Supply Healthcare to Floating Villages in Cambodia

 It had been approximately 15 months since Jenny Shepherd's last trip to Cambodia. Jenny is a psychotherapist based in the UK. At the beginning of February, she once again had the opportunity to spend time with the Lake Clinic. Jenny was pleased to accompany her Khmer colleagues on missions to various villages along the lake and to visit patients along the Steung Sen River. She managed to cover a wide area, and there is no doubt that the work her colleagues are doing is making a significant difference.

 The workshops delivered, which focus on preventing domestic violence, continue with the support of government officials, making it evident that their efforts are increasingly recognized. All those involved share their understanding of the different types of abuse and express a desire to change. With the constant support and follow-up from the team, many are making progress, which is greatly enhanced by the active involvement of the Village Chief. Although progress remains slower among the floating villages due to the fishing cycle and challenges in gathering relevant participants, Jenny and the TLC staffpersists with great enthusiasm and takes pride in witnessing individuals’ increased willingness to discuss the effects of domestic abuse and their collective commitment to stopping it. She is also working within two schools on the lake, utilizing play and creative therapy to provide children an opportunity to share their experiences and feelings. Children can have some free time to talk to one of their therapists if they wish or if it seems necessary.

The team follows up on group meetings by visiting individuals who appear to have further concerns, which allows for discussions in their home environment. This approach has proven beneficial for many, as individuals who receive additional support often share at group meetings how their relationships have improved and how they can anticipate issues before they escalate. For example, learning to manage anger has enabled many to refrain from physically hitting or shouting at their partners and to think before acting. Some individuals report taking a moment to sit or lie down when feeling especially angry or upset. Others mention that they do not want their children to witness such violence or abusive language. Slowly, behaviors once accepted as “normal” are increasingly recognized as completely unacceptable.

TLC's mental health team is working toward establishing women’s support groups in some villages; however, logistical challenges require ongoing creative thinking. With growing familial support in the villages, they areencouraged to help families become more self-reliant, even though this has not yet become a regular occurrence.

Jenny and our team's ongoing goal is to provide patients both on the lake and along the Steung Sen River with a deep sense of trust in TLC’s professional team, who strive to care for their mental and physical health, as these aspects are always inextricably linked. Jenny has observed an increasing number of younger patients dealing with anxiety and/or suicidal ideation, along with many who have engaged in borrowing money to pay for activities or products advertised on social media. Poverty remains a constant concern for her patients on the lake, affecting many aspects of their care. Our mental health team continues to offer psychoeducation alongside therapy when necessary, and through strong connections with village chiefs and the establishment of group therapy, she has enabled people to voice their concerns and seek help.

By acting as enablers and partners in caring for ourpatients’ mental health, we haveforged lasting trust within the communities she visits. Our work is fundamental to ensuring better overall health in this rural and complex environment and relies heavily on the generosity of those who contribute TLC. Weexpress our gratitude in advance for the support and contributions received.