NGO takes mental health awareness to minors in Lagos correctional centres

Speak Up Now, an NGO, has led a mental health awareness drive to Lagos correctional centers.

The non-profit organisation, an initiative of AMANI Health, visited the Lagos correctional centres in Onike and Idi-Araba.

During the visit, the team carried out a number of activities with the boys, including counselling sessions.

The NGO, while discussing the project, said it was to address mental health challenges that boys face at the centre.

The non-profit organisation said they also provided the boys with educational materials aligned with the mental health awareness drive.

The campaign train then stopped at the Lagos Special Correctional Center in Idi-Araba for girls.

At the facility, the Speak Up Now team counselled girls who have suffered abuse, addiction, and behavioural challenges.

Therapists and counsellors from AMANI Health, a wellness consulting company, assisted the Speak Up Now team with counselling sessions for all the girls.

The campaign from the two centres, the Speak Up Now team said, emphasised the importance of prioritising the mental health of minors.

It also highlighted Amani Health’s commitment to supporting children’s emotional, psychological, academic, and social growth.

‘‘The decision to focus on correctional centres as part of the campaign stems from alarming statistics indicating a rise in children’s mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, academic difficulties, abuse, sexual violence, and suicide,” the health consultant said.

Amani Health believes it can lay the foundation for a positive future for children through early intervention and education for a brighter future for our children.”

Beyond visiting correctional centres, Fasuyi Oluwarotimi, co-founder of AMANI Health, urged schools, and religious centres, where children primarily spend their time, to equip kids with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate their emotions effectively.

Since launching the Speak Up Now campaign in March 2023, Amani Health has visited several private schools within Lagos and collaborated with the state government on the mental health education awareness drive.