Liberia
Liberia is a country located on the west coast of Africa. It shares borders with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Cote d'Ivoire. The country declared independence in 1847 and is one of the few African nations that were never colonized. However, it has a close relationship with the United States of America.
Before the civil war that started in 1989 and ended in 2003 and the Ebola pandemic between 2014 and 2015, Liberia was a safe and beautiful place to visit and live. Unfortunately, these two events took many lives, leaving many traumatized, devastated, and destitute. As a result, the mental health and well-being of many Liberians have decreased, and they have limited or no access to mental health facilities.
While there are initiatives from other organizations, adequate access to information is still lacking, and more is needed to raise awareness about mental health, normalize conversations around mental health disorders, and reduce stigmas. In Africa, there is a lack of understanding of mental health issues, which results in individuals with mental health disorders being ostracized. The stigma associated with mental health disorders contributes to many people not seeking help. Many individuals associate mental health disorders with witchcraft and curses, and some even label those with mental health disorders as lazy and weak.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Liberia, West Africa.
Raising awareness about mental health in Liberia is crucial, as many people suffer in silence due to the limited availability of facilities. Please watch the attached clip to understand why Rebecca Blamo's Mental Health Awareness is crucial for Liberia.
"Access to adequate mental health information and services is a basic human right"
(World Health Organisation)
Distribution of Flyers & Leaflets
We are currently working on a project that involves distributing flyers and leaflets focused on various mental health issues. Since February of this year, we have been able to distribute a total of 8000+ flyers. Our goal is to promote awareness, change attitudes, and encourage positive actions towards mental health and those affected by it. We are committed to creating informative and easy-to-read flyers and leaflets that address relevant mental health concerns and promote well-being.
Workshops
These workshops are designed to increase awareness about different mental health issues and their root causes. They will provide guidance on how to identify individuals who are struggling with mental health problems, as well as how to provide support to them. By attending these workshops, participants can gain a better understanding of poor mental health and receive reliable and current information to help remove the stigma associated with these illnesses.
Megaphone Jiggles Campaign
Our MEGAPHONE CAMPAIGN aims to reach those with limited or no social media, television, or radio access. We are taking the message that mental health is real and matters into the marketplaces and streets in Monrovia, Liberia, with the hope of branching out into other townships.
Peer Support Groups
Our Peer Support Group started on September 5th, 2024, and will be held monthly in Todee, Rural Montserrado County, Liberia.
We strive to empower individuals to proactively develop knowledge, self-manage, and address health issues like loneliness or low self-esteem. Peer support is a powerful tool that brings together people with shared everyday experiences and mental health struggles, providing a safe space for growth and healing.
Our aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can engage in open, honest, and constructive discussions about the different mental health issues faced in Liberia's communities. By doing so, we believe we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Future Projects
Radio: Mental Health Chay Chay Polly
Did you know that local radio is a powerful tool to reach people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels? Radio is especially important in Liberia as many communities lack access to television and other gadgets. Unlike in the West, where people rely on multiple sources for news and entertainment, Liberians often gather around their radios for daily updates.
That is why we're proposing a ten-minute daily radio segment focusing on Liberia's urgent mental health issues. By raising awareness, reducing stigma, and normalising discussions around mental health, we can significantly improve the lives of countless individuals and families. And because radio is a cost-effective and impactful medium, we can reach a broad audience without breaking the bank. Let's work together to make mental health a priority in Liberia.
Join us in supporting this vital initiative.
Volunteer with us
Event Assistant
We are seeking volunteers who are flexible and can help us in organizing and planning workshop events, fundraising launch parties, and other fundraising events. We are looking for people who are friendly, engaging, and are good communicators, willing to work in a team and have a heart for Africa. It does not matter if you are a first-time volunteer or a seasoned veteran; we welcome all to join us. If you are willing to get your hands dirty and help us in our mission, we would love to have you onboard.
Mental Health Advocates
We are searching for mental health advocates who can participate in various activities such as organizing events, raising awareness at workshops, hosting peer support groups, and advocating for policy changes. They should have a similar mindset aimed at destigmatizing mental health conditions and supporting equitable access to mental health information.