Since 2018, we have been able to have various achievements in awareness raising, advocacy, resilient building & mentorship. We have practiced mental health awareness at the grassroot level, in churches, schools and in various communities in our country. In addition, our team has taken part in various discussions on mental health, both internationally & locally, as panelists, on various platforms including national television. In 2019, during the World MH Day, our organization was successful in coming up and hosting the first ever mental health walk in the country that attracted approximately, 2000 participants. This was in collaboration with the Nairobi County Government of Kenya, different youth led organizations, international organizations, youth leaders and advocates. Through the walk, we were able to create massive awareness through various approaches such as art. We were also able to advocate for mental health in our country and bring to the realization that there is a menace in our country that needed attention. In addition, we were also successful in reaching out to various communities with MH materials through the community leaders. In 2020, due to the COVID 19 restrictions, Speak Mind Love Foundation, in collaboration with The Ministry of Health and other youth led organizations, was able to carry out a virtual campaign for two months dubbed Walk A Mind. The campaign attracted approximately 4000 internet users with the #WalkAMind trending at number 5 in Kenya on the World Mental Health Day. The campaign was able to achieve massive awareness raising, establishment of various innovative aspects in mental health field during & post COVID 19 through a multi-dimensional approach, advocacy through the establishment of a communique among other various achievements.

Working in the mental health field, has been both amazing & a learning process. We have learnt to listen to understand rather than to respond. Secondly, we have also had the privilege to witness the potential of young people with lived experiences. When it comes to problem solving especially in mental health, young people are the most innovative hence it is imperative for countries to begin to involve persons with lived experiences in policy formulations and implementation. There is great potential in the community when it comes to mental wellness. For this reason, empowerment should be made a core value. This way, it will also give persons with lived experience a platform for their voices to be heard and for the community to take action on the menace by embracing awareness raising, community mental health programs & research. There is a dire need to normalize community dialogues and conversations on mental health. The most important lesson we have learnt, is that everybody has a role to play when it comes to mental health. This includes: individual, community, national and international level.

Challenges are inevitable in every journey, that therefore does not exempt our organization. Our major challenge has been stigma in the society. For the longest time, mental health had not been recognized in our society. It has been a taboo topic being linked to witchcraft in some communities. This therefore prevented most people from opening up and seeking help. It has taken much effort to sensitize the community on mental health and we couldn’t be happier to witness the changes that are happening. We are on a great journey to ensure that mental health, is a priority for every person. 

To any young person out there who wants to improve mental health in their community, we hope you know that you are capable. If you have a dream, start working on it. There will never be a perfect timing. Start walking. The society needs you and is looking up to you to be the voice. In Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Be the change you would want to see. Begin.

For more information:

Email: info@speakmindlove.org

Phone Number: +254713659188/ +254713314225

www.speakmindlove.org

Instagram: @speak_mind_love_foundation

Facebook: Speak Mind Love Foundation 

Twitter: SML_Kenya