Mental Health: “Our projects will strive to break the silence surrounding mental health – Rotary Club PH Spring Gardens
Written by Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Mental Health Day, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Spring Gardens in partnership with Phree Tech Web Development Nigeria, has launched a billboard at Rumuomasi Junction, to foster awareness of mental health concerns.
President of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Spring Gardens Rtn Festus Etsemitan during the commissioning of the project by Shoprite along Port Harcourt Aba Express way/ Airforce axis, said Nigerians should normalize lending a hand of support to those with emotional challenges, noting that suicide rates can be reduced drastically if individuals feel safe and supported.
”Through our bill board awareness campaign, educational programmes, and community outreaches, we strive to break the silence surrounding mental health.
“We aim to create an environment where individuals feel safe and supported; where they can openly discuss their struggles, and where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Unveiling the bill board project, Past District Governor and Rotary District 9141, Chair, Mental Health and Wellness, PAG Nze Anizor said the Rotary International President Gordon McInally has placed a focus on mental health issues this Rotary year, and the Rotary Action Group for Mental Health Initiatives has set three goals for Rotarians to make progress in this effort: raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide, fight the stigma attached to discussing mental health, and find ways to expand access to care for the people we serve worldwide.
He said “Remember that mental health issues do not end today. They live with us, and we should not relent in executing projects and activities to educate our populace that mental health problems are not a death sentence, but are surmountable, and that the patient has rights just as the rest of the society.”
On her part, the Club Training Facilitator Ajoke Enebeli said “The importance of raising awareness should not be underestimated and is a great way for any Rotary or Rotaract club to get started. The world is facing numerous mental health challenges today and Rotary members can achieve a great deal just by placing more attention on them.”
Rotary Assistant Governor for Zone 38, and award winning Past President, Ngozi Okwum said “Such awareness efforts not only bring attention to an important issue – they also place a greater focus on Rotary’s areas of focus, because these campaigns connect us with people who share a commitment to progress on a specific issue and who might not know, in the case of this postpartum mental health campaign, that Rotary is deeply involved in child and maternal health issues worldwide.”
Our correspondent reports that Club members gathered as the Public Image project was unveiled by PDG Anizor , graced by AG Ngozi Okwum, PAG Lucky Akhiwu MD, Charter President of the club Francisca Okonkwo and others. Flyers on mental health awareness was shared around the area to motorists and community members.