The newly-renovated Empower Pacific Counselling Center at the CWM Hospital in Suva was officially opened last Friday, following major funding support from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) charities.
The upgrade has been praised as a timely boost to the delivery of mental-health and social-support services in the country.
Medical Superintendent at CWM Hospital Dr Luke Nasedra said the refurbishment reflects the strength of partnership in improving community wellbeing.
He noted the new centre will provide a more comfortable and friendly environment for both staff and clients, helping those seeking support feel more at ease when they arrive.
Dr Nasedra highlighted Empower Pacific’s 31 years of continued support for Fijians.
“Empower Pacific has now become a broad focused multi-modal agency providing holistic range of individual and community support services, training and setting benchmark standards for therapeutic counselling, specialised HIV prevention work and other focused interventions to initiate and accelerate equality across the Pacific,” he said.
Mr Nasedra acknowledged the team’s work in therapeutic counselling, gender-based violence case management, child protection, mental health support and psychosocial services during natural disasters.
The 10 counsellors and two social workers at the CWM Hospital have managed around 1500 clients each year, while centres across the country assist about 20,000 individuals annually.
Mr Nasedra thanked the LDS charities for backing the renovation, saying the investment will uplift staff morale and improve service delivery, while encouraging Empower Pacific to take part in future redevelopment plans for the CWM Hospital.
