Dirghaavei Voluntary Group

The Nepali Dirghaavei Voluntary Group, based in Kathmandu, aims to alleviate the distress of childhood cancer sufferers and their families.

Children who undergo cancer treatment are at a higher risk of developing mental health illnesses therefore creating a need for psychosocial support during and after their medical treatment. It is important for children and their families to understand how to respond to a wide range of issue that come with their cancer diagnosis. A child will be confronted with their own mortality, their school work will be disrupted, they may experience physical changes, and rely a lot more on their parents. Family life will change as parents are forced to narrow their focus onto one child. Moreover, the financial burden of cancer treatment will be another stress factor for parents.      
The Day Care Centre offers peer support and education, while it is working towards integrating counselling into its services. It's a place where childhood cancer patients and their families can meet others who are going through similar troubles. Their services are free for all family members affected by childhood cancer.  

The centre is currently open three days a week. During their opening hours parents can come by with their children who are taken care of by a social worker and given food and drink throughout the day. Recently an art therapist joined the team and has been giving children art therapy sessions.