Self Help Recovery Groups

From May to August 2025, Naya Suruwat Nepal continued its commitment to supporting individuals and communities affected by alcohol and drug abuse. The organisation combines counselling, awareness raising, and family engagement to encourage people to attend peer support groups and to sustain behaviour change.

Peer Support- Self Help Groups
Naya Suruwat Nepal operated peer group sessions twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday, over an 18-week period. Using a 12-step counselling approach, one woman and ten men participated regularly. The groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences, building resilience, and supporting recovery journeys. The organisation encourages more people to attend, as regular participation is a powerful step toward long-term change.

Community Awareness Programs
Two major awareness events were conducted in Bagnaskali rural municipality:

• On 15 June 2025, in Ward No. 1 (Ghorbanda), 28 men and several community leaders took part in an awareness session on alcohol and drug abuse.

• On 28 June 2025, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, a similar event was held in Ward No. 6 (Yamgaha–Tokse), gathering 34 men together with local leaders.

By engaging community leaders and local residents, these programs not only raised awareness of the harms of substance use but also encouraged individuals to take the next step and join peer support activities.

Family and Client Follow-Up
Naya Suruwat Nepal emphasises that recovery is most effective when families and communities are actively involved. Regular home visits and phone calls were conducted, and family members were counselled alongside clients. This inclusive approach builds stronger support systems at the household and community level, making it easier for clients to remain on their recovery path.

Through these combined activities, Naya Suruwat Nepal reached individuals directly struggling with addiction while also mobilising families and communities to walk alongside them. The organisation thanks its donors for making it possible to bring hope, healing, and resilience to people’s lives.

Across seven countries – Botswana, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Madagascar, and Congo Brazzaville – self-help and mutual support groups are making meaningful progress. In areas where recovery resources are scare, these groups serve as a lifeline for individuals seeking help. 

With 16 active groups meeting regularly and a network of 30 trained facilitators, the model is steadily growing. Slight but steady growth in group and participants numbers show that self-help is becoming an integral part of the national Blue Cross work. These grassroots recovery communities are not only providing critical psychosocial support, but also fostering hope, resilience, and social reintegration.

To strengthen the skills of our facilitators, we regularly offer online trainings led by IBC. These trainings create a shared understanding across countries while allowing local teams to adapt practices to their specific cultural contexts. Topics include: 

• The 12 Steps approach to recovery
• Supporting behavior change
• Addressing emotions and trauma in the recovery process
• Skills for effective self-help group facilitation

The power of these groups lies in peer support. Individuals on similar journeys come together to share experiences and face challenges collectively. For many participants, this is the first time they feel seen, heard, and supported in their struggle with addiction.

Our self-help group model has proven not only effective, but also sustainable. As the groups continue to grow and deepen their impact, they demonstrate how community-based recovery can change lives. 

Thank you so much for supporting this indispensible recovery networks across Africa! Your donation counts and changes lives, every single day.