Mental Health Advocacy

BanStopPrevent Mental Health Advocacy Project

Project Overview

The BanStopPrevent Advocacy Project is a collaborative project launched by the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) Magna Carta Deck in conjunction with Walk347 in August 2021.

Advocacy Focus

Aimed at transforming attitudes toward chaining, torture, and the destitution faced by individuals with mental illness in Nigeria. The initiative advocates for policy reform and promotes evidence-based practices that uphold human dignity.

Stakeholder Engagement

The project seeks to engage with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and the general public, to ensure that mental health care is accessible, humane, and effective for all.

Multi-stage Initiative

Towards improving mental healthcare in Nigeria

Phase 1 - Mental Health Webinar:

The project's initial phase included a Mental Health Webinar conducted through Zoom. It brought together mental health professionals, academics, charity representatives, service users, and the general public. The webinar featured educational lectures and interactive Q&A sessions focusing on diverse aspects of mental health disorders and their management.

More About Webinar:

Conference Overview
This webinar, a Zoom conference titled “The BanStopPrevent Campaign—Mental Health Conference,” was held on Saturday, August 29th, 2020, activating the project delivery. The event successfully brought together mental health experts and representatives from non-governmental organisations to discuss enhancing mental health services in Nigeria.
Key Participants
The event successfully brought together mental health experts and representatives from non-governmental organisations to discuss enhancing mental health services in Nigeria. Moderated by our own Dr Femi Adebajo (a consultant psychiatrist), the conference featured a panel of experts including: 1. Dr Julian Eaton, (Public Health Psychiatrist & Associate Professor at London School of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene). 2. Dr Chris Piwuna, (Associate Professor of Psychogeriatrics, Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer, Jos University University Teaching Hospital). 3. Mr Folajaiye Kareem (Clinical Psychologist, Training Lead, MANI, Director of Psychological Services Asido Foundation).
Validation of Project Objectives
The mental health webinar not only validated the project's objectives but also led directly to the next critical step: a pilot field survey. Expert presentations and audience feedback highlighted significant gaps in mental health services, reinforcing the need for on-the-ground data. The active discussions during the conference underscored the importance of tailoring interventions to real-world conditions. As a result, the decision to proceed with the field survey emerged as a key outcome, ensuring that future efforts are informed by practical insights and targeted to areas of greatest need.

Phase 2 - Field Survey (Pilot):

Exploring mental health practices in Nigeria’s traditional healing centres, the research will focus on harmful practices like chaining, attitudes towards change, and barriers to improvement. Data will be collected through surveys and interviews, using both qualitative and quantitative methods to inform policy recommendations for improving mental healthcare. 

More About Survey:

Location Choice:
The three locations (Apumiri, Mgbarakuma, and Nsukwe) are all within Ubakala in Umuahia, Abia State. These locations were selected because they represent typical rural communities where traditional and spiritual healing practices are often the primary means of mental health intervention.
Interview Participants
The study will interview traditional and spiritual healers, community leaders, and community members to gather insights on mental health practices, attitudes towards harmful practices, and openness to change. Additionally, individuals who have experienced mental health care within these traditional centres may also be interviewed to provide a comprehensive view.
Pilot Study Findings
The deliverable of the research will be a comprehensive report containing both qualitative and quantitative findings on mental health practices in traditional healing centres within Apumiri, Mgbarakuma, and Nsukwe in Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State. As a pilot study, the findings will primarily reflect local practices and attitudes, providing a foundational understanding to inform future research. The report will focus on identifying barriers to change, assessing openness to alternative methods, and exploring opportunities for advocacy, education, and support. These insights will help design strategies for improving mental healthcare practices. While the findings may indicate trends applicable to other regions of Nigeria, they cannot be fully generalised. However, the lessons learned from this pilot will inform iterations of the research and contribute to broader studies. The report will also offer policy recommendations and an actionable framework for mental healthcare improvement, both locally and potentially on a wider scale.

Phase 3 - Advocacy Strategy (Pilot):

A pilot advocacy strategy, informed by the research findings, will be tailored to address the mental health practices, barriers, and attitudes in these communities. Its primary objective is to drive a shift towards better practices, promote openness to alternative treatments, and foster community involvement in mental health reform.

Key Elements

Community Engagement & Education
Community Education: Pilot campaigns will raise awareness of harmful practices like chaining and introduce alternative treatments, developed in collaboration with traditional healers and community leaders to ensure cultural relevance. Culturally Relevant Messaging: Advocacy materials will be tailored to reflect local culture, using appropriate language and symbols to effectively communicate mental health reforms.
Collaboration & Capacity Building
Collaboration with Traditional Healers: Traditional healers will be key partners, receiving training and resources to adopt humane mental health practices and bridge the gap between traditional and modern methods. Resource Mobilisation: Partnerships with health organisations and NGOs will support capacity building, providing tools and training for traditional healers and communities to improve mental health practices.
Policy & Feedback Mechanisms
Policy Engagement: The pilot advocacy will engage local governments and policymakers to establish legal frameworks that discourage harmful practices and promote safe alternatives, using pilot findings as a basis for discussions. Monitoring & Feedback: Mechanisms will track progress, gather community feedback, and allow for adjustments to the strategy to improve effectiveness and expand its broader application.

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The BanStopPrevent Mental Health Advocacy Project

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