Sometimes, life’s greatest challenges reveal our true purpose. Years ago, I watched friends, colleagues, and family members struggle with mental health conditions in various forms. The ordeal of finding proper care—over 200 km away, with few mental health professionals and high treatment costs—exposed me to a widespread issue that many face in silence.

In 2020, while implementing a Key Populations Investment Fund project under PEPFAR, we observed a worrying trend: an increasing number of key populations and young people on ART were discontinuing their HIV services. During a Data Quality Assurance exercise, we connected with healthcare providers and recipients across various health facilities who reported issues with medication, self-denial, and a lack of accessible, friendly services for key populations and youth.

We asked our members to share their journeys and experiences in mental health advocacy, exploring what inspired them to take action, the work they are currently doing, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Here are their compelling stories that highlight their commitment to raising awareness, supporting their communities, and transforming mental health care for those in need.

We asked our members to share their journeys and experiences in mental health advocacy, exploring what inspired them to take action, the work they are currently doing, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Here are their compelling stories that highlight their commitment to raising awareness, supporting their communities, and transforming mental health care for those in need.

We asked our members to share their journeys and experiences in mental health advocacy, exploring what inspired them to take action, the work they are currently doing, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Here are their compelling stories that highlight their commitment to raising awareness, supporting their communities, and transforming mental health care for those in need.

We asked our members to share their journeys and experiences in mental health advocacy, exploring what inspired them to take action, the work they are currently doing, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Here are their compelling stories that highlight their commitment to raising awareness, supporting their communities, and transforming mental health care for those in need.

We asked our members to share their journeys and experiences in mental health advocacy, exploring what inspired them to take action, the work they are currently doing, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Here are their compelling stories that highlight their commitment to raising awareness, supporting their communities, and transforming mental health care for those in need.

As we mark World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re turning the spotlight on young voices making waves in mental health advocacy. Matt, Mad activist-academic currently undertaking their PhD at the University of Sydney within the Centre for Disability Research and Policy mapping the consumer, survivor, ex-patient and inmate, and Mad movement globally. Also, founder of the Australian Centre for Lived Experience (TACFLE), Matt works tirelessly to amplify the voices of those affected by mental health challenges.

In this Q&A, we chat with passionate mental health advocate Thomas,  who is at the forefront  of promoting mental well-being for young people in Kenya. Through the Better Me Kenya Network, Thomas is breaking down stigma, raising awareness of mental health solutions, and providing crucial support to young people in need. 

As we mark International Youth Day, we’re turning the spotlight on young voices making waves in mental health advocacy. In this Q&A, we chat with passionate advocate, Miriam, who is at the forefront of promoting mental well-being for teens in Kampala, Uganda.. Through the ENLIGHTEENS program, Miriam is helping to break down stigma, raising awareness of mental health solutions, and providing crucial support to teenagers and young mothers in need.