Sept. 17, 2024
/
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY OUTREACH (MHCO)

OVERVIEW

We are committed to creating access to mental health education and support in underserved communities across Nigeria. The Mental Health Community Outreach (MHCO) Project is designed to address the mental health needs of people at the grassroots level, empowering them with the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthy and mentally sound lives. Recently, we piloted this project in the Ilaje community of Bariga, Lagos State, bringing mental health education, counselling, and support to over 50 attendees from various age groups.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the Mental Health Community Outreach Project are:

  • To raise awareness about mental health issues, particularly in rural communities with limited access to information and resources.
  • To provide free counselling services to individuals who might not otherwise have access to mental health support.
  • To reduce the stigma associated with mental health, encouraging open conversations and early interventions.

OUR APPROACH 

In this project, we utilized a multi-faceted approach to engage with the community and the approach utilized during the pilot run included:

  • Mental Health Education Sessions: Facilitators led interactive workshops aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of mental health challenges, coping mechanisms, and available resources.
  • Counselling Sessions: We provided free, one-on-one counselling with trained professionals, addressing immediate mental health concerns and offering referrals for continued support where needed.
  • Distribution of Food Items: As part of our holistic approach to community support, we distributed essential food items to attendees, ensuring their physical well-being alongside mental health care.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

From this project, we aim to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Increased mental health knowledge: Participants will leave with a better understanding of mental health, how to manage stress, and where to seek help.
  • Improved access to counselling services: Attendees will gain access to free mental health counselling and referral services.
  • Reduction in mental health stigma: Our programme fosters open dialogue, helping to change negative perceptions about mental health in the community.

OUR IMPACT

The pilot project in the Ilaje community was a tremendous success:

  • Over 50 participants attended the event, including children, teenagers, and adults, demonstrating the wide reach of our initiative.
  • Immediate counselling requests: Three(3) individuals requested counselling sessions following the event, showing the community's engagement with the mental health support we provided.
  • Valuable feedback: Participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained, and our post-event evaluation highlighted significant improvements in mental health awareness and understanding.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Building on the success of this pilot project, we are committed to expanding the Mental Health Community Outreach Project to other rural communities across Nigeria. Our goal is to continue raising awareness, providing counselling services, and combating mental health stigma at the grassroots level. By reaching more underserved areas, we aim to create lasting change and support the mental well-being of more individuals and families.