LEND A HAND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS EVENT AT UGANDA HIGH COMMISION

 Reporter: Josh Daniels

The event took place at the Uganda High Commission in London on the 7th of July, 2023.

Miss Pride of Africa UK Foundation is hosted the "LEND A HAND... Save a Life 'Mental Health Self-Care' Event" to support the Butabika Mental Health Children's Ward in Uganda. 

Victoria Nakato, the MPOAUK 1st Princess, lead  this fundraising effort. 

The event addressed the mental health stigma in the African community, both in the diaspora and in Africa itself. 

The event  featured guest speakers from mental health care departments and youth panellists who  shared their stories and expertise.

 Attendees learned about mental health self-care, including tips for before, during, and after care. 

All proceeds from ticket sales and the auction went towards rehabilitating and resettling children who have faced mental health discrimination and segregation. 

The campaign slogan "Lend a Hand, Save a Life" is a call to action that emphasizes the importance of helping others in need.

 By lending a hand, we have the power to make a significant impact and potentially save lives. 

This campaign aims to inspire individuals to take action and make a difference in their communities.

Research has shown that lending a hand can have a profound effect on both the giver and the receiver. 

Acts of kindness and assistance not only provide immediate help to those in need, but also create a ripple effect of positivity and compassion. 

By reaching out and offering support, we can foster a sense of unity and strengthen the bonds within our society.

To participate in this campaign, individuals are encouraged to identify opportunities where they can lend a hand. 

This can range from volunteering at local charities, donating to causes that align with their values, or simply offering a helping hand to a neighbor in need.

 By actively engaging in acts of kindness, we can collectively make a difference and save lives.

The campaign slogan "Lend a Hand, Save a Life" serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to help those in need. 

Press photographers were also in attendance, capturing the essence of the mental health awareness campaign. 

Guests had the opportunity to engage with experts and ask questions pertaining to mental health.

These events provided her with a platform to engage with the community, share her experiences, and inspire others to take action towards improving mental health services for children. 

More guest speakers attended the event, but due to time constraints, I couldn't mention every name. 

However, I would like to highlight three notable speakers who made significant contributions. 

Firstly, Moyin Awosika, the winner of Miss Nigeria UK 2013, delivered a talk on the impact of mental health. 

Her insightful presentation shed light on the importance of addressing mental health issues and their effects on individuals and society as a whole. 

Secondly, Shamiha Magezi, an occupational therapist and ambassador for Youth Power Uganda (YPU) in the UK, shared her expertise on empowering youth.

 Her discussion focused on the role of occupational therapy in supporting young people and promoting their overall well-being. 

Lastly, Shauna Alokwem, an aspiring lawyer and Teakwondo teacher, delivered a powerful presentation on teaching young girls how to protect themselves from sexual violence. 

Her dedication to empowering girls and equipping them with self-defence skills is commendable. 

These speakers provided valuable insights and offered practical solutions to the challenges we face in society. 

Their contributions were highly informative and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Miriam Pheona Otengo, a councillor of Commercial and Tourist Matters at the Uganda High Commission in London, recently delivered a talk on the profound impact of mental health. 

Notably, she shared her own personal experience of struggling with mental health issues. 

During her talk, Otengo emphasized the importance of addressing mental health concerns, highlighting the significant toll they can take on individuals and society as a whole. 

Drawing from her own experiences, she provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by those grappling with mental health issues.

Otengo's talk served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to prioritize mental health and ensure adequate support systems are in place.

 Her personal journey and professional expertise make her a credible advocate for promoting mental well-being.

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