 groups have already finalized and submitted their project proposals to join the project.

Beyond proposal development, these exchanges provided invaluable community feedback on the localized mental health model that DREAMH aims to establish. These insights are fundamental as we refine our intervention framework, ensuring our activities remain deeply rooted in and responsive to the actual needs of the community.