Building Linkages as a Source of Strength

The other day, I posted here the first part of our webinar on Psychological First Aid Training.

If you happen to skip the first part here's the link: https://read.cash/@Fyangzee24/its-okay-to-not-be-okay-f61fe454

On Saturday, August 14, 2021, was the continuation for the two modules left.

We started with Module 3 which talks about "Linking: Identifying and Addressing ng Needs" According to WHO in 2011, The frequent needs of people are the Basic Needs; which is the food, shelter, clothing, and education, There's also physical and mental health, correct information, access to cellphones, internet and email, and the last one is being consulted about major decisions that will directly affect our lives.

There is a famous line that goes, 'No man is an Island' that means, no one can stand alone. No matter how tough we think ourselves are, we still need guidance and support from other people, may it be family or a friend.

For the first activity, we were told to collect important contacts, needed by the people in the community. So, we listed there under different departments, the community center, Municipal Police Office, Provincial Disaster Management Office (PDMO), District Hospital, etc. Those are just a few important departments in a municipality or community. People be needing of help, if cannot be handled they can be referred to any of those departments in the community depending on the situation. It is very important to familiarize whom to call when there are emergencies like a fire, immediate response will be done by the Bureau of Fire Protection when reported to their agency. They are made for the aid and convenience of the people not for the government to earn money.

The second activity was a very easy one, we were just told to make a scenario about a person that requires help and where are we going to link his need. So, mine is, I thought of a fellow in my neighborhood who just got married and they are having problems with their electricity. I would probably refer him first to Baranggay Office to ask for a Certificate of Indigency so he can avail of discounts because installation of electricity is quite costly. After that, he will be referred to SOLECO, the electric cooperative in our province here in Southern Leyte. It might be very simple, but it is a big help to him. You too can do big bits of help in the community by knowing the community departments that provide help and service.

The last module talks about "Sources of Strength". We are all weak. No matter how tough we look on the outside, we are still weak in some parts of our bodies.

The first Activity was called, "What makes you powerful?" We are to provide at least 5 sources of strength.

So, first I have God. When I can't think of anything to do, I always talk to him in silence and ask Him to help me carry the heavy load I am holding up. Everything becomes light when you talk to God. Next is my family. They are the immediate people I could lean on. The world may turn its back on me, but never they will. The love and support are enough for me to keep ongoing. Third, are my friends. They are angels sent by God, so I can have someone to share my thoughts, splurge when I'm in the mood, and people whom you can laugh with. Fourth is my Ambition. The promise I made to myself 10 years ago to become successful, fuels my desire to work harder and to never give up, it doesn't matter the pace and the number of failures I get, I will continue to chase my dreams. Lastly, are my weakness. Instead of getting down, being insecure, and blame me, I'd rather make it my source of strength. So, I will always think that I can be more than what I am right now.

Moving on to Activity 2 of Module 4, it turned us something into crafty, creative teachers. We were tasked to make a shirt out of paper. Given the directions on what to put in the shirt made.

At the very end of our webinar, I could really tell I grasped a lot of information, and hopefully, I will be able to assess it and apply what I have learned. It doesn't cost a single penny to help a person in need.

Thank you for reading my experiences in PFA training and I hope you learned something too. 💜

Photos are mine ☺
Lead image from Google.

Fyangzee 💜