On September 3rd, 2020, Gede Foundation, along with partners Time to Change Global (TTCG), Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG), BasicNeeds Basic Rights Kenya (BNBR), Mental Health Uganda (MHU) and GASS (India), launched an anti-stigma toolkit.

The toolkit was designed to show what stigma looks like in the 5 countries where the project was being carried out (Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, India and Ghana). It is also a way to share some tools, materials, ideas and approaches that were used to tackle stigma and discrimination throughout the project. Among the ways were having one-on-one conversations. This is where someone with a lived experience of mental health problems would share the story with another individual who is presumed to not have that experience. During this conversation, the person with a lived experience would disclose their experience and share some of their stories. This was shown to reduce stigma and discrimination by changing people’s minds and attitudes. To do this, it was important to choose the right audiences as well as have the right messages.

Another way was through what is called, “social marketing”. Some of the work done can be viewed here. Champions shared their stories in 1-2 minutes and this was promoted in a campaign called, ‘it could be you, so be more kind’.

With the toolkit, we hope that organisations, individuals and the society at large can draw from the experiences and stories shared and press on to reducing stigma and discrimination towards mental health problems.

Gede thanks its Board of Directors and its Founder, Barrister Jennifer Douglas-Abubakar for huge contributions and support that has helped in making all of this possible.

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Below are some pictures of the brave champions who shared their stories!