Learning Beyond Borders: Nanyuki and Kisumu Experiences
Travelling to Nanyuki for a workshop focused on co-creating an intervention that will take care of the mental well-being of CHPs was a memorable experience. Together, we explored the key challenges affecting CHPs and identified priority training areas such as Mental Health and Well-being Literacy, Doing What Matters (DWM) in times of Stress, and Gender-Based […]
From Korogocho to the Clouds: A CHP’s First Flight, First Conference, and Lasting Lessons from SHINE
26th November 2025 is a date that will forever remain etched in my memory. It marked a first in my life, my very first time boarding an airplane, an experience made possible through LVCT Health under the NIHR-SHINE Project.. As preparations began, Ms. Patricia , who was coordinating SHINE activities during the data collection phase, […]
Walking the Journey of Care, Growth, and Mental Well-Being
When I first heard about a project coming to my work Ward, Kijabe, one thing immediately caught my attention: the name SHINE. It sparked curiosity and excitement. I couldn’t wait to learn what it was all about. The moment I discovered that SHINE focused on the mental well-being of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), I was […]
On Foot and Beyond: The Transportation Struggles of Bangladesh’s Community Health Workers
In Bangladesh, community health workers (CHWs) play an indispensable role in delivering health services to every corner of the country, often under extremely challenging conditions. Their commitment is unwavering, but the path they walk is quite literally filled with obstacles. The most common mode of travel for CHWs is by foot. While they also rely […]
Walking Miles for an Interview: Lessons from the Household Level Survey in Barishal and Mymensingh
We often walked for hours through fields, woods, and along riverbanks just to find one household. And sometimes, by the time we arrived, the man we were supposed to interview had already left the house for work. Between February and March 2025, the SHINE Bangladesh team travelled to Mymensingh and Barishal to conduct a baseline […]
Mental Health Across Borders: Reflections from SHINE’s Annual Partners’ Meeting in Kenya, Bangladesh and the UK
Some meetings feel like a formality. This wasn’t one of them. The SHINE Annual Partners Meeting 2025 turned a virtual setting into a space for real connection and clarity. I’ll admit, when I saw it stretched across two weeks, I braced myself for screen fatigue. But the format was surprisingly light: two to three hours […]
Supporting Mental Health in Community Health Promotion: Lessons from the SHINE Study
Working in community health is not for the faint-hearted. As one community health worker put it, “You need a heart to continue.” This simple but powerful sentiment speaks volumes about the challenges faced by community health promoters – especially when it comes to their mental well-being. Through the SHINE study, taking place in Nairobi County’s […]
Wasiaya: A Community Health Promoter’s Journey from Chaos to Advocacy in Korogocho
In the densely populated urban slums of Korogocho, Nairobi, Community Health Promoters (CHPs) play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the local communities. One such remarkable individual is Wasiaya (aka Wasee), a CHP whose life story illustrates not only personal transformation but also the critical importance of mental health support, […]
Prioritising the Mental Well-being of Community Health Workers: SHINE Project
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are essential to the success of healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Kenya and Bangladesh. CHWs bridge the gap between formal healthcare facilities and underserved populations, ensuring that even the most marginalised communities receive basic health services. However, their role comes with immense challenges, from overwhelming workloads […]
Capturing voices: How to implement Photovoice in mental health research
Imagine giving someone a camera and asking them to tell their story through images. The narrative shifts from words alone to something more powerful—visual, tangible, and deeply personal. This is the essence of Photovoice, a participatory research method that merges photography with storytelling, empowering individuals to share their lived experiences. Developed by Wang and Burris […]