Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet in many parts of the world, it remains misunderstood and stigmatized. In Uganda, this stigma is particularly pronounced, making it difficult for those affected to seek the help they need. To address these challenges, the Youth Mental Health Project, funded by Operation Days Work (ODW), is a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by Mental Health Uganda (MHU) in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Uganda. The project’s goal is to promote health and education through two primary outcomes: normalizing conversations around mental health to reduce stigma and discrimination, and ensuring accessible psychosocial support in targeted schools.
Understanding the Need
Uganda faces significant mental health challenges, particularly among its youth. In August 2022, SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, alongside Mental Health Uganda, conducted a baseline study to assess the mental health landscape among students aged 13-19 in the Gulu and Wakiso districts. This study aimed to gauge the awareness and understanding of mental health issues among students, teachers, and other stakeholders.
The findings were alarming: 64.5% of students reported experiencing a mental health challenge since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 20% admitting to having thoughts of self-harm and 36% experiencing prolonged sadness. These issues were primarily driven by peer interactions (44%), family dynamics (25%), and academic pressures (10%). The study underscored the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions, making the Youth Mental Health Project a timely and crucial initiative.
Empowering Youth Through Peer Support
To bridge the gap between youth and adults, the Youth Mental Health Project adopted a Peer-to-Peer implementation model. This approach empowers young people by addressing the power imbalances between them and adults in eight selected schools. The model is grounded in evidence that peer support, including peer counseling, is an effective way to provide youth-friendly health services.
Since 2023, through school-based mental health awareness activities and the provision of Psychological First Aid (PFA), over 1,000 youths in Wakiso district and Gulu City have received support from trained Mental Health Champions. These champions create safe spaces where young people can discuss sensitive issues and seek help from peers rather than adults, such as parents or teachers.
Achieving Our Goals: Project Outcomes
In response to the identified needs, MHU and SOS Children’s Villages Uganda launched the Youth Mental Health Project in 2023. The project’s activities are organized around two key outcomes:
Outcome 1: Normalizing Mental Health Conversations to Reduce Stigma and Discrimination
- School-Based Awareness Campaigns: Using music, dance, drama, poetry, and IEC materials, these campaigns are designed to reach the entire school community with vital mental health awareness information. To date, over 10,000 students, teachers, and school administrators have been engaged.
- Installation of Talking Compounds and Posters: Mental health messages are prominently displayed on school compounds and posters, promoting awareness of mental health, risk factors for developing mental health issues, and coping strategies.
- Essay Writing Competitions: These competitions encourage students to research and write about mental health topics, enhancing their knowledge and awareness of mental health conditions. The best essays enrich school libraries, providing valuable reading materials on mental health for all students.
- Radio Talk Shows: Broadcasted on CBS FM, Capital FM, and Mega FM in Gulu, these shows aim to raise mental health awareness at the community level. They have reached an audience of over 100,000 people.
- Creation of Safe Spaces: Safe spaces have been established in schools, equipped with mental health literature, board games, and IEC materials. These spaces offer students a place to relax, meditate, play, and discuss mental health challenges freely.
Outcome 2: Promoting Accessible Psychosocial Support
- Training Mental Health Champions and Focal Teachers: The project has trained 110 Mental Health Champions and 16 Focal Teachers across the eight project schools. These individuals provide Psychological First Aid, psycho-education, and referrals to students in need.
- Mentor Champions: The project has also trained 16 Mentor Champions from the Gulu and Wakiso communities. With lived experience in mental health, these mentors support the Mental Health Champions, facilitate referrals, and offer PFA to community members, linking them to MHU’s toll-free counseling services and other care facilities.
The Path Forward
The ODW project is more than just an initiative; it’s a movement to transform mental health care for Ugandan youth. By equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and support they need, this project is laying the foundation for a future where mental health is openly discussed and support is readily available.
Acknowledging Our Supporters
We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners—Youth Mental Health Norway, SOS Children’s Villages Uganda, and SOS Children’s Villages Norway—as well as to the schools, District Local Governments (DLGs), and Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved. A special thank you goes to our donor, Operation Days Work (ODW), whose support has made this project possible. We look forward to continued collaboration and success in our mission.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Speak up, be kind! If you know someone struggling, link them to our free professional counseling service via our toll-free number: 0800 21 21 21, Available Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5;00pm.
Contact Us
For more information or to get involved, please reach out to us:
- Address: Lungujja, Makamba Zone, Cell 15, House 58, Kampala, Uganda
- Phone: 039 2178953
- Email: info@mentalhealthuganda.org