Safe Space Nigeria

Safe Space Nigeria is focused on mental health awareness and provision of safe space for young people with mental health challenges.

Why this Program?

According to the WHO, one in four Nigerians are suffering from one mental health illness or the other. Currently, there are only 8 neuropsychiatric hospitals in Nigeria. Nigeria has Africa’s highest caseload of depression, and ranks 15th in the world in the frequency of suicides.

There are less than 150 psychiatrists in a country of over 200 million people, and WHO estimates that fewer than 10 percent of mentally ill Nigerians have access to the care they need.

Where do we come in?

Improving awareness of mental health issues in Nigeria. We do this through our regular posts on mental health issues with their accompanying discussions. We also engage in WELLNESS ART which involves the use of poetry, art, walks etc to encourage mental well being.

We also host monthly live sessions on social media, focusing on selected mental health issues which are anchored by experts.

Providing a safe space for people to seek and find help. We have emergency helplines where people with psychiatric emergencies can reach out for help.

We also maintain direct message portals on WhatsApp which are run by trained psychotherapists. Individuals who need counselling services or just someone to speak to can use this platform.

Program Goals

Community Growth:

Establish a community of 15, 000 passionate, mentally aware young advocates by 2030.

Access to Mental Health Care:

Utilise digital technology to provide increased access to mental health information and care.

Inclusion:

Accelerate inclusion of minority groups and underserved populations in mental health interventions.

Advocacy:

Advocate for and participate in developing mental health databases starting with a suicide registry.

Become a Member

YOHAN Africa programs endeavour to effectively engage the African youth towards innovative promotion of holistic health in communities across the continent through health education, low-cost targeted interventions, and advocacy