Trauma Response Centre (TRC)

On May 3, 2023, Manipur witnessed an unprecedented armed conflict that resulted in villages being burnt, civilians killed, and thousands displaced overnight. The Moirang Constituency in Bishnupur district became a refuge for many displaced families. Over the past year, local clubs, organizations, and youth groups have been running relief camps, but resources are dwindling, and government support remains inadequate.

In response, Matai Society, has been actively co-running relief camps and providing trauma-informed psycho-social support to conflict-affected children and youth. Since May 10, 2023, the society has established Trauma Response Centres (TRC) in multiple relief camps, aligning with global best practices to protect and support those impacted by conflict. TRC works in collaboration with district mental health programs and independent practitioners to address the emotional and physical well-being of displaced individuals.

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Objectives

• Create safe spaces for children and youth.

• Provide trauma-informed psycho-social, educational, and recreational activities.

• Offer nutritional support (milk, eggs, bananas).

• Supply educational materials (books, stationery, school bags).

• Provide recreational tools (toys, art supplies).

• Restore a sense of normalcy and routine.

• Conduct self-care training and life skills development.

• Use art-based therapy to foster self-development and resilience.

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Impact

TRC has impacted over 2,000 children and youth across 16 relief camps in Bishnupur district with focused works at Khoyol Keithel, Moirang College, Takmu Water Sports Complex Laisoi, Santhong Awang Leikai Relief Camps.

Key outcomes include:

• Safe Spaces: Creation of secure environments within relief camps.

• Emotional Well-being: Reduced anxiety, stress, and trauma through mindfulness, art therapy, and peer counseling. 

• Physical Health: Improved nutrition through daily provisions of milk, bananas, and eggs.

• Life Skills: Development of communication, problem-solving, and self learning skills among young adults.

• Community Building: Enhanced group spirit through inclusive plays, storytelling, and recreational activities.

• Parental Awareness: Familiarization of parents and guardians with affirmative, growth-oriented parenting practices.

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Activities

TRC activities are led by trained professionals and volunteers who have undergone trauma-informed art and peer counseling training. The program includes:

• Daily Sessions: Drawing, painting, crafts, school syllabus study, and nutritional support.

• Weekly Sessions: Audio-visual activities, body movement exercises, trauma-informed music therapy, and photography. Clinical Music Therapy (Kamal, Clinical Therapist) and Arts Practices for Inclusion (Snehadhara Foundation) are held regularly.

• Monthly Sessions: Listening circle called WAKHONG, peer counseling circles and expert-led workshops in performative arts, music, and sports are held every month.

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EWAI Music Education Initiative

The EWAI Music Education Initiative, a 6-month program in partnership with Matai Society and Harmony Manipur, provided over 40 displaced youth in Manipur with music education to promote peacebuilding, emotional expression, and community cohesion amid conflict. Led by Kamlesh Khundrakpam, the program offered training in instruments, vocal techniques, and psychosocial support, creating a safe space for healing and skill development. Despite challenges like relocation due to conflict, the initiative successfully built resilience and hope among participants. Future plans include extending the program, securing resources, and creating a stable learning environment to sustain its impact.

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Resilient Roots and Healing Hearts 

SIYOM and Matai Society launched an art based therapeutic intervention in November 2023 to support children affected by the Kuki-Meitei conflict in Manipur. It began with a successful Instagram live fundraiser in October 2023, followed by workshops in photography, traditional Pena music, Jagoi dance, and flute sessions. The project provided Cyber-shot cameras, musical instruments, and a dedicated music room for practice. Meditation was introduced to enhance mental health and resilience. The initiative aims to empower children through creative expression and mindfulness, fostering long-term well-being.​ Other artists came to take part in the project and productions have taken shape along the way including RIYARI - a music video by IDP children.

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https://www.thewitness.earth/fragments/resilient-roots-and-healing-hearts

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Clinical Music Therapy

The Trauma Informed Clinical Music Therapy is an evidence-based practice that uses music interventions to achieve individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. It is led by Kamal, Bengaluru based Clinical Music Therapist and conducted by Gopal, frontline worker of Matai Society at Khoyol Keithel Relief Camp and Moirang College Relief Camp. The goal of clinical musical improvisation in therapy is to address specific issues for long-term benefits, while therapeutic activities, such as listening to or playing music, singing, meditation, exercising, are broader practices that positively impact mental health and well-being.

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Arts Practices for Inclusion (API)

The Trauma Informed Clinical Music Therapy is an evidence-based practice that uses music interventions to achieve individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. It is overseen by Bengaluru based Clinical Music Therapist, Kamal Singh and facilitated by Gopal, frontline worker of Matai Society at Khoyol Keithel Relief Camp and Moirang College Relief Camp with the assistance of Kajal - a resident in the Moirang College Relief Camp. The goal of clinical musical improvisation in therapy is to address specific issues for long-term benefits, while therapeutic activities, such as listening to or playing music, singing, meditation, exercising, are broader practices that positively contribute to mental health and well-being.

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Collaborations

TRC has partnered with organizations like Art on Manipur, SIYOM Music, Snehadhara Foundation, The Collective Trust, Clinical Music Therapy by Kamal, Harmony Manipur, Progressive Youth For Peace to expand its reach. Notable collaborations include painting workshops, traditional music therapy programs like “Resilience Roots and Healing Heart,” “Ewai Music Education Initiative” and exhibitions showcasing the children’s artwork.

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Roadmap 2025-26

Building on its success, TRC plans to expand its services to 40 relief camps in Bishnupur district. The focus will be on strengthening infrastructure, deepening collaborations, and enhancing trauma-informed interventions. Quarterly assessments and annual reports will ensure the program’s effectiveness and scalability.

Matai Society’s TRC initiative is a beacon of hope, promoting resilience and healing among conflict-affected children and youth in Manipur.

 

You can take part in supporting the children and youth at relief camps.