Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Establish a Community Centre in Mathare slum so any person needing psychological care can receive treatment and support.
Young people learn how to cope with life’s challenges through play, love, psychological care and solidarity.
To discuss supporting this project contact jo@justpeoples.org
Mental health is a critical yet often neglected aspect of well-being, particularly among at-risk and underserved populations. In Kenya, young people are facing a rise in mental health problems. Depression and thoughts of suicide have become distressingly common, with one in four Kenyan youths facing mental health challenges. Compounding this issue is the lack of awareness surrounding mental health topics, perpetuating stigma and hindering access to much-needed support and resources.
Bright Shitemi has lived experience of depression and suicidal ideation, as well as how stigma and societal ignorance can prevent true healing from occuring. Knowing how serious unaddressed mental health concerns are, and how much need there is for professional care, Bright is bringing awareness, support and therapy to all Kenyans who are searching for it.
Suicide prevention workshop conducted for youths seeking support for mental distress.
Bright wants to establish a Community Wellness Centre in Nairobi’s Mathare slum. He has already garnered local support by engaging community stakeholders, including government and religious leaders. With secured funding, the Wellness Centre will materialise, providing a dedicated space for mental health services. Here’s how it will work:
12 young people who have suffered and survived depression, will be trained as Peer Support Agents to conduct awareness campaigns, dispel myths, and foster a supportive community environment. The agents will bring people to the Community Centre where they’ll have a safe space to access psychological first aid, referral services, and support group meetings tailored to the community's specific needs.
While community health champions run the day-to-day operations, a qualified psychologist will contribute weekly clinical sessions for those who need professional care. The psychologist also plays a role in helping the community health champions process their own traumas, ensuring a resilient and empowered team.
A toll-free helpline will be set up to provide emergency support that is accessible to anyone with access to a phone, even without airtime.
Bright's Community Wellness Centre will address a critical need by decentralising support, empowering youth, and making quality psychological care available to everyone, no matter their financial situation.
Meet Bright
the man bringing quality mental healthcare to any Kenyan who seeks it.
As a child, Bright grew up in a violent home, which led to a harrowing suicide attempt by his mother. Growing up in a single-parent household after his parents' separation, he confronted the daunting challenges of a society that not only stigmatised suicide but also failed to provide support. Bright is now a driving force for advocating for improved national mental health policies and care throughout Kenya. He offers hope, and healing, and plays a pivotal role in breaking down the barriers of stigma, one person at a time. Learn more.