Self-Help Groups
Helping communities work together to fight poverty and disease
We like to make our work as sustainable as possible, so we’ve set up self-help groups in each community, using medical staff to teach villagers about health, hygiene and caring for wounds.
Self-help group members learn how to look after hands and feet that have lost feeling because of leprosy. They are also given specialist footwear to protect their feet and prevent ulcers. All of these steps are crucial to stop them from developing life-altering disabilities.
Following training in their chosen area (such as animal husbandry or tailoring) self-help group members also have the opportunity to borrow a small loan and start their own business. They then repay the loan back to the group, and another member is able to use it. This benefits the whole community and creates sustainable change.
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Self-help group members soak their feet and rub in oils to keep their skin supple and prevent cuts.
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Specially moulded rubber shoes are tailor-made for each person affected by leprosy.
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Protective shoes help to prevent disability and restore independence.
