The HealthyMinds Wellness Initiative marked this year's World Mental Health Day with two impactful events themed "Lived Experience Heard: Real Voices, Real Changes," bringing together stakeholders, health professionals, students, community leaders, and members of the public to promote mental health awareness and inclusion.
The commemoration began with a colourful awareness walk across Ilorin, attracting nearly 200 participants. Representatives from the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Budo Egba, the Department of Psychiatry, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, medical students, students from across Kwara State, political leaders, library staff, and members of the public joined the campaign to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma.
Participants were presented with Certificates of Participation in recognition of their contribution to mental health advocacy.
The day's activities concluded with an evening webinar featuring mental health advocate and public health specialist Dr Antonia Attah, who spoke on the global theme and highlighted the importance of listening to and amplifying the voices of people with lived experience of mental health challenges.
Delivering her keynote message, Dr Attah reminded participants that:
“There is no health without mental health."
Speaking after the events, HealthyMinds reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health literacy, challenging stigma, and advocating for improved support for individuals living with mental health conditions.
As the organisation continues its work across communities, it looks forward to strengthening awareness, encouraging open conversations, and fostering environments where people living with mental health disorders can access understanding, support, and hope.
About HealthyMinds Wellness Initiative
HealthyMinds Wellness Initiative is a mental health advocacy and education organisation dedicated to promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma, and improving access to mental health information and support through community engagement, public education, and strategic partnerships.
