NERS NEWS — Surabaya, May 19, 2026 – Decreased motivation and social interaction difficulties are often major challenges experienced by clients in social rehabilitation centers. These conditions frequently lead to social withdrawal and limitations in daily communication. If not properly managed and facilitated, they may hinder clients’ psychological recovery and their ability to readapt to their surrounding environment.
According to mental health experts, therapeutic activities involving creativity play an important role in helping clients express their feelings in a safe and constructive manner. Mental health management for clients facing psychosocial challenges should not focus solely on pharmacological therapy but also requires environmental modification and stimulation through structured group activities to improve mood and enhance social interaction.
As part of rehabilitative and preventive efforts, students from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, conducted a Group Activity Therapy (GAT) session on May 19, 2026, at Liponsos Keputih. The activity was attended by 10 clients, consisting of five clients from Barrack C and five clients from Barrack E.
The main focus of this GAT session was the creation of a collaborative artwork called the “Tree of Hope.” During the activity, clients were encouraged to reflect on and write down their hopes and aspirations on prepared paper leaves. Afterwards, they were invited to come forward individually and attach their “hope leaves” to a printed tree trunk illustration displayed on the wall.
The activity was conducted in an interactive and participatory manner. Clients appeared focused and enthusiastic throughout the process of writing and attaching their hope leaves. In addition to enhancing fine motor skills and concentration, this activity provided opportunities for clients to interact with one another, build self-confidence, and foster independence in completing a task.
This program aimed to improve clients’ psychological well-being, strengthen their socialization skills, and support comprehensive mental health nursing care. The activity also contributes to the achievement of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, which emphasizes the importance of promoting mental health and well-being for all members of society, including vulnerable populations.
Through this activity, it is hoped that clients at Liponsos Keputih will become more aware of and nurture positive hopes within themselves, enabling them to interact more adaptively with their environment and gradually improve their overall quality of life.
Writer: Vania Elvina Zahra Hendrawati
