The Sunshine Series 2nd Annual Mental Health Symposium.
The 2nd Annual Mental Health Symposium organized by The Sunshine Series in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Nigeria and Open Minds Young Voices took place on 26th October 2023. The event aimed to raise awareness about mental health issues, discuss policies and legislation surrounding mental health and explore avenues to improve access to mental health services, particularly in Nigeria.
The program commenced with a welcoming address from Miss Rachel Eyo, who introduced the organization’s services, including a toll-free number for Abuja residents, outlined the day’s agenda, and highlighted the theme for the year’s program, emphasizing the critical importance of mental health awareness.
Aisha Bubah, founder of The Sunshine Series, expressed gratitude to attendees and partners in her opening remarks. She underscored the significance of recent mental health legislation, emphasizing the symposium’s role in fostering awareness and support. Aisha highlighted the recent bill passed by the president regarding the human rights of individuals with mental health issues and stressed the symposium’s role in creating awareness about mental health’s importance, expressing optimism for its future in Nigeria. She encouraged participants to network as a means to increase mental health awareness.
Ramatu Ada Ochekliye, Executive Director of Shades of Us, shared her personal journey with mental health challenges, followed by a screening of her short film addressing these issues. She concluded by encouraging individuals to pay attention to those around them.
Mr. Lennart Oestergard, the resident representative of FES Nigeria, emphasized the importance of mental health knowledge and expressed joy in witnessing progress in the field. He highlighted the need for increased government investment in mental health and discussed barriers to seeking mental health services, noting the importance of advocating for improved access.
First Panel Discussion: Mental Health Policies Legislation and Access to Mental Health Services, speakers: Chinyereugo Onyekwere from The Sanctuary, Neem Foundation, Dr. Motunrayo Oyelohunnu, and Jurbe Simon Bisji, CEO of Mindspire Services.
The panel discussed strategies for funding mental health services, emphasizing the need for collaboration between government, NGOs, and organizations. Community-based mental health facilities were highlighted as essential for increasing access to mental health care. Recommendations included integrating mental health into school curriculums and promoting self-care among mental health caregivers.
We had a goodwill speech by the MWFAAN President, Farida Yahya where she expressed appreciation for Aisha and her team for their efforts in mental health advocacy and emphasized the importance of mental wellbeing. As a business leader, she outlined steps for self-assessment, seeking professional help, finding supportive communities, and protecting one’s mind, stressing the significance of mental wellbeing in the workplace.
Second Panel Discussion: Mental Health as a Universal Right in the Context of Education and Youth Mental Wellbeing, speakers: Joane Patience Atuhaire — Psychologist & MWF Alumna, Heather Bodie — Executive Artistic Director of Erasing the Distance USA, Mamman Jamilu — Chief Operations Officer, ITIS and Charles Husseini — Head, Premier International School.
The panel addressed the importance of training educators to identify mental health issues in students and the role of peer support groups. Strategies such as creating a balance in school activities and providing guidance services were discussed to promote student well-being. Emphasis was placed on creating safe environments for children to discuss their emotions and seek support.
Third Panel Discussion: Mental Health, Human Rights, and Disability Policies, speakers: Kabati Ishaya (person with a lived experience), Christine Bestman — Mental Health Thematic Lead, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria and Daniel Van Sant — The Harkin Institute, USA.
Panelists discussed the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing mental health services and the importance of inclusive policies. Strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities included community awareness campaigns and the establishment of support groups. The need for mental health integration in primary health care settings and stigmatization efforts were highlighted.
A Spoken Word performance by Pelemo Nyajo added artistic expression to the symposium. Followed with audience interactions and networking.
Call to Action Points and Recommendations:
- Advocate for increased government investment in mental health services.
- Promote awareness and destigmatization of mental illness through education and community engagement.
- Expand access to mental health services, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities.
- Strengthen collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations to improve mental health outcomes.
- Implement comprehensive mental health education programs in schools to promote early intervention and support.
- Encourage self-care practices and provide resources for coping with stress and mental health challenges.
The 2nd Sunshine Series Annual Mental Health Symposium provided a platform for fruitful discussions and insights into the challenges and opportunities in advancing mental health awareness and access to services in Nigeria. The symposium underscored the importance of collective action and collaboration in addressing the complex issues surrounding mental health.
By implementing the recommendations outlined and taking proactive steps towards promoting mental health education, awareness, and support, stakeholders can contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health issues in Nigeria.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partners whose unwavering support has been instrumental in making the 2nd Sunshine Series Annual Mental Health Symposium a resounding success. We extend our appreciation to Open Minds Young Voices (OMYV), Shades of Us and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES).
As we look ahead, we invite organizations and individuals interested in partnering with us for the 2024 symposium to reach out. Together, we can continue to create meaningful dialogues, drive positive change, and promote mental health awareness and accessibility. For partnership inquiries, please contact us at 09096250284.
