Mind Care
Department
Psychology
Duration
2023 – 2025
Funder
MacArthur Foundation
Location(s)
Borno State, Nigeria
About Project
Mind Care is a mental health literacy initiative designed to break the silence and stigma around mental health in Nigeria. It provides individuals—particularly young people, caregivers, and educators—with practical tools and knowledge to support emotional well-being, recognise early signs of distress, and seek help when needed.
Built around the principle that prevention and awareness are the first lines of defence, Mind Care reaches schools, community spaces, and digital platforms to encourage conversations on mental health and equip participants with actionable strategies for resilience.
Project Objectives
- Promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma in schools and communities
- Improve emotional literacy among youth and caregivers
- Encourage help-seeking behaviour and early intervention
- Build the capacity of non-clinical actors (teachers, parents, youth leaders) to offer mental health first aid
Core Activities
- Awareness Sessions & Campaigns: Interactive sessions on stress, anxiety, depression, self-care, and emotional regulation, held in schools, workplaces, and youth centers
- Mental Health First Aid Training: Equipping non-specialists to identify mental health red flags and provide initial support or referrals
- Toolkits & Materials: Culturally relevant resources including booklets, videos, and social media content
- School Partnerships: Mental health clubs, peer support initiatives, and integration of emotional well-being content into co-curricular activities
Impact Highlights
- Reached over 15,000 youth and caregivers with mental health literacy
- Partnered with 25+ schools and community centers across Northern Nigeria
- Trained 300+ non-specialists in mental health first aid
- Increased self-reported willingness to seek help among youth by over 65% in post-session surveys
