Aceh Social Service Intensify Psychosocial Support Services For Children Affected By Floods

Psychosocial Support Service Program (LDP) from the Aceh Social Service in Bireuen and Pidie Jaya, (photo: dock. between)

The Aceh Government's BANDA ACEH through the Aceh Social Service (Dinsos) continues to strengthen post-disaster recovery efforts for children affected by flooding by intensifying the Psychosocial Support Service (LDP) program in a number of affected areas.

Acting Head of the Aceh Social Service, Chaidir, said that children's psychological recovery should not stop after the emergency response phase. According to him, the trauma experienced by children is the main concern in the recovery process.

"Psychological recovery efforts must not be stopped after the emergency response phase, because the trauma experienced by children must be a major concern. We make sure they still feel safe, cheerful, and able to bounce back after the difficult times they face," said Chaidir in Banda Aceh, Saturday.

The LDP program is focused on two areas that still show indications of trauma is quite high, namely Bireuen and Pidie Jaya Regencies.

In Bireuen Regency, as many as 80 refugee children from Blang Panjoh Village, Peusangan District, participated in recovery activities such as games, group activities, to simple therapies to reduce fear and increase comfort.

The assistance was carried out by six personnel from the Aceh Social Service LDP led by Sri Wahyuni, AKS. This activity is part of a series of services in four targeted sub-districts.

Meanwhile in Pidie Jaya Regency, LDP targets two sub-districts affected by the target of 80 children, 35 elderly, and two pregnant women. The activity took place at the Taheer Foundation/Pidie Jaya Social Service Building in two sessions, at 10.00 p.m. 12.30 p.m. local time and 17.00 p.m. local time.

To date, 55 children have participated in assistance through role play methods, art therapy, cooperation games, and emotional regulation exercises. The service is led by Rita Mayasari as the person in charge along with seven LDP personnel.

In addition to providing psychosocial support, the LDP team also conducted further assessments to identify urgent needs in refugee camps. Some of the problems that have surfaced include the lack of sanitation facilities, as well as the need for additional medical services for vulnerable groups.

The Aceh Social Service ensures that assistance will continue until the psychological condition of children and vulnerable groups stabilizes again.