Abeokuta, Ogun State – In a remarkable community outreach event, Mental Health Symposium Africa, in collaboration with Brace Up The Young College, YALI Network Ogun State, and Beyond and Before 20, provided free medical outreach and mental health awareness services to 47 beneficiaries in the Adigbe community, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event, hosted at the Brace-Up The Young College premises in Moni Jesu, Adigbe, Abeokuta, attracted over 47 beneficiaries including children, youths, adults, and the elderly.
The outreach featured comprehensive medical check-ups and the distribution of essential medications on test results like blood glucose test, malaria parasite test, blood pressure, body mass index, visceral fat etc providing the much-needed healthcare services to the community.
The event was structured into three impactful sessions, with the first session, led by Ms. Faith Awope, a Registered Nurse specializing in Mental Health, focused on stress management techniques for parents.
Ms. Awope provided valuable tips on how to prevent future health issues by effectively managing stress.
On his part, David Adebanjo, popularly known as Dr. Preshol, a renowned Mental Health Advocate, conducted the second session.
He emphasized key strategies for maintaining mental health, touching crucial topics ranging from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Strategies, Nutrition and Mental Well-being, how to reduce stress and improve overall emotional well-being and building resilience.
He emphasized the important need for social connections and support systems particularly for parents, in today’s challenging environment.
The final session was conducted by Obasanjo Fajemirokun, who introduced Brace-Up The Young College to the attendees, sharing the school’s vision of becoming a development hub within the Adigbe community.
Participants expressed gratitude for the free services and insightful sessions, with an elderly participant praising the timely discussions on stress management and mental health.
“The event came at the right time, given the current difficulties faced in our country”.
“I have learned valuable techniques to manage stress and improve my mental well-being”, a beneficiary said.
Another participant appreciated the emphasis on community support, saying, “I now understand the importance of seeking help and supporting others in my community.”
This event highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives in addressing healthcare and mental wellness gaps in underserved areas.
Mental Health Symposium Africa and its partners demonstrated their commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, providing essential services and promoting awareness about mental health.
The event served as a model for future community outreach initiatives, showcasing the impact of collaboration and community engagement in driving positive change.
