In October and November 2023, Gede engaged in a series of events across 3 locations— Kebbi, Sokoto states and the FCT, within the ‘Open Minds’ Project. These events included: Community Mobilization, Reflection Meetings and Social Contacts. Community members and young people affected by mental illness and leprosy were actively involved in these activities, which resulted into building resilience to address stigma and discrimination.

In order to evaluate activities previously carried out— i) screening for anxiety and depression, ii) capacity building in mental health, and, iii) dedication to self help groups, reflection meetings with community members and caregivers were carried out.

The social contact generally take up a more active role which involves sharing stories of lived experiences of mental health problems as well as a fun-related activity for children and young people (CYP). Some of the activities chosen by CYPs in Sokoto included a decoration by handprints on their community building to express ownership and unity. Similarly, in Kebbi, CYP choosed to draw items that made them happy on cardboard.

These activities helped to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness as well as promote behaviour change .

The ‘Open Minds’ Project is funded by Comic Relief, UK and implemented by a consortium of organisations— Gede Foundation, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria and The Leprosy Mission England & Wales.